Giraffe, Trafford Centre

Project Outline:

Convincing a client to change contractor is always difficult, however Synecore were fortunate to be given the opportunity to carry out the design and installation of this prestigious site for our newest client.

Giraffe our one of the fastest growing restaurant brands in the UK, a 1st class job was essential.

Trafford Centre has one of the largest and busiest food courts in Europe, this was indeed an excellent site for Giraffe. Once design and lighting schedule were approved we quickly went about our work to ensure a smooth project. Giraffe has a fantastic brand with excellent colours being used and lighting that makes the atmosphere electric.

After 8 weeks on site with few problems the team handed over to an ecstatic client on time and within budget. Midway through this project we had already been appointed on several more Giraffe developments…

Brian Trundle is Contracts Director of Ecsec Ltd

A multi disciplined interior fit-out organisation, offering a range of solutions to meet clients needs. Ecsec Ltd operate in the restaurant and bar sector, retail sector and corporate sector and with over four decades of experience they have maintained the highest standards of service ensuring clients visions are fully realised.

Can you tell me about Ecsec?
We see ourselves as more than a contractor, we are a multi disciplined interior fit out organisation. Ecsec work in a number of sectors such as Retail, leisure and the corporate sector, therefore all are projects are extremely varied.

What is the concept behind Giraffe?
Giraffe’s philosophy is to provide a relaxed, comfortable dining experience with a focus on healthy and ethical eating. The company prides itself on its ability to make each restaurant unique and relevant to its customer base. The menu offers an extensive choice of food from around the world and there is a juice bar for fresh fruit smoothies. It is a family orientated environment and kids are encouraged to do puzzles and colouring in.

So are Giraffe restaurants one of your main clients?
Yes I would say Giraffe is one of our main clients and we have built up a good relationship with them now. They are an interesting company to work with as the concept behind the restaurants is so different and fresh plus they are rapidly expanding. This can be challenging from a design perspective so we have to work very closely with them throughout the project.

How did you come across Synecore Initially?
Paul Thomas contacted us after seeing the new Giraffe in Spitalfield Market, London. They had just completed a site next door. We were impressed with the work they had done and so asked them to submit costs. Their costs and standard of work seemed excellent so we awarded them the contract for Giraffe at the Trafford Centre, Manchester.

How did you feel about awarding a new company with the contract for such a major client?
Admittedly that was quite a brave step for us but after researching them and taking references we were so impressed with the work Synecore had carried out we felt comfortable awarding them the project with such an important client. They were professional from the start and had all the skills we required.

So what electrical work was involved in the project?
There was a fair bit involved to be honest, a full fit out. Synecore ran all the internal electrical supplies including catering, data, tills, CCTV, HVAC, security as well as all back of house and front of house decorative lighting. The programme was for 10 weeks and Synecore have their own electricians based in Manchester which was great.

Working on such a large project did you encounter any problems?
No – our clients design team worked very closely with Synecore to ensure everything was to specification. The main challenge was creating the desired ambiance which was crucial for the restaurant concept. In order to achieve this Synecore commissioned a dimmer pack to control the lighting and this ensures that different light settings are created at different times of the day. Synecore appointed their Projects Director Adrian Eade to manage the project and he ensured everything was handed over on time and on budget.

What do you expect from an Electrical supplier?
We are operating in a very competitive market and as a business we have to ensure all projects are on time, to budget and deliver even in difficult or demanding situations. In order to achieve this we have to ensure that we work with like minded companies that match the way we work. We have an excellent relationship with Synecore as we know they will work with us and provide us with the level of service we require. That relationship is invaluable.

So it sounds as though you are happy with Synecore?
Very much so, the quality of their work is first class and their staff are a credit to them. They project manage every installation with their own guys and attend all site meetings to ensure we are aware of progress. In fact I would go as far to say that Synecore are the most
professional electrical contractors that I have ever worked with. Once you build up a relationship like this you don’t want to let it go and as things stand we have no reason not to work with Synecore. We have no doubt that our relationship with Synecore will go from strength to strength.

Do you plan to continue working with them on future projects?
Since Giraffe Trafford Centre, Synecore have completed Giraffe’s in Walton on Thames and Lakeside and we currently have them on site at Guilford. Forthcoming Giraffe restaurants are Exeter, Spinningfield and Bath, so a lot of forthcoming work.