With a change of use and extensive construction work planned at its former Regency headquarters in Cheltenham, after ten successful years the SoGlos team bid farewell to its offices on Imperial Square and were primed for the search for a new home for Gloucestershire's leading media brand.
Exemplifying the power of great local relationships and the strength of the business community in Gloucestershire, within days of co-founders Michelle Fyrne and James Fyrne starting their search for a new SoGlos base, an exciting opportunity with one of Gloucestershire's Top 100 businesses arose — with a serendipitous chain of events unfolding.
Michelle Fyrne, CEO of SoPublishing, said: 'We've known Miles Dunkley from SLG for a number of years and have always been inspired by his vision.
'SLG's cutting-edge open-plan offices at The Brewery Quarter in Cheltenham, strong brand aesthetic and inclusive company culture attracts top talent from across the UK, so, as we embarked on a mission to find a new home for our team of passionate media professionals, we thought, what better place to start?
'A chance email was quickly followed by a coming together of business leaders, with Miles and his team welcoming SoGlos to join their space.'
Miles Dunkley, SLG Brands founder and executive creative director, said: 'I have always admired SoGlos's mission to champion Gloucestershire through its positive, modern media brand and was delighted to make some space available to its team here at Studio 19.
'I am passionate about supporting Gloucestershire and the creative sector, in particular, and see a real synergy between our companies.'
Unveiled in 2019 and a winner at the International Property Awards in 2020, SLG Brand's impressive 30,000 sq ft office in Cheltenham’s Brewery Quarter was inspired by the aesthetics of California tech companies and New York ad agencies, and is one of the largest open-plan offices in the south west.
Studio 19, as it’s known, is the passion project of Miles, whose influence, after a career in design and branding, is visible throughout the unique workspace. From the neon signage and cheeky graffiti visible from the street outside The Brewery Quarter, right through to the brand’s products being on display and for use by its staff in the bathrooms, this is a workplace that continues to set the standard.
The interior, which was fitted by London-based Modus Workspace, also features a skateboard ‘freeway’, palm trees, designer hammocks and even a pinball machine. While an event space with American stadium-style bleachers and imposing media wall, along with a kitchen area designed to look like a bar, decked out with all the mod cons, are further focal points of what have frequently been referred to as 'Gloucestershire's coolest offices'.
James Fyrne, managing director of SoGlos, added: 'It's a testament to the power of outstanding business reputation and great working relationships that this has all happened so quickly and we're grateful to Miles and the SLG team for accommodating us.'
'It is a privilege to be sharing space with such a formidable Gloucestershire born-and-bred business, which has become a powerhouse on a global scale. We share lots of values with SLG, not least being the very best business in our field, and are looking forward to our time together at Studio 19.'
