Bristol workspace provider DeskLodge, known for its quirky features including a full-size Doctor Who Tardis and a ‘Hobbit hole’, is ending the year on a high with four award wins and a host of further nominations.
Founder Tom Ball opened the first DeskLodge in the former Bristol Evening Post building on Temple Way in 2015 after visiting Google’s London office and seeing the benefits a vibrant work environment can have on productivity and creativity.
While the original DeskLodge has since closed, two further workspaces have opened under the brand – DeskLodge House on Redcliffe Way and the new Beacon Tower in the city centre, pictured below – which are currently home to more than 200 companies and a further 2,000 regular individuals and organisations.
Since its launch with the ambition to be the city’s go-to coworking environment, DeskLodge’s workspaces have been used by more than 10,000 people in Bristol.
After scooping several awards last year, including being named as one of the top 10 Best Places to Work by the Sunday Times, this year the firm has done even better with awards including:
- Tom Ball being crowned ‘Business Leader of the Year’ last month for his outstanding contribution to the industry
- Best Coworking Space Provider 2024 for South West England in the UK Enterprise Awards
- Coworking Space of the Year 2024/5 in the Corporate LiveWire Awards.
It was also ranked in the Small Biz 100 list of the UK’s top 100 small businesses and placed number 13 in the Tally Awards 2024 Top 100 Workspaces.
DeskLodge managing director Jamie Ellis said Desklodge had begun with the belief that the space you work in has a big impact on how you work.
“Inspiring productivity through imaginative work zones is still what drives us today, but we’re about much more than just quirky spaces,” he added.
“We make sure we’re in handy locations, with incredible teams who really look after our users, and bucketloads of the best coffee.
“And, of course, a choice of workspaces to suit your mood and purpose. So, while our fairy booth and submarine room might put a smile on your face, they also help you get the most out of your day. 
“We are delighted with how much DeskLodge has achieved in Bristol, particularly with the opening of Beacon Tower this year, we’re looking forward to building on this success next year, with the aim of becoming the number one workspace for Bristol’s best teams.”
DeskLodge’s loyal customer base has a broad mix of clients, including IT and software businesses and tech and engineering firms, as well as those in the marketing, finance, charity, public services and recruitment sectors.
As well as some more traditional workspaces, it offers an ‘Alice in Wonderland’ solo working zone – complete with upside down picnic set – and the ‘Hobbit hole’, pictured, top, which comes with hobbit cloaks.
It also has a roof terrace on the Beacon Tower, where the team held a huge summer party earlier in the year, pictured.
The team hosts monthly breakfast and evening socials, annual Easter egg hunts and an array of free activities, workshops and treats.
Jamie added: “We truly believe that getting the workspace right can be the difference between success and failure for organisations.
“We love playing a part in our members’ growth and successes – and we know that what we’re doing works. 85% of our members say they plan to stay working here for the next five years or more.”
