Two Swindon firms are among the finalists in a contest to find the South West’s most cheerful workplace.
IT and communications support firm Excalibur Communications, headquartered at the showpiece Arclite House, Peatmoor, and Frankly Recruitment, based in the Pure Offices at Kembrey Park, line up against nine other businesses from across the region for the coveted title. 
Excalibur was founded more than 20 years ago and now provides IT, landline and mobile solutions to thousands of businesses in the UK. Frankly Recruitment was established in 2009 and says fun is an important part of the company culture.
They hope to follow in the tracks of Bristol-based skateboard distributor Shiner, which won the inaugural South West Happiest Workplace contest last year by showing the benefits of creating a great workplace culture.
Judging of all shortlisted finalists takes place this week.
The awards – the brainchild of Bristol-based workplace and interior design consultancy Wylde Interior Architecture – showcase what separates a happy from a humdrum workplace.
The awards put the spotlight on organisations that go the extra mile to make their staff’s working lives happier and show how this impacts on key business issues such as staff recruitment and retention, reputation and productivity.
Last year’s contest attracted more than 300 entrants from around Bristol and Bath area and has this year been widened to include Swindon, Wiltshire and the whole of the South West.
This year Wylde has joined forces with Herman Miller, the Chippenham-based furniture manufacturer and pioneer of the modern workplace. The competition is being supported by Swindon Business News, whose editor Robert Buckland is on the judging panel with Herman Miller workplace specialist Bertie Van Wyk.
The winner will receive a stunning Herman Miller height adjustable desk with monitor arm and beautiful Sayl desk chair. Sayl office chairs will also go to the runners up.
