In the competitive leasing market for grade-A office buildings in Shanghai, developers provide more than world-class specifications and facilities, prestige and premier location to woo leading multinational corporations and domestic enterprises.
Projects acclaimed for their architectural aesthetics, such as Wheelock Square and Shanghai International Commerce Centre (ICC), both in the city's leading business hub, Puxi, complement office facilities with premium concierge services. These buildings have integrated eco-friendly features which help tenants save on energy consumption and contribute to a greener working environment.
Developed by Shanghai Wheelock Square Development, Wheelock Square has unveiled integrated 'butler-type' services for tenants. Deputy general manager of centre management at Wheelock Square, Edwin Liu, says the introduction of hotel-style concierge services reflects a new trend. 'Location and a developer's brand name are important references for prospective tenants in selecting office buildings, but the trend indicates that soon it will be the services available that help seal the deal,' he says. 'Quality services significantly boost tenants' confidence and peace of mind.'
Wheelock Square has also established a new concierge department and doorman service. 'The results suggest that our new services have been very well received in the market,' Liu says. 'Occupancy is now close to 90 per cent, with limited vacancy on the high-level floors.'
Wheelock Square has simplified communications between tenants and its service department, provided by about 30 dedicated 'butlers'. Tenants deal directly with their assigned butlers, who provide them with custom-made services. The new concierge services encompass doormen on duty at the main entrance, a car-rental service, 24-hour duty managers to take care of emergencies and complaints. Other services include equipment and supply available to enhance the experience of tenants, such as bathrooms with showers for office personnel, and services from flight bookings to hotel reservations and a limousine service.
'All the concierge team, from management to supervisors, have a wealth of experience within the five-star hotel industry,' Liu says. 'They are fluent in Putonghua, Cantonese, Hokkien, English and Japanese.' Concierge staff are expected to answer phone calls within three rings. When a vehicle stops at the entrance, a doorman must open the door within five seconds. The team also offers restaurant recommendations and sightseeing-tour-reservation services.