A family spirit, lots of charitable work and bright, modern offices have earned Swindon-based IT and communications group Excalibur the title of Wiltshire’s Happiest Workplace.
The prestigious award was handed to the fast-growing firm at a special ceremony in Chippenham yesterday.
Judges in the contest – staged by Bristol-based workplace and interior design consultancy Wylde IA – were impressed by Excalibur’s innovative approach to staff wellbeing and its showpiece office at Arclite House, Peatmoor.
They said it could be a challenge when a company grew at speed but Excalibur had embraced it and each recruitment was made personally by ‘hands on’ CEO James Phipps.
The offices were bright and crisp and everyone sat in one open plan environment, according to the judges. The softer side of creating a happy environment had not been overlooked despite the firm’s size with a gym, staff rest areas and abundant outdoors spaces.
These were partnered with a mentoring and supportive management style, a business school supporting extracurricular learning and anonymous staff surveys which guide the leadership teams.
The family spirit was evident throughout the business as well as a huge amount of charitable work.
Now in its second year, the Happiest Workplace competition was initially launched to celebrate Wylde IA’s 20 years in the business. The company wanted to find out exactly what makes a great workplace and, therefore, happy staff. The competition is supported by Swindon Business News.
The overall South West winner was national recruitment agency Rethink’s Bristol office. Judges found it an energising and bright workplace with natural daylight and a relaxed, fun atmosphere – a far cry from the traditional, high-pressure, target-driven recruitment agency approach.
The office also puts a huge emphasis on health and wellbeing, working with Bristol Mind while staff are encouraged to adopt healthy lifestyle, with free fruit and breakfasts and advice on nutrition.
The office also donates 100 days a year to staff charity work – but there is also a huge social element with drinks every Friday, booze cruises, treasure hunts and dragon boat racing.
Wylde IA director Maxine Bennett said: “Yet again the quality and creativeness of the workspaces we’ve seen this year has been incredible.
“All our finalists’ workspaces are inspirational and it was extremely difficult to choose an overall winner. But Rethink Recruitment is a worthy of the title. They have created a space and company culture which nurtures the lifeblood of their company – the staff. Congratulations to Christine and the team.”
Last year’s winner, skateboard, equipment and clothing distributor Shiner, was a finalist again – this year collecting the South Gloucestershire regional title.
The family-owned firm, based on the Aztec West business park, near Bristol, is the EU’s biggest skateboard distributor. It earned the judges’ praise for creating opportunities for employees through training that results in upward movement through the organisation, so giving access to careers that some did not feel they could achieve
Bristol-based Paper Arts, which provides creatives with a place to grow their entrepreneurial ideas and to make a living from their artistic talents, collected the Social Enterprise Award. Judges praised it for promoting young artists so they can become self-sufficient from their work.
Also among the winners was content marketing agency M2 Bespoke, which secured the Bath title.
The awards were presented at an awards ceremony hosted by competition partner, furniture manufacturer and pioneer of the modern workplace Herman Miller at its Chippenham head office.
Herman Miller workplace specialist Bertie Van Wyk – who was on the judging panel with Swindon Business News editor Robert Buckland – said: “It’s inspiring to see the innovative ideas our finalists have implemented, not just to improve the lives of their staff, but to invest in their happiness.”
Excalibur’s success in the Happiest Workplace competitions comes hot in the heels of it receiving a Business in the Community South West Responsible Business Award for its commitment to creating long-term value while also placing social responsibility at the heart of the business.
Wylde IA is an award-winning independent interior design consultancy specialising in creative design. It works directly with clients throughout the UK and Europe in partnership with external suppliers, architects and fit-out companies creating inspiring places to work, learn, rest and play.
Pictured: The Excalibur team collect their award from Wylde IA director Maxine Bennett with, far left, Herman Miller workplace specialist Bertie Van Wyk, and, far right, Swindon Business News editor Robert Buckland
