Long-standing Bristol marketing and communications agency Proctor & Stevenson has completed its move to a former industrial printworks in Easton following a near £1.5m refurbishment project.
The agency, founded by managing director Roger Proctor in 1979, said the relocation from Cave Street, St Pauls, was enabling it to be a ‘positive contributor’ to the rejuvenation of Easton.
The refurbishment work of The Old Printworks in Easton Road, which took nearly a year, has also given the agency – which counts BMW and Saudi Arabian Airlines among its clients – the opportunity to improve on its already good environmental approach as well as introducing new ways of working for its 65 staff.
While the 11,000 sq ft offices have had a major renovation, many of the building’s historic features have been retained and repurposed to celebrate its character and pay tribute to the heritage of the area.
At the same time, cutting-edge sustainability measures have been fitted including the first use by a business in Bristol and second only in the country of a titanium dioxide CristalACTiV coating on the building, which reduces pollution in the surrounding atmosphere.
A 30-kilowatt photo voltaic system has also been installed on the roof using state-of-the-art 300-watt modules designed by Proctor client Panasonic.
The panels will produce 30,000 kw hours of electricity per year, reducing the building’s carbon footprint by 15,000 kg of CO2.
The relocation also marks a new era for Proctors, as it targets B2B businesses around the world. The agency already exports 75% of its work and employs eight different nationalities.
It has also recently recruited into two new management positions, with Ollie James joining as business development director and Sarah Vezmar becoming the new front of house manager.
Roger Proctor, MBE and a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, said: “What we’ve tried to do is create a space that works – an environment we can be proud of.
“Environment has been very much at the centre of our thinking with this building. A few years ago we were the first company in Bristol to have a hybrid and electric car policy. We have a cycle to work scheme, now produce our own electricity and have installed living walls.
Click here to watch a video of the ambitious refurbishment project
“Overall, I think the move will change the ‘atmosphere’ of the business in a very positive way. It will create a very different impression for people who come and visit us. It’s enabling us to make a statement and positive environment for everyone.
“We’ve only moved a mile away from where we were previously into an area which is up and coming and still needs significant investment. We want to be a positive contributor to our community and get involved. This building will give us the facilities to enable that.
“This is the perfect place for us to really put down our marker as a company that is determined to push ourselves, break new ground and do things differently. Our brand is about being brave, innovators, pioneers. We were that in Cave St and this move to Easton reiterates this fantastically.”
Roger, the son of eminent Royal Designer for Industry and boat designer Ian Proctor, was joined at the ceremonial opening by Peaches Golding, Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Bristol, pictured above.
She said: “Proctors has been in existence for more than 39 years – longer than any design agency in the South West and one of just half a dozen in the UK with such longevity.
“Apart from running its business, the company has played an important role in designing strategy for the South West, advising government and sponsoring regional student design awards.
“With this highly sustainable redevelopment of this building in Easton, it is breathing new life into the business community here. I congratulate all involved in the project and I wish you all the best for the next 39 years in your business.”
