Celebrating Coworking’s Diversity At Hubble Office Of The Future Awards 2019

Published on March 11, 2019 - By Kate Tattersfield

• The Hubble Office of the Future Awards were held in London March, 7th 2019.
• During the event, Hubble’s CEO, Tushar Agarwal, revealed that more people are searching for pet-friendly workspaces.
• Award winners included a coworking space with a creche for working parents, a female-focused coworking hub, and a startup accelerator.

The inaugural Hubble Office of the Future Awards was held in London on March 7th and AllWork.Space went along to celebrate. It was the first property event of its kind to recognise diversity and innovation in the coworking sector and shine the spotlight on unsung heroes and industry pioneers.

Hubble’s CEO, Tushar Agarwal, and Head of Partnerships & PR, Varun Bhanot, hosted the event which was held at Icetank in Covent Garden. The almost-all-female panel of judges was an inspiring one to say the least, and included property technology specialist Juliette Morgan and award-winning architect, Dara Huang.

Tushar Agarwal was nominated for Amazon’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2018.

After food, drinks and networking, the awards kicked off with a speech from Tushar in which he shared some interesting insights. According to Hubble’s data, 15% more people are searching for pet-friendly workspaces, Holborn has become a transaction price hotspot and companies in the financial services are gravitating towards Euston and King’s Cross.

Then it was onto the main part of the night: the awards!

It was really wonderful to see so many new and emerging workspaces make the finals, as well as some established favourites. Industry newcomer Creative Works, situated in the Blackhorse Road regeneration area, took home three ‘highly commended’ accolades.

Winners included a coworking space with a creche for working parents, a female-focused coworking hub and a startup accelerator.

The runners up and winners in each category are as follows:

Innovative Business Model

Winner: Work.Life
Runners up: Creative Works & Workspace Group

The use of the winner’s ground floor spaces to activate the ground plane and the de-risking of space for landlords is what impressed the judges most. They praised this approach as a smart way to animate and activate space, putting it in the market at an affordable rate and providing a solution for retail and F&B businesses who won’t take a traditional lease.

Community Focus Award

Winner: Accelerator London
Runners up: Work.Life and Creative Works

The judges felt that the winner of this category was very deserving because of its community-first, business model second approach. Accelerator London were praised for nurturing talent ‘the right way’ by appealing to the next generation of entrepreneurs (students). They also had very impressive impact metrics in 2018.

Design of the Future Award

Winner: The Office Group – White Collar Factory
Runners Up: The Ministry & Second Home

The Office Group’s Old Street building aims to improve occupants’ wellbeing and satisfaction by providing facilities for physical activity and allowing them to control their local environment. Large glazing areas enable high thermal mass which absorbs heat and thus regulates temperature throughout the year.

Cooling is achieved through chilled water pipes in the concrete slab, ensuring low carbon; windows are openable for fresh air – one of the first of its kind in Central London.

Health & Wellness Award

Winner: One Heddon Street
Runners Up: Benk+Bo and Proper Office

As the first WELL Platinum certified office in Europe, One Heddon Street was built with the wellbeing of its members in mind. Adjustable sit-stand desks, internal planting, a living wall, extensive use of natural light and filtered water throughout all contribute towards the health and wellbeing of those utilising the space.

Best Value for Money Award

Winner: Our Space / Brunel Offices
Runners Up: Canvas Office & Airspace Soho

The judges recognised the winner of this category for their extremely well priced, accessible rates (including for small private offices) relative to their prime locations and market competitors.

Earth-Friendly Award

Winner: Second Home
Runners Up: 3Space and Creative Works

The winner of this category has become known as “the plant-filled workspace.” Over 1,000 pot plants and trees have been installed along the wavy-edged tables shared by members. SH were able to eliminate the air-conditioning system and create a radiant floor system with natural ventilation inspired by the ones used in a conventional greenhouse.

Family-Friendly Award

Winner: Cukooz Nest
Runners Up: Second Home & Huckletree

The judges praised Cukooz Nest for its exceptional facilities for working parents, including a wonderful creche, Ofsted registered staff, darkened sleeping area, breastfeeding area, interactive arts & crafts area and soft play area.

Iconic Space of the Year

Winner: WeWork Poultry
Runners Up: The Dock at Tobacco Dock and TOG at The Shard

WeWork’s ability to infiltrate one of London’s most dominant and distinctive buildings within the financial district in the City of London saw them win in this category.

Dedication to Hospitality Award

Winner: LEO
Runners Up: Canvas/RNR and FORA

The judges felt that LEO excelled at providing the ‘5 star hotel’ experience through their concierge-style approach to service and business support. Lots of helpful staff on site, fresh / hot food ordered to meeting rooms, waitress / waiter service in the lounges all contribute towards a stellar service.  

Promoting Diversity Award

Winner: Blooming Founders
Runners up: Halkin & Bathtub2Boardroom

The judges all felt unanimous in their belief that the winner of this award has a laser-sharp focus on inclusion for all in their female-friendly workspace. Blooming Founders has grown over the last year, creating additional space for their community – sometimes against the odds.

People’s Champion Award

Winner: Work.Life
Runners up: eporta & Cukooz Nest

The People’s Champion Award was voted on by members of the public. Work.Life won after getting the highest number of votes in the competition. (Over 8,600 votes were cast.)

Hubble’s Office of the Future 2019

Winner: LABS House
Runners Up: Mindspace, Workspace Group & The Ministry

The judges celebrated LABS’ latest building for its outstanding and unique combination of facilities, design and flexibility. Around 20% of tenants who view the space go on to sign up.

“They are true innovators and trailblazers in the workspace industry. If the future of workspace looks like this – we’ll be in good hands.”