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Best workspaces in and around Exeter revealed at awards

By November 28, 2018January 26th, 2021Member News & Updates, Why Exeter blog

 

The best workspaces and work initiatives in and around Exeter have been revealed at an awards ceremony held at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum.

The first competition of its kind in the South West, the Space Awards are part of the Future of the Workplace initiative supported by Space, Exeter City Council and Exeter Chamber, celebrating and encouraging best practice in working environments.

Some 200 people attended the inaugural event, on Wednesday November 22, to find out the winners of awards including the Best Sustainable Space, Best Shared, Well-Being, Best Workspace, Coolest Workspace and Wow! Award.

Tech company Lightfoot won the prestigious Best Workspace Award, with Crowdcube taking home the title for Coolest Space. Both have moved to new premises this year. Hilton Barnfield Architects won the Wow! Award and Chalk and Ward won the Well-Being Award.

Following their recent move to new premises in Exeter, PKF Francis Clark were announced winner of the Best Open Plan Award. LiveWest won the Best Public and Third Sector Workplace Award following their move to the SkyPark.

Exeter City Space, in Southernhay, won the Best Shared Space Award, Devon Business and Education Centre secured the Best Sustainable Space prize, and Carousel Calendars won the fun Best Desk title.

Tim Wadsworth, of Exeter-based office transformation specialists Space, who helped to set up and run the competition, was one of the judges.

He said: “It was a fantastic evening. Well done to all the winners. The passion for fantastic workspaces and initiatives that support modern working, boost productivity, well-being and fun was clear to see.

“We’re really hoping the Space Awards help promote best practice but showcase the city’s very best work initiatives as Exeter continues to grow and thrive.”

Mark Roberts, Managing Director of award-winner Lightfoot, based near Chudleigh, said: “The Space Awards absolutely typify what we were trying to achieve in developing our workspace. Being shortlisted was the stuff of dreams and to win it, it’s the best award we have ever won. We’re delighted.”

Jo Caine, Exeter Chamber Director and another of the judges, said. “Exeter is a city of diverse and vibrant businesses of all types and sizes and the awards certainly reflected that. It’s great to see so many companies are committed to nurturing wonderful working environments, recognising their importance for employees and their well-being.”

The other judges were Sally Basker, Chief Executive of Exeter Science Park, Julie Hawker, Joint Chief Executive of Cosmic, Maureen de Gori, of Exeter City Council inward investment team, Simon Scott-Nelson, Active Devon, and Dr Craig Knight, Doctor of Psychology, Chartered Psychologist and Registered Occupational Psychologist at the University of Exeter.

Supporting the awards were sponsors Nettl of Exeter, Signs Express Exeter, Grow, Venaspace, Old Mill, Motiv-8 and Situ.