When you set up an energy trading business you need a corporate level of infrastructure; even with a head-count below five. JP Reis were approached to set up an office for a new energy trading firm that had three managers and an admin assistant.
Our consultant started by evaluating the merits of six alternative locations based on leasing price and restrictions, existing infrastructure, power, cabling, security and air-conditioning. We advised on the financial impact of each proposed site based on two years of operation allowing the client to make an informed decision.
The selected location had limited power, no comms room, no cabling and no air-conditioning. There was also a restriction on hours when drilling could take place. We helped negotiate the best lease deal before being given an aggressive timetable to equip the three traders with desks, each of which would have eight trading screens, two TVs, two PCs, market data provision with direct multiple exchange access, trading systems and the ability to draw on 15 secure brokerage lines. A single spreadsheet from one PC would need to be shareable on one of the two TV monitors at each trading position. The network architecture would include WAN and LAN and needed built-in resilience and a high-security firewall. Due to the nature of the lease and planned expansion of the company the entire operation would need to be easily moved to a new location at short notice if necessary; the landlord required the space to be left as it was found.
JP Reis were required to meet every challenge at the technological and functional levels from negotiating the lease to user acceptance testing. At each step, we were able to draw on a panel of suppliers and present a selection of options. We identified the ideal desks and designed bespoke TV stands to position the screens effectively above the 8 monitors. We also installed a soundproof, heat dispersing, server cabinet which could sit in the centre of the space with zero impact on ambient noise or temperature. All cabling was fitted inside unobtrusive trunking. The network infrastructure draws on fibre, copper and WiMax to provide a triple level of resilience.
JP Reis also had to source and install a printer, a 3.5m white board, a kitchen area, a breakout area with sofas and a small gym area with punchbag and a shower. We also took care of cleaning, refuse collection and utility contracts.
