The Business Exchange Bath & Somerset Issue 10: Winter 2018/19 | Page 30

Local firms wow judges at
2018 Happiest Workplace Awards
Workplace and interior design consultancy Wylde IA has
announced the Bath and Somerset winners of this year’s
Happiest Workplace competition, now in its fourth year.
Bath’s eyewear design house Inspecs was
crowned ‘overall 2018 competition winner’
while Wessex Water scooped the award in
the ‘large business’ category.
Energy provider Pure Planet, also based
in Bath was awarded ‘medium business’
winner and this year’s ‘Somerset winner’
was Pukka Herbs. The winners received
their awards at a ceremony on November
8 hosted at the Bristol and Bath Science
Park, attended by staff from shortlisted
finalists.
Maxine Bennett, director, Wylde IA
remarked that the standard of entries had
once again “far exceeded” expectations.
She said:“Somerset is full of exciting,
vibrant companies prioritising staff
happiness and wellbeing which is
wonderful to see. This year, in particular,
we’ve seen a genuine emphasis on mental
health awareness and support running
alongside the more typical rewards,
benefits and work-life balance focus.”
Organisers said that Inspecs “wowed
judges” with its “stylish, creative open
space which reflects the company’s
working style and philosophy – a non-
traditional office which feels peaceful,
calm and harmonious with a buzz of
creativity, chatter and warmth.”
Inspecs CEO, Robin Totterman said:
“We are thrilled that our company’s
workspace philosophy has been
recognised by Wylde IA. Very simply
we wanted our workspace to be a good
place to be – a lifestyle-friendly location,
a colourful space to be creative, a clear
space to think, and a friendly space to
work together. We know that happy,
healthy people produce better work and
stay with us longer.”
In addition, competition judges were
also impressed with Wessex Water’s
People Programme initiative where
staff wellbeing is a “top priority” with 30
employees having been trained as mental
health first aiders.
Marilyn Smith, director of corporate
affairs at Wessex Water, added: “We’re
delighted to have won this award. We
have initiatives, such as Going the Extra
Mile (GEM) that acknowledges staff when
they have gone above and beyond, and
a wellbeing programme that supports
colleagues.
“We have generated awareness about
mental health so we can better support
customers who need that extra care and
also to look out for colleagues.”
Furniture companies Allermuir and
Senator Group and lamp manufacturer
Anglepoise supported this year’s
competition, they donated prizes for the
winners and helped with the judging
process.
For further information about the
awards visit:
www.wyldeia.co.uk
THE IMPORTANCE OF
MENTAL HEALTH IN BUSINESS
By Anji Henderson, Chair of Small Business Focus
What sets the self-employed apart from the employed is
often, in part, their approach to the task ahead.
@sbfbath
30
THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2018
I have often heard people
say that they couldn’t work
for themselves because
they wouldn’t have the self-
discipline to simply get up and
get on with it. I understand,
believe me, I do. I think there
might be a particular gene that
makes us do that! What we
all have to remember is that
there is a flip side to that drive.
Pushing yourself too hard, for
too long can be very damaging.
We have to give ourselves a
bit of a break and switch off
regularly to keep that passion,
for what we do, alive.
This was one of the reasons we recently
organised an evening with The Business
Exchange and Spaces, to talk about
mental health in the workplace. Our
workplaces can be solitary, our business
can be isolating, and not everyone has a
family at home to ensure they take some
time outside of their work to relax.
Networking with others who face
these issues, helps you to realise that
sharing concerns, discussing challenges
and having relationships within your
business network that provide support
are all important.
So, as we head towards Christmas
and anticipate the new year ahead,
please take some time out for yourself
and spend some valuable hours and days
with friends, family and those special
people in your life. Head into 2019 with a
refreshed view and a healthy mind and
body.
Small Business Focus is a Bath-based
organisation offering support and
training to small businesses and start-
ups. Keeping independent businesses
strong. Small Business Focus Annual
Membership is just £60 and offers
regular business breakfasts, education
sessions and more.
Visit: www.smallbusinessfocus.co.uk