The prestigious BCO Awards programme recognises the highest quality developments in the UK and sets the standard for excellence in the regional and national office sector.
The winning workplaces include:
- Deloitte Cambridge (Best Fit Out of a Workplace)
- Cambridge Assessment (Best Corporate Workplace)
Deloitte Cambridge was awarded Best Fit Out of a Workplace. The business advisory firm relocated 250 of its staff to the landmark 1 Station Square building in 2017. The judges were impressed by the ambitious project, which saw Deloitte’s staff move from a disconnected workplace to a vibrant, dynamic one. The judging panel noted the result is an office that meets business needs, with a floor plan tailored to incorporate a variety of working styles. Partner offices convert into meeting spaces and breakout areas with ease. Judges also praised the technical execution of the project, which removed external offices to allow light to penetrate deep into the floor plate while using subtle planting and timber screening to maintain a sense of privacy. Added to this, the fit out provided a 12% increase in headcount, despite a 17% reduction in sq. ft.
Cambridge Assessment was awarded Best Corporate Workplace. Home to the international exam board’s entire team of 2,600 people, the office space is located within the three-sided Triangle Building, Cambridge’s biggest office. Judges noted how the office has been a catalyst for creating a new brand, culture and significant business growth. A key factor in Cambridge Assessment’s success is its focus on employee wellness, as evidenced by changing, shower and cycling provisions, and an in-house Wellbeing Centre. The judges agreed that the workplace supported employees’ mental health through its intelligent use of uplifting artwork, daylight, natural ventilation and views of the city.
Rob van Zyl, building services partner at Cundall and chair of the Midlands & Central England judging panel commented: “This region has once again delivered exemplary offices that showcase best practice in the sector. Cambridge has long been a home to innovative businesses and this year sees two of those receiving accolades from the BCO. What these winning workplaces have in common is their dedication to occupiers’ health and wellbeing and their businesses’ productivity. The strong link between wellbeing of the workforce and productivity of their businesses is now undeniable, and these winners have embraced this win-win philosophy to outstanding effect.”
Danny Parmar, business development manager at Overbury and chairman of the BCO Midlands & East Anglia committee added: “Deloitte Cambridge and Cambridge Assessment have successfully delivered exemplary agile, sustainable and innovative office buildings, with a flexibility in design that allows for considerable future growth capabilities. The prevailing theme from this year’s entries was a focus from occupiers on bringing people together through collaborative work settings that place the employee’s wellbeing at their heart. Our entrants provided compelling examples of how business can incorporate thoughtful space planning and biophilic design to create engaged workplaces and new ways of working. The BCO awards clearly reflect the strength of our local offices sector and the level of talent that is making the most of what our geographically and economically diverse region has to offer.”
Today’s ceremony marked the 11th of the BCO Regional Property Awards dedicated to the Midlands and Central England region, celebrating the best office space in the country. Midlands and Central England winners will compete with those from other regions at the BCO National Awards in October this year.
For more information on the awards visit the BCO website (www.bco.org.uk).
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About the BCO
The British Council for Offices (BCO) is the UK’s leading member organisation representing the interests of all those who occupy, design, build, own or manage offices in the UK. Since its inception in 1990, the BCO has provided thought leadership and best practice in all issues related to the creation and use of office space – through its research, awards, conference and events programmes. You can learn more about the BCO at www.bco.org.uk
About the Regional Awards
The lead sponsor for this year’s BCO Awards is ISG. Category sponsors are AECOM, Hurley Palmer Flatt, Jackson Coles, Luxonic Lighting, Nucom and SAS International. This year’s silver sponsor is Overbury. The regional bronze sponsors are Quantum Consulting, Waterman Group and Willmott Dixon. The BCO awards are in association with EG.