The smiles on the faces of staff at skateboard distribution firm Shiner are even wider today after the business scooped the title of Bristol’s happiest workplace.
The family-owned firm, based at Aztec West, won the inaugural contest staged by Bristol workplace and interior design consultancy Wylde IA, beating strong challenges from Wallace & Gromit and Shaun the Sheep animators Aardman and magazine publisher Immediate Media.
A team from Shiner, which distributes skateboards, clothing and other products, collected their prestigious trophy from Mayor of Bristol George Ferguson at an awards ceremony in the Engine Shed innovation hub.
Mayor Ferguson said: “The three finalists were clearly all worthy winners, but Shiner shined in what was an extremely challenging competition.
“Wylde IA’s Happiest Workplace award is a wonderful innovation, contributing to Bristol’s reputation as a city that is blessed with so many inspiring people and organisations. Companies can learn so much from those who inject some fun into their work, and consequently improve productivity.
“It’s reassuring to know the Bristol area is full of happy staff doing great things – let’s hope this good message spreads!”
Wylde IA director – and competition judge – Maxine Bennett said: “Great workspaces attract and retain great staff – and that feeds through into higher quality work and less absenteeism.
“We know there are lots offices in Bristol which are far from its humdrum, boring and run of the mill. We wanted to celebrate them through this competition – and Shiner is a worthy winner.”
The third-generation family firm employs 65 people at its head office and warehouse at Aztec West, where it relocated to three years ago after leaving its original base in Lawrence Hill. Originally a builders’ merchant and car dealer, it first imported US skateboards in 1976 – putting it in the vanguard of the then fledgling industry.
The firm has developed a unique culture, which it described as “laid back with no egos”. Most employees are skateboarding enthusiasts, with new recruits often attracted to jobs at the firm because they are fans of its products. The core philosophy is active and healthy – staff often go skating together after work.
They also get a clothing allowance and discounts on products as well as a quarterly bonus scheme. Staff barbecues are popular – the team was planning a celebratory one after winning the Happiest Workplace award.
As well as selling skateboards and apparel under its own brand, it also distributes products for other manufacturers including the Heely roller shoe brand.
The high-profile competition was supported by Bristol Business News, whose editor Robert Buckland also sat on the judging panel.
The contest, which will be repeated next year, was set up to recognise and reward those organisations that go the extra mile to make their staff’s working lives happier – and showcase them as examples for other less-enlightened workplaces to aspire to.
Pictured: Mayor of Bristol George Ferguson, centre, and Wylde IA’s Maxine Bennett, far left, with the team from winners Shiner.
