About Forward
We create inspirational workspaces for ambitious entrepreneurs, visionary start-ups and successful small businesses
We pioneered coworking in the South West
Since 2007 we have been at the forefront of the shift in how and where people work. We create inspirational, design-led workspaces in towns and cities across the South West. Our members are successful freelancers, ambitious start-ups, visionary entrepreneurs and growing small businesses. We have consciously chosen not just to focus on cities, as increasingly people want to work local and companies are adopting agile and hybrid working models. Coworking now forms an important part of the economic model for regional town and city centres. And we are at the heart of that change.
All our buildings are design-led
We design each of them from scratch so no two 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 to their location. This is harder than the alternative, but sets us apart, and treats our members as individuals, not numbers. This means our buildings look amazing and feel like they belong.
Workspaces that 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 thrive. 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 kitchen, lounge, gardens, event spaces, resources 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 our members
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 individual is an island & no business is either
We want our members to feel they are part of something bigger than themselves.
Our vision is to create a network of inspiring, ambitious and inclusive workspaces that are vibrant, fun, nurturing and professional. Because your workspace should be more than just a place you go to work.
We have always been different. Not afraid to go first or challenge the status quo. We are truly driven by what we do. Some might say we are 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.
Alice Burling – COO
Alice ensures everything runs smoothly day to day and keeps everyone in check. She enjoys making grand plans for our future and loves a spreadsheet.
James Borley – Head of Brand & Marketing
James makes sure we look and sound right. He leads on our marketing and communications and helps develop the identities of each building.
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.
Proud supporters of SOS Africa
Proud supporters of SOS Africa, a UK based children’s charity which invests 100% of donations in the education and care of disadvantaged children in South Africa. Click here to: sponsor a child in Africa or donate to our African charity.