Business

How Polyteck Ensures That London’s New Buildings Are Desirable (and Stay That Way)

Published

4 years ago

December 23, 2020

Estimated to be roughly 2,000 years old, London is one of the oldest major cities in the world — and as one of the world’s largest financial centers, it continues to grow.

Of course, population growth means that new buildings become a necessity, both for the people who will call London home and the businesses that will employ them. As the home to four World Heritage sites, it is naturally important that new structures reflect the city’s rich heritage and are equally desirable in and of themselves.

To that end, Costas Polycarpou, founder of Polyteck is among those leading the charge to ensure that the city’s future growth continues to build upon its legacy.

Regenerative Development

A primary area of emphasis for Polycarpou is regenerative development — the idea of redeveloping existing spaces and putting in new buildings that better meet the needs of the community.

“There isn’t much undeveloped space left in London,” Polycarpou notes, “and at the same time, there are many structures that are no longer suitable for their intended use. With regenerative development, we can work with local stakeholders to determine the right mix of housing and commercial spaces. A transparent approach with the community and holding ourselves accountable is vital for getting results that will ultimately benefit everyone involved.”

The lack of new space for development has led to dramatic changes in London in recent years — such as a proliferation of skyscrapers better suited to handle growing business needs. Of course, not every old building can be turned into a skyscraper. Careful community involvement becomes a necessity to ensure that the right structures are going into the right areas.

By taking the needs of the local community into account, such development efforts have a true regenerative effect that benefits all stakeholders.

Refurbishing Existing Properties

Creating desirable spaces doesn’t merely happen by replacing older structures. “We have many buildings in London that are absolutely amazing and full of history — but they don’t fully meet the needs of our modern world,” Polycarpou explains.

“Fortunately, it’s not an either/or proposition. We don’t have to tear down these gorgeous structures. Instead, we can restore their most defining features and refurbish them to account for updated electrical support, access control, HVAC, plumbing and more.”

Polycarpou notes that many buildings that fit these needs are still actively being used — an issue that isn’t all that surprising, considering London’s history. Many of the city’s homeowners don’t even know when their house was originally built, sometimes requiring a fair amount of research to find the answer.

Such structures — whether used for business or a personal residence — have likely already had their fair share of upgrades made in the past to account for then-new conveniences. Polyteck’s approach seeks to refurbish these spaces to make room for current tech improvements, while keeping intact the unique historical features that make them so desirable in the first place.

“Refurbishing and restoring a space offers a unique opportunity in the world of construction,” Polycarpou says. “The combination of modern amenities with historic ambiance is something you cannot achieve in many other places outside of London.”

Ongoing Maintenance and Monitoring

Of course, Polycarpou and Polyteck understand that it isn’t enough to construct new buildings. London has stood for generations, and the new buildings that aim to make the city more desirable today must be built to stand the test of time.

While ongoing maintenance is an obvious need for any structure, Polycarpou sees the biggest opportunity in remote monitoring. “With traditional facilities maintenance, you often wouldn’t discover a problem until things got out of hand. Remote monitoring solutions use smart sensors to carefully track any system — HVAC, plumbing and so on. This technology allows us to monitor everything from temperatures and refrigerant pressure to water leaks and energy consumption. Immediate alerts mean a faster response, and more efficient results.”

This is especially important when dealing with older structures, which are more likely to have energy efficiency problems and other maintenance issues.

Active monitoring through internet of things (IoT) devices allows maintenance teams to take on a more proactive role in replacing worn components before they fail completely. Refurbishments and routine maintenance alike can be scheduled based on the insights gained from monitoring to keep everything running smoothly.

Rather than needing to shut down a facility for days or even weeks at a time, this proactive approach ensures more consistent maintenance that decreases building down time while also keeping the structure in pristine condition.

A Bright Future for London

Overall, Polycarpou is optimistic about London’s future.

“The city continues to grow for good reason. We just need to make sure that the buildings that will be welcoming these people to London — regardless of whether they are commercial or residential — are sending the right message. Desirable and durable buildings are ultimately the foundation for a strong city that will continue to grow and flourish.”

While the city certainly poses its fair share of development challenges, it is clear that strong community input and innovative providers that embrace the latest technology will help new structures — and refurbished existing spaces — stand tall for many years to come.

Business

Top 5 Virtual Assistant Companies to Watch in 2025

Published

11 hours ago

January 23, 2025

Matthew Wiles

Running a successful business in today’s fast-paced world requires a sharp focus on growth, strategy, and efficiency. However, managing the day-to-day operations can often become overwhelming. That’s where virtual assistant (VA) companies come into play. These companies specialize in providing skilled professionals who can handle everything from administrative tasks to customer service, marketing, and beyond, allowing entrepreneurs and small business owners to focus on what they do best.

With so many VA companies on the market, choosing the right one can be a challenge. To help you navigate the options, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 virtual assistant companies to watch in 2025. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a startup founder, or a busy professional, these companies offer top-tier solutions to meet your needs.

1. Assist World – The Gold Standard in Virtual Assistance

At the top of our list is Assist World, a U.S.-based company renowned for its personalized approach to matching clients with virtual assistants. Assist World goes beyond the typical “one-size-fits-all” model by taking the time to understand your unique needs and connecting you with highly skilled VAs who align perfectly with your business goals.

What Makes Assist World Stand Out?

Personalized Matching: Assist World matches clients with virtual assistants based on their specific requirements, ensuring the right fit every time.
Comprehensive Onboarding Process: The company’s seamless onboarding process streamlines communication and ensures VAs hit the ground running.
Client Success Management: Dedicated client success managers oversee the relationship, providing ongoing support and ensuring smooth operations.
Flexibility and Scalability: Assist World caters to businesses of all sizes, offering flexible plans that can scale as your business grows.

Who Is It Best For?

Assist World is ideal for entrepreneurs and small-to-medium businesses seeking a reliable, high-quality VA service that delivers consistent results.

Pricing:

Pricing is customized based on your needs, making it accessible for a wide range of budgets. Schedule a free consultation to learn more.

2. Time Etc – Affordable and Efficient

If affordability is your priority, Time Etc is a strong contender. This VA company specializes in administrative tasks and offers services at competitive rates. With a team of experienced professionals, Time Etc focuses on helping clients boost productivity without breaking the bank.

Key Features:

Dedicated VAs with extensive experience.
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
Focused primarily on administrative and organizational tasks.

Who Is It Best For?

Time Etc is a great choice for solopreneurs and small businesses looking for cost-effective virtual assistance for basic tasks.

Pricing:

Plans start at $29 per hour, with discounts available for bulk hours.

3. Belay – A Leader in Remote Executive Assistance

For those in need of executive-level support, Belay is a premier option. This company specializes in matching clients with highly skilled remote assistants who can handle complex tasks such as calendar management, bookkeeping, and project coordination.

Key Features:

Focus on executive and specialized assistance.
Rigorous vetting process for VAs.
Excellent client support.

Who Is It Best For?

Belay is ideal for CEOs, executives, and high-level professionals who require top-tier assistance.

Pricing:

Premium services come at a higher price point, starting around $2,000 per month for part-time support (45 hours a month). For 85 hours a month, pricing sits around $3,800.

4. MyOutDesk – Virtual Assistants for Real Estate

Real estate professionals, take note: MyOutDesk is the go-to VA service for your industry. Specializing in real estate operations, MyOutDesk provides skilled VAs who can handle lead generation, transaction coordination, and CRM management.

Key Features:

Expertise in real estate processes.
Comprehensive training programs for VAs.
Proven track record with top real estate agents.

Who Is It Best For?

Realtors, brokers, and real estate teams looking to streamline their operations and focus on closing deals.

Pricing:

Pricing starts at $1,750 per month for full-time assistants.

5. Boldly – Premium Virtual Assistant Services

If you’re looking for high-quality, premium VA services, Boldly is worth considering. This company offers subscription-based plans that provide access to experienced VAs skilled in a variety of disciplines, including marketing, customer service, and project management.

Key Features:

Highly experienced professionals.
Flexible subscription plans.
Focus on long-term client relationships.

Who Is It Best For?

Businesses and individuals willing to invest in premium services for comprehensive support.

Pricing:

Plans start at $39 per hour, with monthly subscriptions available.

How to Choose the Right Virtual Assistant Company

When selecting a VA company, consider the following factors:

Your Business Needs: Identify the tasks you want to delegate and choose a company that specializes in those areas.
Budget: Assess how much you’re willing to invest in virtual assistance and find a provider that aligns with your budget.
Flexibility: Look for companies that offer scalable plans to grow with your business.
Support: Choose a company with excellent client support to ensure smooth communication and problem resolution.

Why Assist World Is the #1 Choice

While all the companies on this list offer excellent services, Assist World stands out for its personalized approach, exceptional client success management, and flexible solutions, and most importantly, their fair pricing. At Assist World, prices generally fall between $1,500 – $2,000 a month for a full-time dedicated executive assistant. With a proven track record of helping businesses thrive, Assist World is the ultimate partner for entrepreneurs and small businesses ready to scale efficiently and effectively.

Ready to take your business to the next level? Schedule a free consultation with Assist World today and discover the difference a high-quality virtual assistant can make.