Purpose-led creative agency GEL Studios has been named Employer of the Year at the South West Business & Community Awards, recognising the company’s commitment to building a supportive, inclusive and inspiring workplace for its growing team.
Judges recognised GEL Studios for creating a workplace culture centred on collaboration, professional development and wellbeing. The recognition highlights GEL Studios’ belief that a thriving business starts with the right team and reinforces its commitment to continuing to build a workplace where creativity, collaboration and purpose go hand in hand.
GEL Studios actively supports its team to upskill, providing both time and budget for training while encouraging open conversations around career aspirations and personal growth.
Alongside this focus on development, GEL Studios has introduced a range of initiatives designed to support its team of 17 in-house specialists, including flexible and hybrid working, private healthcare, above-average pension contributions, annual bonuses and above-inflation pay rises. Earlier this year the company also formally enrolled into an employee ownership scheme, allocating 30% of the business to its current and future team members.
As an Accredited Living Wage Employer and B Corp Certified business, GEL Studios embeds fairness, sustainability and social responsibility throughout its operations.
The agency is currently experiencing a period of sustained growth, with new hires across its marketing and web development teams, the recent acquisition of Digital Marketing Agency Infinity Nation and the appointment of two additional directors to support its five-year expansion strategy.
Operating from its dedicated studio in Swindon, GEL Studios works with SMEs along the M4 corridor, building long-term client partnerships through collaborative, results-driven work. Its team combines strategic thinking with creative expertise to elevate brands, deliver pixel-perfect design, develop cutting-edge websites and create marketing strategies that drive measurable results.
The agency also was shortlisted for the Outstanding Contribution to The Community Award.
Founder Graeme Leighfield said:
“We’re incredibly proud to have won Employer of the Year. From the very beginning, we’ve believed that if you create the right environment for talented people to thrive, great work will naturally follow.
“Our team is the heart of everything we do. We’ve created a workplace where people feel supported, valued and inspired to grow, while also using our creativity to make a meaningful difference in the communities around us.
“A great place to work is so much more than free coffee, beanbags, lego and painting all the walls green. It’s about building a space where tough chats can happen in a respectful, honest and safe way. It is about everyone being aligned behind a shared purpose.
“This award is a testament to the culture we’ve created and reinforces our commitment to continuing to build a workplace where creativity, collaboration and purpose go hand in hand”.
