Listening, learning and leading: A defining time as Chair of the BCO Northern Chapter

Since stepping into the role of Chair for the British Council for Offices (BCO) Northern Chapter in September 2024, I’ve been reminded time and again of the strength and ambition that define our sector. This role has offered a unique opportunity to listen to the challenges faced by occupiers, designers and developers – and to learn from the extraordinary work being done across the region. It has also meant promoting and supporting initiatives that help our industry evolve – raising the bar for how we measure value, deliver experience and build for long-term resilience.

The landscape is shifting and with it, the definition of what makes a workplace truly great. The conversations we’re having today – about inclusion, wellbeing, experience and innovation – will shape the commercial spaces of tomorrow. And in the North, I believe we’re helping to lead that change. This has been symbolised across the impressive finalists at this year’s BCO Northern Awards as well as our many regional events.

One of the most significant themes during my time in post has been the changing role of the workplace. As we move beyond traditional benchmarks, success is increasingly being measured by how well a space supports its people. The younger people in our industry have been a driving force in this evolution, bringing with them a fresh perspective on ESG goals. Bianca Spoeala (Cundall) as leader of the BCO NextGen committee, exemplifies this shift by championing sustainability, inclusivity and innovation in ways that are reshaping how we think about the built environment.

It’s in that context that the BCO has introduced the new Customer Experience Award, a key addition to the 2025 BCO Awards programme. Announced in February of this year, this category recognises those buildings, campuses and science parks that go beyond design and functionality to deliver exceptional experiences for occupiers, employees and visitors.

Another milestone has been the launch of the third edition of the BCO Guide to Fit Out, the first major update to this flagship publication since 2011. Drawing on insight from over 100 industry experts, the guide addresses a wide spectrum of contemporary challenges, from integrating AI and smart tech, to managing hybrid occupancy and specifying sustainable materials. For occupiers, it offers a practical and insightful roadmap to delivering spaces that attract and retain talent, while aligning with business and environmental goals. It pairs effectively with the BCO Guide to Specification, providing a comprehensive resource for anyone planning or managing a fit out today.

These developments represent more than just new awards or guidance documents - they reflect a broader shift in our sector’s values. As expectations evolve, so too must our approach to design, delivery and operation. I’m proud that, as a region, we are not only responding to this shift but actively contributing to it.

Thank you to all our members, collaborators and supporters who continue to share their knowledge and enthusiasm. It’s your input that shapes the BCO’s direction – and I look forward to what we’ll achieve together in the months ahead.