So, the life of a Space designer:

When a potential project comes our way the design team gets stuck in and produce proposed layout plans for the space. Whether it’s a new commercial kitchen design or front of house servery counters and furniture, our designers liaise with our clients to make any amendments until our designs capture the clients brief. The design team follow a project through to completion, producing service drawings, elevations and altering layouts to overcome any obstacles discovered on site. For bigger projects the design team create interior design schemes, produce visuals and 3D walk through videos so our client can really get a feel of what their space will look and feel like before it is installed. Here are some example pieces of work which the design team have created:

A couple of our lovely designers gave me some insight into how they find it working at Space Group:

What is your favourite part about your design role?

P: I love how the drawings are like puzzles, you have to make sure all of the pieces fit together in the right way.

C: Creating a functional operational space from a blank drawing sheet and turning a written brief into a successful catering environment.

What is the most challenging part of your role?

P: I find the most challenging part is trying to fit additional work in when something crops up- like me coming to ask these questions!

C: 8:30am, no seriously I would say keeping client’s dreams within budget!

Tell me something good that has happened today.

P: Today I have made the impossible possible, I love the challenge of trying to fit the pieces together in the space allocated.

C: I bought a big van in readiness to start my camper conversion – even using design expertise in home life!

What is your favourite type of project to work on?

P: I enjoy working on the big production kitchens. I also enjoy the diversity of drawing front and back of house designs.

C: Consultancy projects where I am a part of a client led design team.

Can you name one of your favourite projects that you have worked on?

P: Theatre by the lake.

C: Taunton School or Dyson.

I really got the feel that they love what they do and enjoy searching for new design innovations and materials.

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This was an award which we won last year, and – whilst all recognition is an honour – to be recognised by our peers within the industry is particularly special.

 After winning the National Distributor of the Year award at the Catering Insight Awards 2016, things have far from slowed down.  We’ve welcomed six new project/account managers across the UK, improving our coverage and account support network.

We’ve also recently completed the full interior fit out and demonstration kitchen at the new National Catering Equipment Centre in Bristol which opened in September.   Space Interiors took on the role of the main contractor for the National Catering Equipment Centre, spending 5 months on site.  The key areas of the project included a mezzanine floor and glass balustrade, plus a versatile state-of-the-art demonstration kitchen and 18,000 square feet of exhibition space.  All this within a tight timeframe, needing close management to ensure all required works were complete ready for opening.

Earlier this year we completed a full turnkey fit-out at The Hut Group in Warrington, from which we created a time-lapse video showing how the project came together.

On top of completing some exceptional projects, we’ve also worked to introduce regular industry update sessions for staff and invested in the latest visualisation rendering software to deliver high quality walkthroughs to our customers.

The continued fantastic feedback from our happy clients has made for another wonderful year but a second Catering Insight Award in the cabinet would be the icing on the cake.

“After ending the year on such as high it seemed impossible to top the achievements of 2016, but 2017 has been truly exceptional.

“I’d like to personally recognise every member of the Space team, from the project managers on the front line, to the staff at Space HQ who keep the wheels turning.  We are used to receiving wonderful feedback from our customers, and this second shortlisting throws the spotlight on the achievements of Space Group as a whole  Well done all!”
Ian Bidmead, Managing Director

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“Space listened to our brief and came back with a number of good ideas and options which all adhered to our budget and programme accordingly. Space were easy to work with and provided a professional service from start to finish. Overall the design, delivery and installation exceeded our expectations, leaving us with a fantastic staff facility which we will enjoy for years to come”

Nick Batson, Head of Procurement for Property and Projects at Assa Abloy

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As well as a fantastic evening in a beautifully decorated setting, Space Group was honoured with the headline award of the night; National Distributor of the Year.  This award recognises ‘a major distributor which has completed mammoth commercial kitchen projects to a high standard, up and down the country, while still offering a personalised, sterling service’.

This award feels particularly special having been voted for exclusively by the catering equipment industry itself.  In the Catering Insight Awards distributors vote on the supplier categories, and suppliers vote on the distributor honours.

Ian Bidmead, Space MD said ‘We are absolutely thrilled to have won this award, it’s a fitting recognition to the team here across the Group who work so incredibly hard to deliver the best service to our clients.

To have been voted the winner by our peers in the industry is wonderful; It’s great to know that the people we are working with recognise that we do a good job!’

The Catering Insight Awards celebrate the best suppliers and distributors in the industry and the Awards bring together the best catering equipment companies in the UK, with 15 awards given out on the night.

Overall it was a fantastic evening, in addition to winning the award we had a great time catching up with industry friends and making new contacts.

On behalf of everyone at Space, a huge thank you to all who voted for us.  We look forward to working together on projects in the future.

Pictured: Malcolm Ball and Ian Bidmead with the National Distributor of the Year Award.

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Last month saw the return of the prestigious Taste of Gloucestershire Food and Farming Awards, held at Hatherley Manor Hotel and we are delighted that many friends of Space Catering have walked away with well-deserved top awards on the night.

Congratulations go out to the team at Central Cross Cafe in Pittville park who won best Tea room, Cafe or Snack Bar. Space provided the kitchen design and fit out in May and the venue truly is a beautiful spot to enjoy one of the best parks in the Cotswolds.

A special mention is needed for David Kelman of Ellenborough Park Hotel who won the coveted Chef of the Year award and – whilst we can’t claim any input to Dave’s unquestionable talent – we did design the kitchen in which he works at Ellenborough Park!

Finally, congratulations to our friend Rob Rees MBE, who won the Lifetime Achievement award for everything he has contributed to the industry from his Wiggly Worm Charity to his work as the Cotswold Chef, his efforts are truly remarkable and he continues to make a difference to many people in the county and beyond.
The Taste of Gloucestershire Awards are organised by Citizen and Gloucestershire Echo, sponsored by Creed Foodservice and are now in their 4th year. They celebrate farmers, producers, retailer and those pubs and restaurants we enjoy visiting so much.

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