Best workspaces in and around Exeter revealed at awards
Unique desks, spectacular spaces and innovative workplace initiatives were amongst the winners of the 2019 Space Awards at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum in Exeter.
The awards, which are in their second year, celebrate the best workspaces and work initiatives in and around Exeter, including Best Sustainable Space, Best Corporate Workspace, Co-Working, Well-Being and Coolest Workspace awards.
Held on Thursday September 19, the awards are part of the Future of the Workplace initiative supported by Space, Exeter Chamber and Exeter Live Better, celebrating and encouraging best practice in working environments.
Some 180 people attended the event, which saw 11 organisations honoured for their outstanding workspaces and work initiatives.
Software company Oneserve won the prestigious Best Workspace Award, with The Organic Agency taking home the title for Coolest Space for their Southernhay office.
The South West Academic Health Science Network won the Wow! Award for their beehive themed office at Pynes Hill and Air Marketing Group won the Well-Being Award.
The Generator Hub was announced the winner of the Best Co-Working Space Award. The Veterinary Pathology Group (VPG) won the Best Corporate Workspace following their move to Exeter Science Park earlier this year.
Awcock Ward Partnership, located in Pynes Hill Business Centre, won the Best Employee Initiative Award while Clinton Devon Estates secured the Best Sustainable Space Award. Tech company Timewade won the fun Best Desk title.
The award for Best Production Facility went to Air Control Industries Ltd and Venaspace took home the Best Office Feature Award.
Tim Wadsworth, of Exeter-based office transformation specialists Space, helped set up and run the competition.
He said: “It was a fabulous evening. The Space Awards are an opportunity to recognise and honour the best workspaces and initiatives. I truly believe we need to celebrate those businesses who recognise the importance of workplace wellbeing and fostering an environment which is nurturing, productive and fun.
“Congratulations to all those who got involved, including of course the winners. We hope the Space Awards will continue to inspire best practice across Exeter and beyond.”
Chris Proctor, CEO of Workspace of the Year winner Oneserve, said: “We’re thrilled. I think it’s a reflection of all the hard work across the whole business.
“It involves time and dedication to help make Oneserve a great company and a great place to be. Every single person in the organisation has an equal voice and that’s really important.
“The entire company is built to promote better collaboration and communication. All the benefits, from flexible working to perk box, the cycle to work scheme, gym, free fruit, have been asked for collectively and we’ve been really happy to provide them to create a better environment and a better organisation. In terms of productivity, staff retention and well-being, it’s a no -brainer.”
Liz Finnie, Business Director for award winner The Generator Hub, which runs two co-working hubs in Exeter, said: “It’s been very inspiring. It’s great to get new ideas, meet other people striving to create amazing workspaces and of course to win!
“This is the first award for the Generator and means a lot. We’ve had companies come in, outgrow the space and move on, which is really positive because we are part of that wider business ecosystem supporting businesses. We’re now in a position to expand again which is really exciting.”
Jo Caine, Managing Director at Cathedral Appointments, Exeter Chamber Director and one of the Space Awards judge, said: “Exeter has grown tremendously in the last few years and it is great to see such an array of outstanding workspaces and initiatives at this year’s Space Awards. It’s right that we acknowledge those companies committed to providing am outstanding positive environment for their employees and staff.”
The judging panel included Sally Basker, Chief Executive of Exeter Science Park, Julie Hawker, Joint Chief Executive of Cosmic, Robert Chalk, Managing Director of Chalk and Ward, Victoria Hatfield, Growth & Commercialisation Manager at Exeter City Council and Marie Turner, Group Facilities Manager of Livewest and Tim Wadsworth of Space.
Supporting the awards were sponsors Lightfoot, Nettl of Exeter, IT Champion, Humanscale, Old Mill Accountants, One Voice Media, Bishops Move, Stephens Scown, Grow, Beckworth Financial Services Ltd and Sampson Hall along with Partners Exeter Chamber of Commerce and Exeter Live Better.
To find out more about the awards and get involved as a sponsor or entrant, go to www.spaceawards.co.uk or contact grace@betterworkspace.co.uk
