Capital Space’s Milton Keynes Business Centre has been awarded the Gold Kimble Solar Sustainability Award at the SME MK and Buckinghamshire Business Awards.
The Linford Wood-based flexible workspace operator was recognised for a range of environmental initiatives alongside its core offer to businesses, reflecting what senior business centre manager Matt Roberts described as a broader focus on the working environment.
Matt said the win came as a surprise. “However, I knew we had put a lot of effort into both our entries. I was keen to demonstrate that despite our primary service being to provide our customers with high quality flexible workspace, we also focus on providing the very best environment for customers and visitors.”
Sustainability has become an operational priority for the site, not only in environmental terms but also as a commercial consideration. Matt said investment in energy-efficient infrastructure and greener surroundings is delivering practical benefits.
“Sustainability is not just a moral obligation these days, it also has real benefits to us as a business and to our customers,” he said. “Investing in energy efficient technology not only often improves your working environment, such as modern LED lighting, but also helps to reduce your electric consumption.”
The centre has introduced a mix of larger-scale and incremental changes, including LED lighting upgrades, rooftop solar installations and recycling schemes for tenants. It has also incorporated environmental considerations into its physical environment, including a timber-framed café building and measures to support biodiversity.
Matt pointed to internal leadership as a key driver behind many of the smaller initiatives. “It would be easy to name the larger projects, but I am actually most proud of Roxanne, our Business Support Co-ordinator and now chair of the company’s Eco Champion committee,” he said. “Her drive and enthusiasm have inspired not only our team but our customers.”
For occupiers, the changes are beginning to feed into their own positioning. Businesses based at the centre can now point to an award-winning environment, alongside practical measures such as recycling services and lower energy consumption within their workspace.
Looking ahead, Matt said the focus will remain on incremental improvements rather than a single defining project. “We are always looking at ways to reduce our negative impact on the environment and promote sustainable practices,” he said. “Our Eco Champion will continue to lead the way and inspire us and our customers to all move towards a more circular economy.”
He added that the award reflects the wider team’s contribution to maintaining standards at the centre.
Image: The Capital Space team, led by Matt Roberts (centre), at the SME MK and Buckinghamshire Business Awards where the Milton Keynes Business Centre won a Gold sustainability award.
