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
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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.
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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.
The nation’s most outstanding workplaces have been announced. British Council for Offices (BCO) National Awards go to eight projects, with the life sciences TTP Campus receiving both the Best of the Best and the Corporate Workplace awards.
Held at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House, London, the BCO’s annual awards celebrated designs that demonstrate and drive best practice in office design, fit-out, operation, community engagement and sustainability.
Recognised across the industry, the BCO National Awards programme sets the standard for best-in-class office buildings in the UK. The awards dinner, with guest speaker Clare Balding, attracted over 1,200 key players from the industry.
This year’s event also saw the launch of a new category, the Customer Experience Award, which will form part of the BCO National Awards from 2025 onwards. The award will celebrate office buildings, business parks and campuses where an outstanding experience is provided to occupiers, their employees, visitors and the wider community.
The winners of the BCO National Awards 2024 are:
Highly commended – Grainhouse, London
Highly commended – 8 Bishopsgate, London
Highly commended – EQ, Bristol
Highly commended – BP London
TTP Campus in Cambridgeshire has been crowned winner of both the Best of the Best and the Corporate Workplace awards. The life sciences campus for The Technology Partnership successfully encourages the cross-pollination of ideas across groups of innovative individuals across research, creativity and analysis to deliver world class solutions and technologies. With collaboration at the forefront, the campus consists of three key spaces – The Hive, The Exchange and The Tech Barn. The Hive sits at the heart of campus, adopting an open-plan layout mixing the various working spaces with lab work benches being placed adjacent to desk-working areas. The building hosts a central amenity area to encourage interaction amongst employees as well as clients, in addition to offering expansive views onto the surrounding landscape with glazed exteriors. The judges particularly commended the TTP Campus for its enhancement of biodiversity that supports the local area and village. The scheme has introduced two large wildlife ponds and planted wildflower meadows for both occupiers and the public to enjoy.
Winning the award for Commercial Workplace, 1 New Park Square, Edinburgh, played a crucial role in the regeneration of the business park typology in which it sits. Visitors are welcomed with a colonnaded entrance and an expansive reception area, featuring striking art in the form of a hanging tapestry weaved by a local art organisation. The judges were particularly taken by the pioneering mixed-mode ventilation and wider sustainable approach to materials. The project incorporates a new bakery and bar in addition to sports facilities such as a padel court and multi-use games area to create a vibrant and active environment for occupier wellbeing. By enhancing the public realm offer, the design leverages the new infrastructure and connections into Edinburgh and the wider region.
The Fit Out of Workplace award went to Osborne Clarke by Interaction in Bristol which followed a people and culture initiative, shifting away from the traditional legal workplace model. With a cradle-to-cradle approach to material selection, alongside using photovoltaic panels and greywater recycling, the building achieves the highest sustainability standards. The interior is decorated with an expanse of greenery in the form of interior gardens, a planted atrium and a landscaped roof terrace. The team also sourced local art to help support nearby business while creating a vibrant and lively space for the occupiers.
This year Projects up to 2,500m² was awarded to Statkraft, The Garment Factory in Glasgow, which involved the sensitive restoration of a category B listed heritage building, maintaining the character and original features of the existing building while meeting modern occupier needs. The renewal saw the creation of an open-plan office space with a creative, social and warm working environment, and visitors are met with a colourful wall made from rolls of materials in the reception area. The project team engaged with the future occupiers when making key design decisions, crafting a user-friendly and unique space that embodies the company’s heritage. Drawing on local, recycled and recyclable materials, the design was praised by judges for being both sustainable and socially conscious.
Receiving the award for Refurbished/Recycled Workplace, Tower Hamlets Town Hall, London, is an exemplar of what can be achieved through building restoration, demonstrating how workplaces can have a positive impact on surrounding communities. The project carefully modernised the existing Grade II listed building while retaining its strong heritage. The blend of the old Georgian façade and staircases alongside the new interventions create a dramatic building that is both welcoming to the community whilst also serving as a practical and efficient workplace. As a result, Tower Hamlets Town Hall is a new focal point of Whitechapel’s regeneration, bringing a historic London landmark back to life and reinvigorating it with a new purpose.
The Innovation award went to The Forge, London, which pioneered an innovative procurement route in championing design for Manufacture (P-DfMA). The project sets a new benchmark for construction by adopting new methods to improve safety as well as reducing waste and increasing build quality, from which its global recognition will help drive the wider industry forward for years to come. Powered only by renewable energy, the final design consists of two buildings with a welcoming landscaped courtyard and high quality amenity areas such as state of the art end-of-trip facilities, while a green roof contributes to its local biodiversity.
The ESG award was given to One Strawberry Lane in Newcastle Upon Tyne, an exemplar of how to deliver on all elements of ESG at the highest level, bringing a positive impact both to its building users and the wider community. While the ground floor is a dedicated community space delivering an array of social value activities for employees, the building also encourages public participation by opening meeting spaces up to voluntary community sector organisations free of charge. The project also gave back to the community during its construction, with 65% of project spending directed to local enterprises. The judges were equally impressed by the building’s approach to sustainability, which used an innovative carbon monitoring tool during construction to measure and manage carbon emissions throughout the building’s lifecycle.
Deloitte HQ – 1 New Street Square in London won the Test of Time award. The building provides a unique and flexible base for Deloitte, allowing the company to adapt in the space to meet its changing needs. Following the pandemic, Deloitte consolidated from six buildings into two, all while occupying the space. The fit-out has increased the connection to nature, such as through the addition of a greenhouse, as well as providing greater office flexibility for the future with alterative working spaces and seating arrangements to accommodate for fluctuating occupancy. The feature staircase boasting artistic design and a green wall is a new focal point of the office inviting mixing and collaboration across all workers.
Peter Crowther, President of the BCO and Partner at HERE, said: “The winners of this year’s BCO Awards highlight the need for offices to not only provide the most efficient and productive working environments but to also contribute to their surrounding cities and communities. As the demand for cutting edge lab spaces continues to rise, it is fitting that TTP Campus received two awards by raising the bar and driving the sector forward with its innovative and unique approach to design, collaboration and creativity. Congratulations to all the winners which each demonstrate a remarkable commitment which goes beyond expectation.”
Richard Kauntze, Chief Executive of the BCO, commented: “The aim of the BCO National Awards is to celebrate the achievements and progress within the industry by awarding the best-in-class and most forwarded thinking office designs. It was a joy to see that this year all the winners showed a unique approach to broadening the positive impact offices can achieve beyond their immediate occupiers. From incorporating local artwork to using advanced monitoring tools and modern methods of construction to drive ESG, this year’s winners set a new standard which I hope will guide the wider industry forwards.”
Mike Burton, Chair of the BCO’s National Judging Panel and Director at AECOM, added: “It was a pleasure to contribute to the selection and decisions in the BCO National Awards once again this year. All entries were of an especially high calibre and it has been truly inspiring to observe and evaluate such an array of commercial excellence. Congratulations to all the well-deserving winners.”
Gold sponsors of this year’s BCO Awards are AECOM and Troup Bywaters + Anders, and Silver sponsor is Quantem. The BCO Awards are in association with EG.
ENDS
Please find a link to images of the winners, along with image credits, HERE.
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
Working with the Presidential Team, Richard Kauntze has held the position for close to 25 successful years, guiding the BCO through transformative growth and evolution
After soon-to-be 25 years of serving as Chief Executive for the British Council for Offices, Richard Kauntze will be stepping down in summer 2025. His successor will be appointed by the BCO Presidential Team in due course.
During Mr Kauntze’s tenure, the BCO has grown in membership and become established firmly as the office sector’s source of education, guidance and discussion. Since Mr Kauntze joined as Chief Executive in 1999, membership has increased from 585 to over 4,000, spanning a range of disciplines from leading architects and developers to major office occupiers.
Mr Kauntze has also worked hard to increase the BCO’s geographical reach, expanding from its initial base in Reading to a strong national presence across regions with a London headquarters.
The BCO NextGen programme has advanced over the past decade, with 25% of the BCO’s total membership now comprising of NextGen members – members aged 35 and under – demonstrating that the BCO is shored-up for the future. Mr Kauntze was instrumental in the creation of the NextGen Committees, which provide a platform for knowledge-sharing, mentoring, networking and professional development across five regions.
The NextGen ideas competition was launched in 2017 and has evolved into the BCO NextGen Ideas Project celebrating the boldest, most innovative and creative ideas for the future workspace of the next generation. The programme aims to encourage the NextGen’s confidence, expand their network and help them advance in their career.
The BCO Awards programme has developed and expanded to recognise new priorities and innovation within the sector, such as the ESG Award introduced in 2023. A new occupier award is being developed by the BCO, to highlight the highest standards for workplaces while they are in in-use.
In collaboration with the BCO Research Committee, the Presidential Team and the BCO’s Head of Research, Mr Kauntze has steered the BCO Research programme to inform upon and investigate continually the critical challenges in the office sector. This has seen vital research published on topics ranging from sustainability, agile working, health and wellbeing to designing for neurodiversity.
Working alongside the Presidential Team, Mr Kauntze is overseeing the introduction of two new BCO Committees – the London Regional Committee and the Life Sciences Committee. Each committee is being created to respond to emerging major trends in the sector, including London’s unique position in the British office market and the growth of life sciences into a notable real estate market.
The BCO also launched its new website last week which reflects and supports today’s office sector, with clear, user-friendly access to essential resources such as BCO guides and research. It will showcase the best in office design while providing all the latest BCO news and details of upcoming BCO events.
Richard Kauntze, Chief Executive of the BCO, said: “It will be bitter-sweet to say farewell to the BCO next summer. It has been an honour to hold the role of chief executive with the organisation for what will be 25 years this November. I will always have great fondness of the BCO and I am excited to see how it will continue to grow and progress with the excellent Presidential Team. Meanwhile, I am delighted to be launching the London Regional Committee and the Life Sciences Committee in this final year, which I believe will offer new springboards for discussion on progressive topics in the sector.”
Despina Katsikakis, President of the BCO, said: “I would like to express deep gratitude personally and on behalf of the BCO committees and members for Richard’s extraordinary work and commitment. For a quarter of a century Richard has focused on growing and diversifying the BCO’s membership and driving forward its purpose to research, inform and inspire best practice and discussion of key issues. Throughout his tenure Richard has positioned the BCO as the guiding light for a dynamic commercial office sector, a crucial role which we in the presidential team will continue to uphold and develop in line with the sector’s changing priorities and evolution.”
Peter Crowther, Senior Vice President of the BCO, said: “Fast approaching 25 years at the helm of the BCO, Richard has been a fantastic ambassador for the office sector, guiding members through economic recessions and the Covid-19 pandemic, to emerge stronger each time. Richard has steered the BCO to become one of Britain’s leading property bodies, producing publications heralded as ‘industry bibles’ and the BCO Awards have evolved to become acclaimed as the most rigorous and respected in our sector. He is an incredibly well-respected voice and leader in the industry. I am sure the entire membership and industry will join me in sincerely thanking Richard for his outstanding contribution and wishing him good health and happiness in his next chapter.”
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
Crowther, Co-Founder of HERE, succeeds Cushman & Wakefield’s Despina Katsikakis, and GPE’s Helen Hare becomes Senior Vice President
LONDON, 27 June 2024: Peter Crowther, Co-Founder at HERE, has been elected President of the British Council for Offices (BCO) with immediate effect, following yesterday’s BCO annual general meeting. He succeeds Despina Katsikakis, Executive Partner & Global Lead, Total Workplace at Cushman & Wakefield.
The presidential team also sees Helen Hare, Director of Projects at GPE, take on the role of Senior Vice President, following on from Crowther in the role. Andy McBain, Head of Future of Workspace & Design at NatWest Group, becomes the new Junior Vice President.
Crowther brings to the role expertise in navigating the intersection between the office and other sectors, as well as a passion for creating and delivering innovative and sustainable workplaces. His career spans more than 25 years in real estate. In his previous role as Chief Development Officer at Bruntwood SciTech, Crowther led the evolution of the company’s development portfolio since he joined in 1997, including the advent of its commercial, science and technology joint venture with Legal & General in 2018.
In April 2024, Crowther co-founded HERE, with fellow Bruntwood alumnus Kate Lawlor. HERE is a development management and advisory company focused on the acquisition, reinvention, repositioning and ongoing management of operational real estate – with a focus on commercial offices and laboratory spaces.
Crowther first joined the BCO in 2010, acting as a member of the BCO’s Northern Regional Committee. He was also a member of the National Awards Judging Panel between 2012 and 2017, acting as Chair of the panel in 2015.
Last month, Crowther chaired the BCO’s Annual Conference in Birmingham, which was themed “creating vibrancy”. Crowther was instrumental in involving the BCO’s NextGen cohort – the 25% of BCO members who are aged 35 and under – in the organisation of conference panels on topics including how culture shapes workplaces.
Crowther’s focus as BCO President will be on how the sector can continue to evolve in response to the challenges posed by climate change and rapid technological advancements through solutions such as retrofit and the integration of AI, while improving occupier-experience for all.
During her 12-month presidency, Katsikakis championed the role of the office in supporting environmental, social and economic resilience and providing inspiring places for people to thrive. Katsikakis took part in the organisation of the BCO’s inaugural ESG conference and oversaw the launch of the BCO’s new research agenda in January this year. This significant update included the development of the BCO’s ‘2030 vision for the office’, concentrating on four pillars: economy, business, technology, and ESG.
Katsikakis also led the undertaking of a new research initiative to define the parameters of customer experience and create a new BCO awards category, acknowledging that the future of the office will be characterised by a greater focus on people and experience.
Other changes to the BCO’s Presidential Team include Helen Hare’s promotion to Senior Vice President. Bruce Paterson, Founding Partner at Quantem, continues in his role as Honorary Treasurer.
Peter Crowther, President of the BCO and Co-Founder at HERE, said: “It is an honour to take on the role of BCO President. As we adapt to the new realities of hybrid, tech-enabled working conditions, the role of the office will continue to adapt to best meet the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s workers. I look forward to working with the BCO committees across the regions and the NextGen as we explore new models for office design and operation, and how commercial real estate can feed into the broader development of UK cities.”
Despina Katsikakis, Immediate Past President of the BCO and Executive Partner & Global Lead, Total Workplace at Cushman & Wakefield, said: “My warmest congratulations to Peter for his appointment as President of the BCO. It has been a pleasure to hold the position of BCO President over the past year and to be part of the organisation’s ongoing evolution. For me, finding new platforms for collaboration and testing ideas is one of the most important ways forward and the BCO continues to play a vital part in the industry by giving members from different sectors the chance to come together to learn from each other. I am excited to see what Peter will achieve in the coming year and look forward to continuing to support BCO members through my new position as Immediate Past President.”
Richard Kauntze, Chief Executive of the BCO, said: “I am delighted to welcome Peter Crowther to the role of BCO President. Peter has made his mark in the commercial sector as an innovative and ambitious leader, and I am a great admirer of Peter’s collaborative and creative vision for the future of the workplace. It was a huge pleasure to work alongside him on the curation of this year’s BCO conference in Birmingham, where his focus on social value and inclusivity was brought to the fore. I wish him the very best for this new role and look forward to seeing all he will accomplish during his presidential year.
“My sincere thanks go to Despina Katsikakis for her outstanding work over the past year. Despina has been a formidable leader for the BCO. Despina’s work with the BCO’s Research Committee to launch new research pillars to set the parameters for upcoming papers demonstrates her ongoing role in guiding the office sector as it continues to evolve in response to changing occupier needs, economic shifts, the rapid progression of workplace tech and growing sustainability standards. Despina’s human-centric approach, her inquisitive nature and her clear passion for creating spaces with wellbeing at their heart have left a lasting impression on the BCO.”
“I would also like to thank Bruce Paterson for his dedication and continued work as BCO’s Honorary Treasurer, congratulate Helen Hare, who now becomes our Senior Vice President, and welcome Andy McBain, our new Junior Vice President.”
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. The BCO leads on 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.
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Winners showcase sustainable spaces with a focus on future-proofing and inclusive design, contributing to the wider regeneration of South of England and South Wales city centres
The South of England’s and South Wales’s most outstanding workplaces have been announced, with British Council for Offices Awards going to six office buildings across the region. Held at The Coal Exchange Hotel, 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 operation and sustainability, setting the standard for excellence across the sector.
The winners of this year’s competition in the South West region stand out for their occupier-centric design credentials, as well as their innovative implementation of inclusivity and sustainability measures. In its second year, the ESG Award continues to celebrate the achievements of offices which excel in responding to the sector’s changing Environmental, Social and Governance needs. The winning projects for the region demonstrate the growing importance of ESG, evidenced by the winner of Best Corporate Workplace, Calon, also receiving the ESG award.
The BCO Regional Award winners for the South of England and South Wales are:
The Best Corporate Workplace award went to Calon. The project’s framework for sustainability and innovation impressed the judges, particularly in terms of energy efficiency, for which the building achieved a NABERS 5-star rating. High-quality flexible spaces provide a new hybrid working area in the heart of Cardiff, adding to the wider mixed-use development scheme in Central Square. The office offers designated areas for collaboration, as well as formal and informal meeting spaces, providing occupiers with an environment that promotes productivity and interaction.
Receiving the Best Commercial Workplace award is EQ. With wellbeing initiatives becoming increasingly important in the office sector, this project provides ample opportunity for occupiers to de-stress. The building’s facilities aid this through the available workout classes, wellness studio, roof terrace and cycle hire, all designed to improve occupier physical and mental health. The judges also made note of the project’s sustainability credentials, with the design including low-carbon heat pumps and a unitised façade to optimise daylight and achieve a BREEAM Outstanding rating. The 200,000sqft building contributes to Bristol’s economic development, providing a high percentage of amenity spaces.
Halo was crowned Best Fit out Workplace, with the judges praising the project’s focus on inclusivity and biophilia throughout the building. Tailoring its approach to the client’s needs, Halo provides breakout areas and flexible workspaces, as well as spaces for workers to exercise, relax, and eat. The interior is finished functionally in a neutral aesthetic, avoiding the need for future changes to fit-out in line with changing design trends. The consideration taken during the fit out was described by the judges’ as a cradle-to-cradle approach, making use of durable materials, while providing a vibrant aesthetic. The project is on track for a WELL platinum rating showcasing the standard of its occupier-centric wellbeing initiatives and design.
Winning the award for Best Project up to 2,500m2, the Quad O2, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus is a small building with powerful solutions for sustainable, inclusive design. The judges were particularly impressed by the integration of technology, including wellbeing sensors and high-efficiency MEP systems. Despite its modest size, the project stood out to the judges for its significant reduction in energy demand and small carbon footprint, achieved through a ‘fabric first’ approach, due to the selection of materials which strengthen the building envelope. The project also incorporates elements of biophilic design and natural lighting to create an inclusive environment, catered to diversity and accessibility needs.
Building 3000 takes home the award for Best Refurbished/Recycled Workplace having impressed the judges by its proactive use of retrofit initiatives. The judges note that the visual aesthetics of the building’s workspaces were not compromised during the refurbishment, but were carefully considered, with praise going to the striking, progressive design. Encompassing the needs of occupiers and commercial requirements, the project provides a combination of wellness space in the form of a rooftop terrace, end of journey facilities, and high-quality office space. A central atrium serves as a focal point, designed to facilitate communal gathering.
This year, Plus X Brighton was the recipient of the Innovation award. The project supports the broader regeneration of Brighton, contributing to the sense of community with a publicly accessible café. The building provides flexible workspaces for start-ups and entrepreneurs, offering a solution to the challenges of office space scarcity in the area. Incorporating specialist hire prototyping labs and digital studios, the office provides insight into the possible innovations of future workspaces. The building has achieved a WELL Platinum rating.
Lastly, the ESG award was the second award to go to Calon. The judges’ found environmental stewardship to be at the core of the project, which attained a BREEAM Outstanding certification. Additionally, the project was awarded WELL Platinum standard, with notable occupier-centric technological innovations brought in to monitor air quality, along with the implementation of natural lighting into the design. The Judges complimented the operational net-zero initiatives in place, with the building’s solar panels and air source heat pumps providing 100% of the energy used onsite.
The South of England and South Wales winners will compete for the BCO National Awards on 8th October 2024.
The lead sponsor for this year’s BCO Awards is ISG. Category and Gold sponsors are AECOM and Troup Bywaters + Anders. The BCO awards are in association with EG.
Catherine Macpherson, Judging Chair for the BCO South of England and South Wales Region said: “The standard of these projects is admirable, providing us a beacon of innovation and great insight into the future of the built environment. With plenty of external factors facing the projects, the initiative and dedication to high standards did not falter. It is also evident that the move towards wellbeing is paramount, with all projects addressing an aspect of occupier welfare. The focus the winning projects put on inclusivity is a promising indicator of the future of this industry.”
Richard Kauntze, Chief Executive of the BCO said: “The BCO’s regional awards provide the industry with an excellent opportunity to foster collaboration and creativity. From Cardiff, to Guilford, the South West region has seen an outstanding array of high quality office space, designed to meet not only the needs of occupiers but also those of local communities. This year’s winners show how office design can meld stunning visuals with thought-leading, practical spaces. Congratulations to all the winners of the region and best of luck for the upcoming National Awards.”
John Wright, Chair of the BCO Committee for South of England and South Wales, said: “It is encouraging to see the high standard of office buildings being delivered across the South of England and South Wales. This region continues to impress with vibrant cities and ambitious sustainability targets. Offices have a vital role to play helping to revitalise town and city centres and the winning projects are shining examples of how strategic development and intelligent design can create spaces for communities to thrive for the years to come.”
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
Celebrating innovation workspaces, well-being, and sustainability at the BCO Northern Awards 2024
The North’s most outstanding workplaces have been announced, with prestigious British Council for Offices (BCO) Awards going to seven landmark office buildings across the region.
Held on Thursday 9 May 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:
Commenting on each of the winners, the judges noted:
Stockport’s Merseyway Innovation Centre has ambitiously transformed the old Merseyway Shopping Centre into a high-quality, shared working space that re-purposes vacant retail floorspace to provide a centrally located business centre. It provides office space primarily for start-up businesses with flexible offices to suit varying budgets to support growth. This ambitious re-configuration of the shopping centre demonstrates how such structures can be re-purposed with minimal intervention to create a no-compromise, low carbon and low energy workspace fully enabled to support businesses of the future and helping the town centre regeneration, adding footfall and critical mass to Stockport’s high street.
Drapers Yard, the winner of the Refurbished/Recycled Workplace category, has revitalised and repurposed the historic Kays Catalogue building into a high-quality work environment, supporting jobs and leading the way in biomedical science. Drapers Yards is the first development in the up-and-coming Temple District area to contribute towards improving connections to the wider city centre and surrounding communities. The team were commended for respecting the building’s previous incarnations, producing an innovative, creative space comprising a clinic, rooftop engagement space, GMP Pharmacy, production suites and high-quality workspace in a previously derelict building. By repurposing and saving embodied carbon alongside successfully delivering a challenging brief and complex design, the project was delivered at a difficult time, during a global pandemic.
Winner of the Fit out of Workplace category, co-working operator, x+why,at 100 Embankment, Salford, delivers an inspiring and unique space. The fit out spans the reception area, ground, first and second floors, as well as the roof terrace, and reflects the company’s ambition of creating community, collaboration and culture. Thanks to a true partnership approach to the project, combining a striking, outstanding design, quality finishes, social impact and sustainability, x+why has delivered a workplace with a difference at Embankment. Whether for start-ups in search of inspiration, growing teams seeking a supportive environment, or established businesses looking for a fresh start, x+why’s offering at 100 Embankment offers an impressive space where Salford and Manchester businesses can thrive.
The judges awarded the Best Corporate Workplace award to NatWest Group’s new Northern headquarters in One Spinningfields Square. The result of this extensive refurbishment has transformed the space into a dynamic hub for the banking group, providing its employees and clients with an exciting and unique workplace in the vibrant Deansgate area. The space celebrates Manchester’s rich industrial heritage featuring subtle references to the iconic worker bee alongside artwork by local creators.
As part of its transition into the new space, NatWest Group revamped its Ways of Working, crafting a flexible office environment which incorporates a diverse range of work settings. Overall, the space was celebrated for fostering an inclusive atmosphere that prioritises staff well-being; achieved through the integration of brand-new wellness facilities, a multi-faith room, designated quiet and tech-free areas on office floors, and an external roof terrace.
Globe Point in Leeds, which won the Commercial Workplace award, is a Grade A innovative office development, providing more than 40,000 sq. ft. of space over seven storeys. The healthy, flexible, workspace maximises natural daylight and is recognised with a BREEAM Excellent rating, WiredScore Platinum and NABERS 4.5 Star, which showcases its in-use sustainability credentials. Drawing on its rich ties to the industrial revolution, the expressive flat iron building with intricate brick detailing creates a bold gateway to the wider Temple masterplan. Judges noted the sensitive design overcame a number of challenges on a narrow, irregular site, close to the immediate conservation area. Designed to deal with the demands of changing workplace strategies, Globe Point raises the bar in terms of workspace quality, amenities, occupant wellbeing and sustainability.
The ESG award was presented to One Strawberry Lane in Newcastle upon Tyne, the new headquarters for national housing association, social enterprise and charity, Home Group. Comprising 70,000 sq. ft. of accommodation over six storeys, the project captures Home Group’s brief to create an office which truly represents the organisation and the people it supports. The building has revitalised the workplace experience following a switch to hybrid working, and the variety of collaboration spaces available are attracting both community and business, creating a flexible, sustainable, and inclusive workspace community that gives back to its city context. In all, the development provides more than 1,500 voluntary sector organisations with free workspace and event space. The judges noted that the project demonstrates how positive social impact can reach new heights; a workplace can make a positive impact, now and well into the future, if it is more than just an office.
Boho X in Middlesborough – this year’s recipient of the Innovation award – will be an integral part of the wider Boho masterplan, the digital, creative, and business quarter of the Tees Valley. With 60,000 sq. ft. of Grade A office space on offer, the development will provide a boldly designed environment within the area, supporting flexible and adaptable internal environments to suit new digital companies. The proposed building wraps around a central atrium providing a striking arrival into the building, with flexible floor plates allowing for the subdivision of the space for multiple tenants or a single user. A ground-floor shared café and workspace are positioned to spill out into a new urban orchard providing a high-quality contemporary landscape.
The new office building will also boast a gym, health studio, lecture theatre, rooftop bar and external terrace contributing to the positive health and well-being of the building occupants and distinguishing itself as the market leader in modern office space. Demonstrating how public-private partnerships can facilitate incredible transformation, Boho X aims to create a world-renowned, thriving digital and creative sector in Middlesborough, its communities, and the wider region.
Commenting on behalf of the judging panel, Thomas Bone, Chair of the BCO Northern judges, said: “Each winner of this year’s BCO Northern Awards showcases the very best of office design. These best-in-class workspaces highlight how innovative approaches to well-being, sustainability, and community engagement can produce truly stand-out commercial spaces that people are proud to work in.
“The North really is seeing some of the most exciting office development, driven by partnerships between ambitious organisations, local authorities and talented office design and build specialists. This was another stellar year, and the judges were extremely impressed by the high quality of entries. We congratulate the winners and those who were highly commended – and look forward to seeing the region’s office landscape continue to thrive.”
Jon Moister, Regional Committee Chair for the BCO, said: “The BCO’s regional awards bring together the office industry to celebrate the latest innovations in workplace excellence. This year’s winners for the North exemplify how workplaces can create a sustainable work culture, while placing employee wellbeing, social impact, and sustainability at their heart. Many congratulations to all the regional winners and best of luck for the upcoming National Awards.”
The Northern region winners will now compete for the BCO National Awards in October 2024. More details will be announced soon.
The lead sponsor for this year’s BCO Awards is ISG. Gold sponsors are AECOM and Troup Bywaters + Anders. The BCO awards are in association with EG.
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:
Inform Communications
arron.eastwood@informcomms.co.uk
T: 07791653149
April 04, 2025 
By BCO Media 