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As technology has advanced and market demands have shifted, McCarthys has
witnessed the evolution of commercial interiors from the 1980s to present day. Steve
McCarthy, managing director of McCarthys, recounts this story, highlighting key
milestones including the integration of telephones and computers, the rise of free-
standing furniture and the emergence of open-plan office layouts.

Steve’s father, Bernard McCarthy founded McCarthy and Associates in 1979, after he and
two colleagues made the decision to break away from Office International in order to
preserve their independence. During those early days the team operated from Bernard’s
home, specialising in word processors — the precursor to the screen-based computers and
mobile devices we use today — and selling office furniture to major clients like Virgin.

In 1987, McCarthys became an authorised distributor for systems furniture in the midlands.
Characterised by heavy desks and complex cabling, but favoured for its flexibility, modular
systems furniture refers to separate pieces of furniture that can be used together and moved
around into different configurations as required for the workspace. Providing such solutions
allowed the business to grow and McCarthys moved into a small premises on St. Luke's
Road, Coventry.

The year of 1992 was significant. What marked a simple office refurbishment for Peugeot
UK’s headquarters in Coventry, evolved into a long-lasting partnership with full office
refurbishment projects at multiple locations. Just shy of two years later, McCarthys relocated
to a manufacturing unit on Broad Lane which remains the business’ head office today.

The late 90s began McCarthys’ involvement in the Jaguar Cars NEPs project, which opened
the door to significant future work with Jaguar as they expanded and developed other sites.
Arguably one of the most defining moments in the company’s history came in 2000 when
McCarthys secured a major project with Tarmac.

This project was undertaken as open-plan concepts were emerging. Involving relocations
across multiple sites, as well as requiring logistics, design, and construction services, it was
a multifaceted project that set a precedent for the type of work McCarthys would become
known for in the years to come.

At that time the proliferation of mobile phones had yet to occur so all the wiring for
telephones and electricity to support computers went through the furniture. This presented
significant challenges when end customers wished to move or adjust layouts. In response,
McCarthys’ commenced retainer-based work, relocating furniture systems as required, as
well as providing ongoing infrastructure maintenance, training and support in the era of
electronic typewriters.

Transformation
As technology evolved, so too did client requirements. Laptops, mobile phones and
independent power outlets meant a new approach to office design was needed. Initially
serving to manage the clutter of cables and wires, the demand for systems furniture began
to wane. There was then a transition to high-quality, free-standing furniture that provided
some privacy in open-plan environments; an approach that continues to this day.

From the turn of the second millennium, McCarthys carried out a number of high-spec office
refurbs nationally for Anglo Irish Bank. This included the implementation of an extranet in
2003, a concept that emerged and became widely used from the late 1990s onwards as
companies began to use the internet's capabilities to share data with external partners.

In 2005 McCarthys completed its first large-scale project involving construction elements as
opposed to just office fit-outs, for Marches Housing Association. This shift into more
complex, mixed-use developments was a natural progression and reflected evolving market
requirements.

By 2013, McCarthys had diversified its portfolio further to include software developers. A
project with SEGA / Hardlight marked the beginning of a growing understanding of the
unique needs of the tech and gaming industries, leading to collaborations with major
developers like Radiant Worlds, Rebellion, and SUMO.

The next generation
Steve McCarthy joined the company 28 years ago, after being the first in his family to go to
university. Backed by a degree in construction management, Steve started out in the
projects department before working his way up and taking over the company. Bernard
McCarthy is the first to admit that while he founded the company, the future of McCarthys
lies with Steve and has done for many years. It’s a passing of the torch, one that Bernard
embraces, knowing that the business is in capable hands.

Over the years, McCarthys has seen and adapted to a changing landscape with new
technology and shifting workplace dynamics. Looking forward, McCarthys is equipped with a
rich history of knowledge and learnings which will allow it to adapt appropriately as the
commercial property sector continues to evolve.

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