About Forward
We create workspaces for ambitious start-ups, visionary entrepreneurs and successful small businesses
We pioneered coworking in the South West
For over 13 years we have been at the forefront of change in how and where we work. We create inspirational, design-led workspaces in regional towns and cities in the South West. We specialise in providing workspace as a service for ambitious start-ups, visionary entrepreneurs and successful small businesses. We own workspaces across the SW and have consciously chosen not just to focus on cities. Many towns have lifestyle and infrastructure considerations that make them great places to work from. We firmly believe that coworking forms an important part of the economic model for 21st century town and city centres, as we shift to agile working and value added, connected business.
We design each of our buildings from scratch to respond to its location and market
No two of them are the same. We don’t have a singular brand identity that we stamp all over them, preferring instead to make each of them unique. This is harder than the alternative, but sets us apart, and treats our members as individuals, not numbers. We believe our buildings should be about your brand, not ours.
All our workspaces share a common DNA
We insist on them being in central locations – so you can walk, cycle or get public transport to them. We invest heavily in them, so they look fantastic and have all the resources you need to excel. We design them to include shared coworking areas, dedicated desks and private offices. And to make sure you don’t spend all your time at your desk, we wrap them around a hub consisting of cafe, lounge, gardens, event spaces and meeting rooms.
We believe you should have fun at work
So, we throw in great coffee, a good dose of table-top football, table tennis, beer trolley, pop-up pizza, book club, running club, rounders in the park and loads of social events. Because humans are social animals and to be productive, you also need time out.
Our Mission & Values
Our mission is to engage, energise and empower forward-thinking businesses
We want to inspire people to do their own thing and forge their own path.
We want to empower them with the resources they need, and
We want to connect them to the change-makers, thought-leaders and dare-devil doers like themselves.
No wo/man is an island & no business is either
Our members are successful because they are part of something bigger than themselves. Our workspaces are more than just a place to go to work. We create inclusive, collaborative communities that are vibrant, nurturing and supportive.
We have always been different. Not afraid to go first; challenge the status quo; or stand behind what we believe. We are truly driven by what we do.
Our vision is to be the most inspiring, aspirational and inclusive UK workspace provider.
We are, unapologetically, a little bit Forward.
Our Team
Gavin Eddy – Founder and CEO
Gavin scouts out new locations, negotiates deals and project manages new building launches. He’s rubbish at everything else.
Lucy Ponsillo – Head of Operations
Lucy is responsible for managing the day to day operations of the business, overseeing the team and making sure we stay on the straight and narrow!
Ange Saxbee – Head of Finance & Administration
Ange makes the numbers stack up and ensures the wheels keep turning. She pays the bills, files the reports and tells us off for not filing expenses.
James Borley – Head of Brand
James makes sure we look and sound right. He leads on our communications, takes a mean picture, and helps develop the identities of each building.