France televisions is moving to London

The French Touch Commercial (FTC.) team was delighted to participate in the expansion of France Télévisions in London. France Télévisions UK had been in greater demand than ever since Brexit. They needed to be close to Buckingham Palace, the London community and 10 Downing Street. In short, be at the heart of the action. The complexity of the project shaped its interest.

Aude, how complex was this project?

France Télévisions is an entity that functions a bit like the English monarchy: a long-term vision combined with a need for modernization. They needed a comfortable setting in a traditional location with all the qualities of a functional and modern office: access to high-quality broadband, access to very specific information flows, open space, terrace for live shows, accessible parking etc. Due to budgetary constraints they also had to make savings on their current rent.

Did you encounter any particular difficulties? How did you solve them?

Every project brings its share of problems to be solved and that is the whole point of my job. This one was no exception to the rule. As a professional news agency, France Télévisions must receive up to date information in real time. This service is only offered by BT and goes through a special fibre optic network directly linked to the famous “BT Tower”. Working with BT to get a result on time is certainly challenging if not impossible. We had to put a lot of energy into it, keep calm and increase the yoga sessions, but we got there with Christophe.

The premises had no parking spaces but as France Télévisions wanted to be able to park within 5 minutes’ walk, so as not to slow down their reaction speed, we had to take our pilgrim’s staff and go door to door till we struck lucky!

What did you like about this project?

I had to understand how journalists work and their added value. The speed of reaction to an event is essential. Also the location and the practicality of the place were fundamental. I also immersed myself in the logic of an institution like France Télévisions in order to negotiate a lease contract that corresponds to their strategy, namely the long term non-risky.

And … as with all projects, once again meeting committed and demanding people who enrich me with their experience :)

France televisions is moving to London

Aude, how complex was this project?

Did you encounter any particular difficulties? How did you solve them?

Can you tell us about the place?

What did you like about this project?