Bristol-based sustainable travel publisher Sawday’s has travelled the ‘green route’ itself and relocated its office to the city centre.
The business, established by Alastair Sawday in 1994 and run by his son Toby since 2010, was working from award-winning offices on the outskirts of the city near Long Ashton.
But, with most of its 50 staff living in Bristol, it decided to take an even more sustainable option and has acquired 5,570 sq ft at Merchants House, Wapping Road, overlooking Bristol’s Floating Harbour, in a deal brokered by property agency Williams Gunter Hardwick.
Alastair said: “The move into town has proved a huge success. We loved where we were, but needed to be closer to the homes of most of the staff, closer to the stimulus of Bristol and the easy availability of places to eat, drink coffee and socialise.
“We also feel very much part of Bristol’s year as European Green Capital here and we can, too, take advantage of the better broadband speeds available. A huge amount of our work is conducted online, making fast connectivity essential.”
Championing sustainability has long been Alastair’s passion – he stood for Parliament as a Green Party candidate, founded Avon Friends of the Earth and was vice-chair of the Bristol-based Soil Association.
His efforts to promote sustainability have led to the company being honoured with a Queen’s Award for Sustainability. The company was also been twice voted Independent Environmental Publisher of the Year.
“People arriving by train can walk to us and we can get quickly from Temple Meads to the rest of the UK,” he added.
“In winter, when the weather was grim for cycling, staff used to share cars and therefore most depended on others’ departure times. Flexi-working was almost impossible. All this has changed.”
Sawday’s has taken 5,570 sq ft with four car-parking spaces on the third Floor of Merchants House on a new 10-year lease with a five-year break at a rent of £12.50 per sq ft with an unspecified rent-free period. The building has recently been refurbished by landlord Belborough, which was represented by GVA.
Andrew Hardwick of Williams Gunter Hardwick said: “The search for exactly the right premises took a while as their requirements were very specific.
“But this is a good example of a business choosing to be right in the heart of Bristol because it offers such a sustainable option. 2015 being European Green Capital year will, I’m sure, see many more companies making that move and adding to a rapidly growing sector.”
Pictured: Andrew Hardwick of Williams Gunter Hardwick, centre, is flanked by Alastair Sawday, left, and Toby Sawday
