Ever since the Romans pushed a cart up Watling Street, technology has been inextricably linked to economics

WORKTECH 11 London    |    Steven Norris, TfL; Cornelius Medvei, Eversheds; Ian MacBeth, TfL; Sir Terry Farrell, Farrell and Partners

Steven Norris kicked off the debate by stating that ‘ever since the Romans pushed a cart up Watling Street, technology has been inextricably linked to economics’. While he sympathised with transport authorities that see their role as purely facilitating transport, he encouraged a greater use of technology such as smarter ticketing and a move towards homeworking. Just as long as he does not have to do it all of the time…!

Cornelius Medvei put forward Eversheds’ new way of working, where the nature and scale of the project is considered more important than counting the number of hours spent and location of work. Their work philosophy allows them the flexibility to put the best team together for a project regardless of geography. They have invested in third spaces to allow both collaboration and thinking space, and innovation which has saved them money.

Finally Ian MacBeth added that the biggest challenge to new ways of working would be behavioural change and that whilst smaller companies have the agility, bigger businesses can put in place the process. He cited the example of NatWest who have managed to utilise WiFi despite initial concerns over security. He also mentioned that for the younger generations, the workplace plays a big part in their social life and personal relationships with colleagues still need to be nurtured. Despite trying to lead the way in flexible, remote and new ways of working, Ian noted that TfL still had a blanket ban on Facebook.

Luke Connoley at 10:01am, 27 March 2012 in WORKTECH 11 • WORKTECH London

Tagged with: Cornelius Medvei • Eversheds • Ian MacBeth • London • new ways of working • Sir Terry Farrell • Steven Norris • TfL

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