Held at the Grand Central Hotel on 16 May, the BCO’s annual Scottish Awards Lunch recognised projects that demonstrate the best in office design, fit-out, operation, innovation and sustainability, setting the standard for excellence across the sector.
The winners of this year’s competition in Scotland stand out for their unparalleled drive to innovate, as well as for putting occupiers and local communities at the heart of each development.
In its third year, the ESG Award continues to celebrate the achievements of offices that excel in responding to environmental, social and governance needs.
The BCO Regional Award winners for Scotland are:
The annual Chair’s Award for outstanding contribution to the property industry in Scotland, was presented to Clyde Gateway, which has radically transformed the face and communities of the district it has regenerated.
JP Morgan Chase Technology Centre, Glasgow, was presented with the coveted ‘Corporate Workplace’ Award. Originally a speculative development, Osborne and Company set out to create a high-quality office that would raise the bar for sustainable commercial developments in Glasgow. This quickly evolved when JP Morgan Chase joined as the primary end user, transforming it into a 270,000 sq. ft. technology centre for its 2,600 engineers. This ‘vertical campus’ draws from Glasgow’s rich industrial heritage, using biophilic design, natural light and a 400m² rooftop photovoltaic canopy to provide renewable energy. The Judges commented that this is a creative and inspiring vision, well executed by the developer and tenant in harmony.
Ovo Energy, Glasgow took home the ‘Fit-out of workplace’ Award. Consolidating its Scotland team into a centrally located hub, the company chose the Cadworks building for its sustainability and social impact credentials. The new hub was designed to bring colleagues together for ‘magic moments’ that are uniquely possible in a physical space, promoting interaction and wellbeing through a light, flexible, and fun environment. Warm colours, textures and art create a ‘resimercial’ atmosphere, with bold connecting staircases between the four floors encouraging movement and interaction. Sustainability was a priority in furniture and material selection, with a focus on using local Scottish suppliers. The ground floor café, open to all building users, serves as an inviting social space for the local community. The Judges noted that they were struck by the welcoming atmosphere, clever space planning, and ingenious flexibility.
JLL, Glasgow was presented with the ‘Projects up to 2,500 m. sq. Award. This building exemplifies an agile, inclusive workplace that has achieved ambitious environmental targets recognised through both WELL Platinum and Ska Gold certification. The office incorporates circular fit-out principles and smart technology, designed to net zero standards. Prioritising employee wellbeing and productivity, and focusing on daylight, biophilia, and air quality, the project also demonstrates JLL’s commitment to environmental, social, and governance principles by supporting local charities and hosting mental health workshops. The Judges were impressed by the emphasis on shared space and on mental health and wellbeing.
Aurora, Glasgow won not only the Refurbished / Recycled category but also the coveted ESG Award. Completed in August 2024 and featuring around 175,000 sq.ft. of prime office space, Aurora’s design responds to the continued occupier demand for refurbished office accommodation with excellent ESG credentials. The building delivers on user experience and amenity with 96% of the space already leased. Communal facilities include an auditorium space, podcast studio, fitness & health studio and rooftop terrace. The developer’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in the building’s impressive credentials, including an EPC A+ rating, BREEAM Excellent, and a pre-assessed WiredScore Platinum and Gold WELL Building Standard. The Judges commented that this commercially successful refurbishment creates high-quality, ‘best in class’ space with a core focus on ESG. A strong social agenda throughout the build period saw engagement with local foodbanks and several charity initiatives.
The Edinburgh Futures Institute took home the Innovation Award. Breathing new life into the former Royal Infirmary after years of dereliction, the Category A-listed Victorian hospital underwent a nine year project removing extensions, carrying out extensive repairs and restoring key elements to their former glory. At the heart of Quartermile, the building provides a wide range of publicly accessible spaces as well as teaching, events and a café/restaurant. A large new public square on Lauriston Place provides prominent access to the main entrance. The Judges remarked that this refurbishment is a truly transformational regeneration project with a visionary client and a wider social agenda.
The Scottish winners will compete for the BCO National Awards on 7h October 2025.
Sponsors for this year’s BCO Awards are: AET Flexible Space, AECOM, Glamox, Troup Bywaters + Anders and Ryden. The media partner is Estates Gazette.
Peter Kerr, Chair of the BCO in Scotland, said: “A clear theme among this year’s winners is the intelligent and ambitious re-use of existing buildings, with four of the six categories awarded to projects that embraced refurbishment or regeneration. This not only reflects a growing commitment to sustainability, social value and good governance, but also showcases the creativity and adaptability of Scotland’s property sector. These projects demonstrate how existing assets can be reimagined to deliver outstanding workplaces.”
Donald Reid, Chair of the Scottish Judging panel, added: “We had some fabulous entries this year with a fully deserving winner in each category. The judges were impressed with the commitment of the teams on each project to delivering exceptional workspaces. We wish all of the winners the best of luck representing the Scotland region in the National Awards later this year.”
ENDS
About the BCO
The British Council for Offices’ (BCO) mission is to research, develop and communicate best practice in all aspects of the office sector. It delivers this by providing a forum for the discussion and debate of relevant issues.
Established in 1990, the BCO is the UK’s leading forum for the discussion and debate of issues affecting the office sector.
Its members are all organisations involved in creating, acquiring, or occupying office space, whether architects, lawyers, surveyors, financial institutions, or public agencies. The BCO works to advance the collective understanding of its members, enabling them to work together to create more effective office space.
Media contact:
Lisa Mennie
Skylark PR Ltd
07825 225 414
lisa@skylarkpublicrelations.com
The South of England’s and South Wales’s most outstanding workplaces have been announced, with British Council for Offices Awards going to seven exceptional office buildings across the region – including three in Bristol.
Held at We The Curious in Bristol, the BCO’s annual South of England and South Wales Awards Dinner celebrated the high-calibre of the region’s offices in terms of design, fit-out and sustainability, setting the standard for excellence across the sector. The winners of this year’s competition stand out for their occupier-centric approach, reflecting the growing importance of inclusivity, wellbeing, and ESG performance.
The BCO Regional Award winners for the South of England and South Wales are:
Highly commended workplaces were:
Cardiff University’s groundbreaking spark|sbarc building was crowned Best Corporate Workplace. The building sets a new standard for academic and enterprise collaboration, with its state-of-the-art amenities, public event spaces, and seamless integration of social science research and enterprise. Its visually striking and functional centrepiece is an ocular staircase which spirals upward through the seven-storey space, encouraging movement and interaction. Flexible workspaces, labs, and exhibition areas create an inspiring environment for students, academics, entrepreneurs and the wider community.
A landmark in Reading’s regeneration, ONE Station Hill received the award for Best Commercial Workplace. Part of an £850 million masterplan to revitalise the area, the building delivers 275,000 sq ft of Grade A workspace that exemplifies sustainable office design – net zero carbon, all-electric, and BREEAM Outstanding. With amenities including a fitness club, rooftop terraces, and smart tech integration via its dedicated app, ONE Station Hill successfully promotes productivity and wellness. More than 40% of the development has been pre-let over to global firms such as PepsiCo and PwC.
Winning the award for Best Fit out Workplace, Dojo’s 54,770 sq ft Bristol HQ sets a new benchmark for contact centre design. With 402 desk spaces, flexible areas, and a lively social hub with a barista bar, the office supports both productivity and wellbeing. Rich in local character, with graffiti art by Bristol-based artists, the fit-out blends biophilia with residential-inspired furnishings. Dojo’s inclusive design features multi-faith and wellness rooms, while sustainability is prioritised through the use of recycled materials, smart lighting systems and minimal alterations to the base build.
Englefield Estate Yard, Reading won Best Project up to 2,500m². This pioneering project has transformed an historic, Grade II listed sawmill into a modern, energy-efficient office supporting local suppliers. Combining natural materials and renewable energy systems, the project achieved an energy performance rating upgrade from G to A. Biophilic features, generous daylight access, and wildlife-supportive measures promote wellbeing and biodiversity. The judges applauded the building’s balance of heritage conservation, community revitalisation and cutting-edge sustainability.
BLOK Bristol was the recipient of the award for Best Refurbished/Recycled Workplace. BCO judges were impressed with how the project successfully breathed new life into One Castle Park, repurposing the existing 1980s structure while prioritising sustainability through carbon-conscious upgrades. A ground floor communal business lounge, bustling coffee shop and landscaped gardens create an engaging social atmosphere. Adaptable floorplans and diverse leasing options cater to modern tenants, making BLOK a model for urban development.
Also located in Bristol, Assembly C took home the Innovation award. A striking addition to the city’s waterfront, the project converted a vacant brownfield site into a vibrant, sustainable commercial space. The development blends strong architectural expression with environmental credentials, including BREEAM Excellent, EPC A, and WiredScore Platinum. The building’s use of off-site prefabrication, self-finished materials and connection to Bristol’s heat network underscores its sustainability-first ethos, while its amphitheatre seating and new public realm reflect a commitment to community engagement.
Lastly, the ESG award went to Nomad Foods’ European HQ in West Woking for placing sustainability and employee wellbeing at its very core. Achieving SKA Gold and building on BREEAM Excellent credentials, the project reused materials, integrated real-time energy monitoring, and prioritised low-impact, healthy interior finishes. What set it apart was its emphasis on engagement with staff during design, resulting in a vibrant, flexible workspace that supports wellbeing, inclusivity, and hybrid working. Biophilic features, ergonomic furnishings, and dedicated zones for quiet work and collaboration make this a standout ESG project.
Harry Allen, Director, Bristol at Savills and Judging Chair for the BCO South of England and South Wales said: “This year’s entries reflect the very best of a changing office landscape, where wellbeing, sustainability and flexibility are fundamental to workplace design. The calibre of projects we reviewed shows that the South of England and South Wales are leading the way in creating people-centric environments that are as innovative as they are inclusive. The judges were particularly impressed by the creativity and technical excellence demonstrated across the region.”
John Wright, Chair of the BCO Committee for South of England and South Wales, said: “It is no surprise to see a high proportion of the excellent entries this year are refurbished buildings and fitouts of some of last year’s new build entries, as the South of England and South Wales region reflects national viability challenges.
“These projects challenge design teams to be creative in reinventing buildings, and to deliver spaces that support the variety of work settings and social spaces required in a modern workplace, and they offer opportunities to produce highly sustainable buildings. Offices continue to play a vital role in any vibrant town or city, and the winning projects are splendid examples of how creative and intelligent design can contribute to thriving communities.”
South of England and South Wales award winners will compete for the BCO National Awards on Tuesday 7 October 2025 at the Grosvenor House, JW Marriott Hotel, London.
The lead sponsor for this year’s BCO Awards is AET Flexible Space. Gold sponsors are AECOM, Glamox and Troup Bywaters + Anders. The BCO awards are in association with Estates Gazette.
ENDS
About the BCO
The British Council for Offices’ (BCO) mission is to research, develop and communicate best practice in all aspects of the office sector. It delivers this by providing a forum for the discussion and debate of relevant issues.
Established in 1990, the BCO is the UK’s leading forum for the discussion and debate of issues affecting the office sector.
Its members are all organisations involved in creating, acquiring, or occupying office space, whether architects, lawyers, surveyors, financial institutions, or public agencies. The BCO works to advance the collective understanding of its members, enabling them to work together to create more effective office space.
Media Contact:
Barques
0121 233 2080
The Midlands and Central England’s most outstanding workplaces have been announced, with British Council for Offices Awards going to seven office buildings across the region. Held at The Eastside Rooms in Birmingham, the BCO’s annual Midlands and Central Awards Lunch recognised projects that demonstrate best practice in office design, fit-out and sustainability, setting the standard for excellence across the sector.
The winners of this year’s competition in the Midlands and Central England stand out for their ambition in delivering user-centric spaces that champion wellbeing, sustainability, and innovation, reflecting evolving demands.
The BCO Regional Award winners for the Midlands and Central England are:
Unusual HQ in Northamptonshire won the Corporate Workplace award, with BCO judges hailing the project as a “pioneering achievement” in sustainable design. The two-storey building uses biogenic and reclaimed materials, generating more energy than it consumes. Focused on low-carbon design and circular economy principles, it successfully balances functionality, creativity, and aesthetic appeal. Notably, it has been designed for full disassembly and reuse at the end of its life – a rare distinction for a commercial building.
The Clarendon Works, a 140,000 sq ft Grade A office development in Watford, was awarded the prize for Best Corporate Workplace. BCO judges praised its well-designed communal and amenity spaces, which include a café, roof terrace, private bar, bike storage, changing rooms, and fitness suites. Boasting market leading environmental, wellbeing, and digital connectivity certifications – including EPC A, BREEAM Excellent, WELL Platinum, ActiveScore, and WiredScore – the scheme is 80% pre-let, cementing its position as one of the most sought-after commercial offerings in the town.
Project Arden in Coventry was crowned Best Fit out of Workplace. Designed for hybrid working, the office provides a collaborative working environment for Cambridge University Press and Assessment, which seamlessly integrates cutting-edge technology. The building’s BREEAM Very Good rating and EPC A certification support its environmental goals, while the fit-out achieved SKA Gold certification through significant waste recycling and reduced carbon emissions. Judges were impressed with the teamwork between client and contractor, resulting in a space that is flexible, personable and enjoyed by all.
The Refurbished/Recycled Workplace award went to The Entopia Building, home to the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership. This former 1930s telephone exchange has been reimagined as a sustainable, collaborative office space spanning more than 32,000 sq ft. The building meets ambitious environmental standards, including EnerPHit Classic, WELL Gold, and BREEAM Outstanding – making it the first of its kind globally. The judges praised the project team for taking a new approach to refurbishment that raises industry standards.
JLL’s One Centenary Way in Birmingham was the recipient of the award for Projects up to 2,500m². An underused and disconnected workspace has been transformed into an inclusive environment that enhances collaboration and wellbeing, and caters to the needs of employees and clients alike. BCO judges deemed this to be an exemplary sustainable fit-out, limiting embodied carbon through the re-use of base build materials and considered material selection. The extent of biophilia, variety of working areas, and acoustic measures, all contribute to the success of the project.
Shrewsbury’s historic Flaxmill Maltings took home the Innovation award for its superb restoration and reuse of a 1790s building. Once known as the ‘grandparent of skyscrapers’, the refurbishment has celebrated the original fabric and features of the building to create a flexible workspace, visitor hub and café across four levels. BCO judges were impressed with how the project team had involved the local community from the outset, employing local people, delivering a heritage skills programme and instilling a sense of civic pride.
Unity Place in Milton Keynes, Santander UK’s headquarters, won this year’s ESG award. The seven-storey, low-rise building houses over 7,000 staff across efficient 60,000 sq ft floorplates. Sustainability is central to the design, with more than 400 solar panels offsetting 40 tonnes of CO₂ annually, and glazed façades and full-height atria maximising natural daylight. Judges praised how Unity Place fosters collaboration and community centred around an internal street with independent retail, restaurants, and a community hall.
Will Higgins, Associate Director at Knight Frank and Chair of the BCO Midlands and Central Judging Panel, said: “The BCO regional awards are an opportunity to celebrate the new innovations and exemplar design within the office sector across a range of categories. This year’s entries have elevated the workplace experience through increased focus on wellbeing, championing sustainability and embracing neurodiversity. All of this has been made possible through the collaborative spirit of the dedicated design teams who have been formed to create and deliver these impressive projects. Congratulations to the regional winners and I wish them the best of luck for the upcoming National Awards.”
Rob van Zyl, Building Services Partner at Cundall and Chairman of the BCO Midlands committee, said: “The BCO Awards recognise office buildings that set new benchmarks in innovation, sustainability, and user-centric planning. This year’s winners showcase how office design can integrate cutting-edge environmental practices, such as net-zero carbon emissions and circular economy principles, while fostering employee wellbeing through thoughtful amenities and adaptable spaces.
“These exemplar projects reflect the BCO’s commitment to celebrating offices that not only meet functional and aesthetic standards but also contribute positively to their communities and the environment.”
Midlands and Central England winners will compete for the BCO National Awards on Tuesday 7 October 2025 at the Grosvenor House, JW Marriott Hotel, London.
The lead sponsor for this year’s BCO Awards is AET Flexible Space. Gold sponsors are AECOM, Glamox and Troup Bywaters + Anders, with Overbury, Quantem and Willmott Dixon as this year’s regional sponsors. The BCO awards are in association with Estates Gazette.
ENDS
About the BCO
The British Council for Offices’ (BCO) mission is to research, develop and communicate best practice in all aspects of the office sector. It delivers this by providing a forum for the discussion and debate of relevant issues.
Established in 1990, the BCO is the UK’s leading forum for the discussion and debate of issues affecting the office sector.
Its members are all organisations involved in creating, acquiring, or occupying office space, whether architects, lawyers, surveyors, financial institutions, or public agencies. The BCO works to advance the collective understanding of its members, enabling them to work together to create more effective office space.
Media Contact:
Barques
0121 233 2080
London’s most outstanding workplaces have been revealed at the British Council for Offices (BCO) Regional Awards. Held at the London Hilton on Park Lane on 29 April, the BCO’s annual London Awards Lunch recognised projects that demonstrate best practice in office design, fit-out, operation and sustainability, setting the standard for excellence across the sector.
The seven winners of this year’s competition highlight the diversity of offices across the capital, ranging from a “neighbourhood” able to accommodate 10,000 workers to a Grade II listed building sensitively repurposed as a showcase for modern engineering. Whether featuring a vertical farm or an auditorium with the “wow factor”, all the winners are united in their intelligent consideration of user experience, community value and environmental impact.
The BCO Regional Award winners for London are:
Praising the winner of the Best Corporate Workplace award, the judges said 1Ed City Walk was an incredibly challenging scheme for a not-for-profit organisation to deliver. The project was led by a passionate client team from children’s educational charity Ark who surrounded themselves with a wider team that was equally as enthusiastic and aligned to their ambitions. The result is a building perfectly designed for end-users’ requirements, providing office, auditorium and education spaces. With strong amenity provision, the ground floor has a café open to local residents, while staff also benefit from a stunning rooftop terrace. It has delivered a beautiful new home for Ark that sets up the charity for future success. The judges said the scale of the social offer of this scheme is unrivalled, and its community and civil impact make it a deserving winner.
Taking the Best Commercial Workplace award, 40 Leadenhall is more than an office building – it’s a neighbourhood that will accommodate up to 10,000 people. With a strong focus on well-being and the tenant experience, the building responds positively to the surrounding context, while making a confident statement on the City of London skyline. The design is timeless and elegant, including historical assets which have been sympathetically restored. The scheme has redefined the amenity, social and hospitality offer within offices, including a well-stocked library, 30-seat cinema room, auditorium, extensive health and fitness facilities, restaurants and terraces. A range of floorplate sizes caters to varying tenant requirements, and strong sustainability credentials include targeting BREEAM Excellent and Nabers 5-star ratings. Overall, the scheme stood out in a highly competitive category, with the amenity provisions pushing it to the next level.
Capital Group’s new European headquarters at 1 Paddington Square, winner of the Best Fit Out of a Workplace category, boasts an impressive client reception and hospitality bar that is seamlessly connected by a stunning lighting sculpture. Two feature staircases provide vertical connection through the office with a clever use of lighting that helps you effortlessly flow through the space. The office floors feel generous, with amazing access to natural daylight. The transition floor offers a variety of amenities and social areas, providing users with an assortment of spaces in which to connect and collaborate. The conference suite is beautifully appointed, showcasing some impressive artwork, and includes a box-in-box outward-facing auditorium that delivers a real “wow” moment. The open and inclusive workplace projects style and elegance, providing facilities and amenities to inspire and encourage anyone to spend more time in the office.
This year’s Best Project up to 2,500m2, The Living Lab is a transformative workspace that combines innovation, sustainability and functionality within a historic setting. Developed as engineering firm Hilson Moran’s new headquarters, it supports business growth while showcasing cutting-edge engineering and sustainability practices. Adapting a Grade II listed building, the team prioritised circular economy principles, resource-efficient solutions and high-performance environmental strategies. Features such as non-metallic ductwork, demand-response ventilation and modular furniture reduce embodied carbon and allow for future flexibility. Meanwhile, the open, transparent design fosters collaboration and the judges praised the integration of sustainability, wellbeing and adaptability. Hilson Moran has used the space to showcase its skills in the best way possible, making The Living Lab an exemplary next-generation office.
Norton Folgate was crowned Best Refurbished/Recycled Workplace for transforming three underused and vacant buildings on the edge of the City into a vibrant mixed-use development that showcases the meticulous restoration of historic structures dating from the late 1800s. By integrating these with thoughtfully designed new constructions, the project maintains the architectural integrity of the Elder Street Conservation Area while offering a variety of office spaces tailored to different business needs, alongside retail and leisure facilities. The all-electric retrofit project achieved high BREEAM ratings for both new and existing structures, while collaborations with local food and beverage tenants and the support of local businesses underscore the project’s dedication to social responsibility. Through its sensitive architectural approach, strong ESG commitments and enhancement of public spaces, the project fosters economic and social vitality, setting a new benchmark for sustainable urban regeneration.
ESG Award winner 11 Belgrave Road revitalises a dated 1950s office building, introducing elegant new façades that improve the streetscape and harmonise with the Pimlico Conservation Area. Its Nabers 5.5-star, BREEAM Outstanding and WELL Platinum certifications make 11 Belgrave Road one of the most sustainable office buildings in the UK. The development was shaped by an exemplary engagement process with local residents and the adjacent school, ensuring alignment with community needs. A portion of the space has been allocated to local charities, while publicly accessible amenities – including flexible workspaces – further integrate the building into the social fabric of the neighbourhood. Through its bold commitment to low-carbon materials, energy efficiency and community engagement, the project not only significantly reduces embodied and operational carbon but also enhances the social fabric of Pimlico, demonstrating how commercial buildings can drive both environmental and social progress.
When GSK decided to relocate its headquarters from Brentford to central London, it set itself the challenge to “create the world’s healthiest workplace”, founded on the guiding principles of health, collaboration and sustainability. The resulting Project Emerald on New Oxford Street earned it this year’s Innovation Award. Following extensive research into the best workplace environments, GSK has provided 13 different work settings, gym and terraces, plus Europe’s largest indoor vertical farm, which supports an impressive restaurant offering for both GSK’s people and the public. The judges praised GSK’s research-based approach to the project brief and understanding of how office environments impact stress, cognitive performance and wellbeing. The team has used scientific findings to design a space that truly enhances the lives of everyone who steps inside – an approach the judges said was over and above anything they have seen applied at this stage of a project and which provides lessons for others.
Angela Joseph, Development Director at Brookfield Properties and BCO London Judging Chair, said: “This year’s winners have really raised the bar in terms of putting sustainability and community at the heart of modern office design. Visiting all the finalists in this year’s awards was both exciting and inspiring as we saw how projects are prioritising well-being and occupier experience to create diverse spaces where workers want to spend time. Demand for quality workspaces continues to be a key driver for the market, and the innovation on display among our award winners suggests a bright future for London offices.”
Richard Kauntze, Chief Executive of the BCO, said: “Once again, the BCO’s Regional Awards have shown how far offices have evolved, and are continuing to do so, to meet the needs of the next generation of occupiers. As I come to the end of my tenure as chief executive of the BCO, I feel hugely positive about the future of this vital sector and proud of the way our members are raising standards in design, sustainability and occupier experience. Well done to all the 2025 London winners and best of luck for the National Awards this October.”
The London winners will compete for the BCO National Awards on 7th October 2025.
The lead sponsor for this year’s BCO Awards is AET Flexible Space. Category and Gold sponsors are AECOM, Glamox and Troup Bywaters + Anders. The BCO awards are in association with Estates Gazette.
ENDS
About the BCO
The British Council for Offices’ (BCO) mission is to research, develop and communicate best practice in all aspects of the office sector. It delivers this by providing a forum for the discussion and debate of relevant issues.
Established in 1990, the BCO is the UK’s leading forum for the discussion and debate of issues affecting the office sector.
Its members are all organisations involved in creating, acquiring, or occupying office space, whether architects, lawyers, surveyors, financial institutions, or public agencies. The BCO works to advance the collective understanding of its members, enabling them to work together to create more effective office space.
Media Contact:
ING Media
T: + 44 (0) 20 7247 8334
The North’s most outstanding workplaces have been named, with prestigious British Council for Offices (BCO) Awards presented to six landmark office buildings across the region.
On Thursday 3 April at Manchester’s Kimpton Clocktower, the BCO’s annual Northern Awards recognised projects that demonstrate best practice in office design, fit-out, operation and sustainability, setting the standard for excellence across the diverse sector.
The BCO Regional Award winners in each category for the North were:
Highly Commended workplaces were:
The BCO Northern Awards judging panel was chaired by Adam Tillis, Operations Director of Dragonfly Contracts, alongside Nathalie Baxter, Head of Workspace (Strategy) at the Home Group; Danielle Ford, Associate Director at GenNorth; Lee Treanor, Director at HBD; Richmal Wigglesworth, Associate Partner at Sheppard Robson.
Commenting on each of the winners, the BCO judges noted:
Winner in the Projects up to 2,500 sqm category, Henry Boot Group’s (HBG) new headquarters at Isaacs Building, Sheffield, is a workplace transformation that exemplifies modern, flexible, and sustainable design.
The judges noted: ‘This relocation from the historic Banner Cross Hall represents a significant cultural shift, fostering collaboration and innovation. Sustainability was central to the project, which achieved a BREEAM Very Good rating and reducing carbon emissions by 79%. By aligning workplace strategy with HBG’s net-zero 2030 goal, the new headquarters enhances employee engagement, boosts productivity, and sets a benchmark for sustainable workspaces. This forward-thinking approach solidifies HBG’s reputation as a leader in progressive workplace design and environmental responsibility.’
As Refurbished/Recycled Workplace of the Year, the Foundation redevelopment in Altrincham is an award-winning transformation, repurposing the former Rackhams department store into a dynamic hub for work, leisure, and community engagement.
Judges noted that the project revitalises the town centre, providing a new gateway with modern offices, co-working spaces, retail, and dining: ‘Foundation sets a new benchmark for urban regeneration, proving that adaptive reuse can drive long-term economic and social impact.’
Deloitte’s office at 100 Embankment, Salford, was named champion in the Fit Out of Workplace category.
Judges said: ‘This award-winning office exemplifies innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity, setting new benchmarks for hybrid working environments. The 6,085 sqm space is designed to foster collaboration, flexibility, and well-being, incorporating cutting-edge technology, sustainable materials, and dynamic workspaces. This transformative workplace embodies Deloitte’s vision, creating a thriving community hub that redefines employee experience and business innovation.’
West Village in Leeds received the Corporate Workplace award for masterfully unifying two separate buildings into a single, cohesive estate, anchored by a striking 20,000 sq ft extension that forms a bold gateway.
Judges said: ‘The 115,000 sq ft transformation redefines modern workspace design, prioritising innovation, sustainability, and employee well-being. The fit-out seamlessly blends biophilia, advanced technology, and flexible work environments. Key features include a fully landscaped courtyard and an open-plan entrance, eliminating a traditional reception to create a more welcoming atmosphere. With collaborative workspaces, wellness facilities, inspiring art installations, and Net Zero Carbon strategies achieving an EPC A rating, this project sets a new benchmark for contemporary workplace excellence.’
A double winner in the ESG and Commercial Workplace categories, Eden in Salford was highly praised by the BCO judges:
‘Eden is a groundbreaking, award-winning office development that sets a new standard for sustainable workplaces. This 12-storey, Net Zero Carbon building features Europe’s largest living wall – an astonishing 3,300m² of greenery with 350,000 plants, redefining urban biodiversity. As the UK’s first 5.5-star NABERS UK Design Reviewed project, alongside BREEAM Outstanding and EPC A ratings, it proves that commercial spaces can be both high-performance and environmentally responsible. Beyond sustainability, Eden’s social impact is equally transformative; it prioritises well-being, offering a vibrant social hub including local business Spice & Grind, wellness spaces, and a rooftop terrace.’
Oldham Spindles was given the Innovation award for its groundbreaking, adaptive reuse of a building that has transformed a struggling 1990s shopping centre into a vibrant, multi-functional workplace and community hub.
Judges commented: ‘Oldham Spindles is an innovative project that reimagines urban regeneration, proving that underutilised retail spaces can be repurposed for modern office environments. It sets a bold precedent for repurposing failing retail assets into thriving workspaces. A combination of architectural ingenuity, sustainability, and social impact makes it a worthy recipient of the BCO Innovation Award, showcasing a transformative model for urban regeneration.’
Alex Stork, Regional Committee Chair for the BCO, said: ‘This year’s BCO Northern Awards winners exemplify excellence in office design. These outstanding workspaces demonstrate how innovative strategies in well-being, sustainability, and community engagement can create remarkable commercial environments where people take pride in working.
‘The North continues to lead with some of the most exciting office developments, fuelled by collaborations between forward-thinking organisations, local authorities, and expert design and build specialists. Our judges were highly impressed by the exceptional quality of submissions this year. We extend our congratulations to the winners and those highly commended, and we eagerly anticipate the ongoing growth of the region’s office landscape.’
The Northern region winners will now compete for the BCO National Awards in October 2025. More details will be announced soon.
The lead sponsor for this year’s BCO Awards is AET Flexible Space. Gold sponsors are AECOM, Glamox and Troup Bywaters + Anders.
ENDS
Media contact:
Inform Communications
aaron.eastwood@informcomms.co.uk
T: 07791653149
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This week, we are celebrating the women in our industry as part of International Women’s Day and Women in Construction week; giving us the perfect opportunity to shine the spotlight on the outstanding women joining us to speak in Milan this May.
Helen Berresford: Helen is passionate about designing for people, championing an activity-driven design approach that puts human experience and requirements at the heart of the design process. The breadth of Helen’s knowledge allows her to expertly advise clients on every step of the project journey, from the early due-diligence and strategy, to creating efficient and inspiring spaces that encapsulate the culture of an organisation.
Betsy Brady: Betsy works in Knight Franks London Development Consultancy where she advises developers looking to regenerate the City of London’s stranded assets. Her focus is ensuring the next generation of commercial property within the Square Mile has sustainable purpose throughout its life cycle and meets the anticipated needs of the future workforce. Betsy has to solve the complex equation of the financial implications of the changing nature of the workplace and how can the desired outcome be achieved.
Victoria Caines: Victoria is an Associate Director at Turner & Townsend alinea, who specialises in MEP services. She recently joined the BCO National Judging panel, with her first judging role in 2024.
With over ten years of experience, Victoria has worked across various sectors, primarily focusing on commercial offices. Her expertise extends to both fit-out projects and shell-and-core developments.
Sophie Davies: Sophie is an Associate at Heyne Tillett Steel who takes a particular interest in heritage projects. With her research-based approach and eye for detail, she is adept at solving problems with existing fabric to mitigate risks in the early stages of design. Over her ten years in structural design, she’s worked on a variety of different projects, from complex high-rise commercial buildings to historic conversions and retail refurbishments, and she’s experienced working in multi-disciplinary teams on large and small developments over the full project lifecycle.
Katy Ghahremani: Katy is one of Make’s directors and has been a Maker since 2004. Her portfolio spans a variety of sectors and includes designs for a number of prestigious hotels around the world, including the award-winning Temple House hotel in Chengdu, China. Katy is currently leading Make’s high-profile refurbishment of Hornsey Town Hall. She’s passionate about interiors as well as architecture, and is often called upon to help clients develop their brand philosophy and identity.
Nicola Jones: Nicola is Customer Experience General Manager for GPE, with a passion for creating efficient customer journeys to increase customer satisfaction and customer retention. Nicola has extensive experience working cross property functionally to develop customer strategies that align with the business’s priorities and initiatives.
Angela Joseph: Angela is Director of Development working across a number of commercial developments within the Brookfield Properties portfolio with a current focus on delivery. Angela has experience working across both Australia and the United Kingdom as both a Quantity Surveyor and in Development with broad sector experience having worked on large scale commercial, life science and cultural projects. Angela is also the current Chair of the judging panel for the BCO Awards for London and South East.
Lauren Lewis: Lauren is a BCO NextGen committee member and actively involved in Arup’s London Property Leadership team. She is a mechanical building services engineer with a passion for low energy, architecturally integrated designs within the commercial property sector. Lauren has led the MEP design and delivery of over 20 co-working spaces for a well known global brand as well as being involved in significant masterplans such as Television Centre and a recently completed 330,000ft2 redevelopment close to Liverpool Street ; both of which push the dial on achieving low carbon buildings.
Philippa Wagner: Philippa Wagner is a leading voice in the hospitality industry, celebrated for crafting future-focused brand experiences that combine cultural insights with strategic consumer understanding. As founder of PeoplePlacesSpaces, she collaborates with global brands such as Ennismore, Gleneagles, TFE Hotels, and Locke to develop innovative concepts and reimagine guest experiences to ensure lasting impact in a changing market.
Chiara Zanello: Chiara Zanello is a Corporate Real Estate Manager within Willis Towers Watson’s Corporate Real Estate team in Europe, with over 10-years experience helping organisations to achieve strategic business goals by shaping and delivering successful Real Estate strategies.
Learn more and read their full biographies here.
Meet the BCO Awards Judges – What makes an award winning building?
Winning a BCO Award is an accolade to be proud of – a coveted industry benchmark for excellence in the workplace. Our annual awards programme celebrates quality design, commerciality, and sustainability.
What does it take to win an award? It is not a competition in architecture, scale of the project or budget, but an assessment across weighted criteria including aims and enterprise, value for money, utilisation of BCO guidance
and best practice, internal environment, quality of spaces, ESG, and finally how the building “lifts the spirts”. The assessment process is thorough – dedicated volunteer judges pour over the details of every submission and visit shortlisted projects, evaluating each against the stated criteria.
Would you like to understand more about the entry or assessment process, how the scoring is undertaken by the judges, how to present your project to have the best chance of success, and gather some insight and tips from the BCO judges?
Mike Burton, National BCO National Awards Chair and Building Engineering Director at AECOM, ably supported by a team of regional BCO Awards Judges, including Angela Joseph from Brookfield Properties and Mark Lacey from Turner & Townsend alinea will be on hand during coffee and lunch breaks to answer any questions you may have. Look out for the stand!
Want to know more? Download this year’s conference brochure. Here you will find detailed information on all aspects of the 2025 conference programme, including the party at Superstudio Più, as well as the photography competition, back for the 6th year running.
The British Council for Offices (BCO) has appointed a new chief executive to steer it through its next phase of growth.
Former EG editor and well-known advocate for the real estate sector Samantha McClary will take up the role from 6 May.
She succeeds Richard Kauntze, who has held the position for over 25 years, guiding the BCO through transformative growth and evolution. During Kauntze’s time as chief executive, the BCO’s membership has grown from 585 to more than 4,000. NextGen members (those who are 35 and under) now represent over a quarter of the BCO’s membership as a whole.
McClary has more than 20 years’ experience in the real estate sector, championing and challenging it through the pages of one of the sector’s core publications, Estates Gazette.
In her new role, McClary will seek to build on Kauntze’s achievements by working to grow the BCO’s membership further and to amplify its role as a guiding light for the workspace sector.
Samantha McClary, incoming Chief Executive, British Council for Offices, said: “The workplace has been through such a transformation, accelerated by Covid, but remains such an important element of our built environment. Where and how we work plays a vital role in building community. Our workplaces have a unique ability to bring people together, to enable innovation and collaboration. How we design and build these spaces has a phenomenal impact on people and the planet.
“It is vital that we support this important industry and make sure that everyone understands the role it plays in supporting economic growth, in creating community and in helping solve the climate crisis. This is why I’m excited and honoured to be taking up this role and to be working with the BCO Presidential team and the whole of the BCO membership to ensure the UK workspace sector leads and gets the recognition it deserves.”
Richard Kauntze, Chief Executive, British Council for Offices, said: “It has been an honour and a pleasure to hold the role of chief executive of the BCO for more than 25 years. I am delighted to be handing over the reins to Sam, and I know that she will do an excellent job of guiding the organisation through the years to come.
It is a real testament to the strength and ingenuity of our membership that the BCO has continued to grow and adapt in response to challenges such as the financial crisis, hybrid working, and, more recently, the rise of AI. The office continues to play a vital role in the greater ecosystem of towns and cities, and it is with anticipation and excitement that I will be watching this new chapter for the BCO unfold under the leadership of its new chief executive and formidable presidential team.”
Peter Crowther, President, British Council for Offices, said: “Sam has been at the forefront of the sector for years, not just working to champion the best of its achievements but working to challenge its limits and seek out avenues for progress where needed. I look forward to working alongside Sam as we continue the BCO’s work of helping the sector achieve its best. My heartfelt thanks go to Richard for his years of service to the BCO, a sentiment which I know is shared by the wider membership. Richard has been synonymous with the BCO for as long as I can remember and his tireless work has been instrumental in seeing the organisation grow and establish its place as a rigorous and respected source of guidance, support and progress.”
As a leading advocate for diversity, inclusion and talent, McClary will also seek to further grow the BCO’s NextGen membership and activities, with a focus on collaboration across sectors to ensure the future of the real estate sector remains in safe hands and continues to deliver the places our businesses, people and planet deserve.
ENDS
Please find relevant images HERE.
Media contact
ING Media
BCO@ing-media.com
T: + 44 (0) 20 7247 8334
About the BCO
The British Council for Offices’ (BCO) mission is to research, develop and communicate best practice in all aspects of the office sector. It delivers this by providing a forum for the discussion and debate of relevant issues.
Established in 1990, the BCO is the UK’s leading forum for the discussion and debate of issues affecting the office sector.
Its members are all organisations involved in creating, acquiring, or occupying office space, whether architects, lawyers, surveyors, financial institutions, or public agencies. The BCO works to advance the collective understanding of its members, enabling them to work together to create more effective office space.
We are delighted to introduce the BCO Customer Experience Award, a brand-new category in the BCO Awards Programme 2025. This award recognises office buildings, campuses, business parks, and science parks that go beyond great design and functionality to create exceptional customer experiences for occupiers, employees, and visitors.
Following the launch of BCO’s latest research report, “Towards Experience Utopia – Customer Experience Best Practice in the UK Office Sector”, this new award further highlights and celebrates organisations that are setting new benchmarks in workplace experience.
As workplace expectations continue to evolve, this award honours excellence in leadership, service delivery, customer engagement, well-being, sustainability, and innovation. If your office space is redefining customer experience, we encourage you to enter!
Key Details
How to Enter
To enter, download the Customer Experience Award Entry Guide and Entry Form, then follow the instructions to prepare your submission. Once completed, email your Entry Form along with any supporting documents to events@bco.org.uk.
Submission Deadline: Thursday 10 April 2025, 5pm
30 January 2025
BCO launches new guidance for office design reflecting hybrid working patterns and net zero transition
In first update since 2011, the third edition of the flagship Guide to Fit-Out offers advice from leading UK experts on the next generation of office interiors – from smart tech and AI to well-being- enhancing amenities and minimising climate impact
The British Council for Offices (BCO) has launched the third edition of its flagship Guide to Fit-Out, which sets out best practice and expert advice on office interior design for occupiers and built environment professionals.
The Guide is an important resource for occupiers and their design teams seeking to attract and retain talent amid changing working patterns and environmental regulations. It offers recommendations for every stage of the fit-out process, from the selection of materials and procurement processes to regulations for the management of office spaces in-use. It is intended to be used in conjunction with the BCO’s Guide to Specification, which offers a framework for delivering best-in-class workplaces tailored to occupier needs.
Key guidance for best-in-class office fit-out includes:
This is the first new edition of the Guide to be published since 2011, which now includes standalone sections on health and well-being, fire, acoustics, vertical transportation and structural engineering. These changes reflect the increased importance of these areas for occupiers seeking greater flexibility, adaptability and connectivity from their workspaces.
The Guide highlights the growing importance of offering a variety of amenities and spaces to help meet the changing needs of diverse workforces. In particular, it notes a shift in workspace design in reaction to hybrid working patterns, whereby space previously allocated to desks can now be used for collaborative and social spaces, as desks are made to ‘work harder’ through a hot-desking approach.
The Guide likewise offers a checklist for multisensory design interventions to promote occupier health and wellbeing. These include connections with nature through the introduction of plants and natural materials. The promotion of active working is covered, through a mix of spaces and furniture for standing, walking and sitting. The Guide also recommends spaces for quiet work and rest, and the use of sports facilities and artwork to alleviate stress and stimulate thought.
The growing integration of smart technology is reflected throughout, with recommendations included on its application for a host of operational needs, from security and maintenance to managing space and helping to attract talent.
The Guide offers comprehensive guidance on setting clear, KPI-driven sustainability briefs aimed at reducing the life cycle carbon of offices. Along with monitoring energy use to identify areas for improved efficiency, it encourages occupiers to consider their environmental and social ambitions before deciding on a brief for fit-out.
To help with the reduction of embodied carbon, the Guide outlines the benefits of a circular economy approach to fit-out, whereby incoming and outgoing occupiers can work together with building owners to minimise waste and maximise reuse and retention of furnishings and fixtures. The adoption of materials passport systems is also singled out as a means of increasing opportunities for the reuse of building materials.
To help the industry access case studies of best practice, the Guide includes examples from BCO Award-winning projects. The interactive digital publication links to a rich online library that will be updated on an ongoing basis.
The production of the Guide was led by Neil Pennell, Head of Design Innovation and Property Solutions, Landsec and Peter Williams, Senior Technical Advisor, Stanhope – Chair and Deputy Chair respectively of the BCO Technical Affairs Committee. Over 100 industry professionals contributed to and supported the creation of the final document, through participation in working groups or peer reviews.
Neil Pennell, Head of Design Innovation and Property Solutions at Landsec, said: “The new edition of the Guide to Fit-Out reflects the evolution in the way people use offices over the past decade. When developing the insights and recommendations shared in the Guide, we paid close attention to what people want from their workspace today, and what they are likely to demand in the future. This starts with a healthy environment that features less desks and more amenity spaces that create valuable, fulfilling experiences. With sustainability increasingly influencing business decisions, reducing embodied carbon in the fit-out process is more important than ever and the advice on circularity principles shows how multiple stakeholders can play a part in helping to cut waste during the fit-out process.”
Peter Williams, Senior Technical Advisor at Stanhope, said: “The Guide is ultimately a tool for attracting and retaining the best workforce possible. The pandemic accelerated changes that were already in train in the sector, meaning that office spaces now need to work harder to set themselves apart. By creating sustainable, human-centric and tech-enabled workplaces, office occupiers can offer an experience that simply can’t be recreated in the home working environment. The increased flexibility we’re seeing in office design is recognition that offices are ultimately spaces for people to come together, spark new ideas and collaborate.”
Richard Kauntze, Chief Executive at British Council for Offices, said: “The BCO Guide to Fit-Out is not just theoretical but highly practical. In today’s climate, the importance of health, wellbeing, and sustainability cannot be overstated. Encapsulating the latest industry trends, the new edition of the Guide is an indispensable resource in the current era of rapid workplace transformation. This is essential reading for anyone involved in office design and fit-out, reaffirming the BCO’s role as a leader in shaping the future of work environments.”
ENDS
Media contact
ING Media
BCO@ing-media.com
T: + 44 (0) 20 7247 8334
About the BCO
The British Council for Offices’ (BCO) mission is to research, develop and communicate best practice in all aspects of the office sector. It delivers this by providing a forum for the discussion and debate of relevant issues.
Established in 1990, the BCO is the UK’s leading forum for the discussion and debate of issues affecting the office sector.
Its members are all organisations involved in creating, acquiring, or occupying office space, whether architects, lawyers, surveyors, financial institutions, or public agencies. The BCO works to advance the collective understanding of its members, enabling them to work together to create more effective office space.
New British Council for Offices report tells employers and office designers to treat office workers like customers that need to be acquired and retained, and to find out what they want by means including experimentation and analysing metrics
A new British Council for Offices (BCO) report says staff must be treated like customers if employers want them back in the office. This means making the office a place that gives them the experiences they want.
Towards Experience Utopia provides the ultimate guide to creating ideal working environments that blend the best aspects of remote and in-office work. Commissioned by the BCO Occupiers Group, which comprises representatives of leading employers such as NatWest, PwC, Deloitte, Hines, Goldman Sachs, Gilead, BT and Citi, the ‘state of the nation’ report sets out the latest thinking on the implications of rise of hybrid working and the profound transformation in the office sector.
Just as consumer behaviour has changed in recent years, so too have the preferences of office workers. Expectations of what the office should offer are soaring, particularly from Gen Z, who value flexibility and work-life balance highly. The absolute focus for top employers should become designing and delivering enjoyable and inspiring places to work, as they compete with the comfort of home environments.
Previous BCO reports have implored building owners to treat their occupiers as customers to support revenue, retention, and reputation. This new research emphasises that this is no longer enough; the employee has become the ultimate arbiter of value, necessitating a paradigm shift in the design and operation of office buildings.
Metrics such as occupancy rates, badge swipes, meeting room use, and employee surveys can support in making data-driven decisions, in a similar way to how brands use insights on their customers to deliver personalised experiences and identify new opportunities.
The report provides practical guidance for occupiers, investors, developers, agents, architects and designers, engineers, technology experts, and property managers through strategies and checklists, as well as best practice case studies from the likes of Legal & General and the Government Property Agency.
The report makes the following recommendations:
Andy McBain, BCO Junior Vice President, Chair of the BCO Occupiers Group, and Head of Future of Workspace & Design at NatWest, said: “Employees must now be treated like customers, with their experience and satisfaction as the top priority if their loyalty to the office is to be earnt. Rising generations have different expectations of the workplace and combined with advancements in tech, this has brought about a tectonic shift in ways of working – and consequently how offices should be managed and serviced.”
Dr. Danielle Sanderson, Associate Professor of Real Estate at UCL and Senior Consultant at RealService, added: “For many of us, the office remains the central hub of our professional lives but today, the ability to work flexibly or remotely is not just a perk but an expectation. Hybrid working has challenged everything that we previously understood about the purpose of the office. Employers and workspace providers should be trying to ‘sell’ time in the office, gather insights into what their ‘customers’ want, and design customer journeys to deliver an excellent customer experience. Such a Customer Experience strategy offers real commercial benefits, as my research has repeatedly shown.”
This new research and the launch of the new BCO Customer Experience Award in early 2025 will foster debate about what the best practice looks like for different occupiers, drive improvements and recognise achievements in delivering brilliant customer experiences.
ENDS
Media contact
ING Media
BCO@ing-media.com
T: + 44 (0) 20 7247 8334
About the BCO
The British Council for Offices’ (BCO) mission is to research, develop and communicate best practice in all aspects of the office sector. It delivers this by providing a forum for the discussion and debate of relevant issues.
Established in 1990, the BCO is the UK’s leading forum for the discussion and debate of issues affecting the office sector.
Its members are all organisations involved in creating, acquiring, or occupying office space, whether architects, lawyers, surveyors, financial institutions, or public agencies. The BCO works to advance the collective understanding of its members, enabling them to work together to create more effective office space.
A date for the diary! 
The BCO Scottish Awards Lunch returns on 16 May @ 12:00 - 15:30 at the ...Read More
Too funny. Vicki Walker Lucky for you, The BCO Guide to Spec(savers) is coming next.
Brrrrr(
)itish Council for Offices Regional Awards judges are doing the rounds. Best of luck to ...Read More
May 19, 2025 
By BCO Media 
