A Bristol software development firm named as one of the best places to work in the UK has expanded into new offices designed to promote staff wellbeing.
Ghyston, which was founded in 2012 by husband-and-wife team Emily and Ric Hill, is seeking to build a happy workplace community with its new base, pictured – and so called on its designer to include a videogaming room, large breakout area with pool table and a fully equipped kitchen where staff can cook lunch together. 
The 60 employees, who provide cutting-edge software services such as consultancy, development and support to a range of blue-chip clients, are also benefiting from large open-plan desk spaces, several informal meeting areas and breakout tables in the new office.
The firm moved into the new 8,300 sq ft workspace on the fifth floor of The Programme, the flagship curved office building on All Saints Street, from its previous base in the Desklodge coworking space in Beacon Tower.
Ghyston’s directors called on Bath-based workspace design consultancy Interaction, which has been responsible for a number of innovative offices in Bristol over recent years, to create something that reflected their firm’s innovative and fun image in the tech industry.
Ghyston co-founder Emily Hill said: “One of our core values is collaboration and working well together – and that’s exactly what our amazing new office space encourages. 
“It has certainly exceeded our expectations on all levels. Interaction has taken our culture and transformed it into a productive working space that truly reflects who we are and how we work.”
Interaction junior designer Lauren Lloyd, who led the project, said: “Ghyston has won many prestigious awards for its positive working culture, so it was crucial that its new workplace reflected this.
“The firm really understands the importance of providing a better workplace experience for its employees that blends work and wellbeing.”
The space has also been designed to encourage collaborative working at Ghyston, which was named one of the best places to work in the UK by employee engagement specialists Best Companies.
Sustainability was another key aspect of the design project which involved reusing furniture and using local suppliers where possible.
There are also nods to Bristol in the interior styling, which includes prints of the city and ceramics by local artists.
The Ghyston project comes two years after Interaction transformed the entire sixth floor of The Programme into a playful new headquarters for Bristol cybersecurity firm Immersive Labs – complete with scooters, games room and wellness suite.
Among Interaction’s other recent work in Bristol has been a new showpiece office for international legal practice Osborne Clarke.
Based over five floors of the landmark Halo building at Finzels Reach – one of the UK’s most sustainable office developments – it is home to around 780 employees, with a focus on wellbeing, inclusivity and sustainability.
Highlights include indoor gardens with flexible workspaces, yoga and spin studios and restaurant with a rooftop terrace that offers stunning views of Bristol.
