Bath’s happiest workplace will be revealed on Tuesday as a unique contest aimed at highlighting the region’s most enlightened employers draws to its conclusion.
Four firms from the Bath area are going head to head to win the prestigious title, which will be presented at an awards ceremony at Hartham Park, Corsham. 
Circle Bath Hospital, Occam DM, Backslash Build and M2 Bespoke – last year’s Bath winner – will also compete against 10 other businesses from across the region for the South West award.
Now in its third year, the Happiest Workplace competition is staged by Bristol-based workplace and interior design consultancy Wylde IA to recognise firms that go the extra mile to ensure their staff are cheerful and fulfilled.
The overall regional winner will be announced at Tuesday’s awards ceremony along with winners from Bath, Bristol and Gloucestershire.
Wylde IA director Maxine Bennett said: “We’ve seen entries from large well-known companies alongside smaller businesses and start-ups. One thing they have in common, though, is a genuine interest in the happiness and well-being of their staff and a desire to create the best working environment possible.”
Last year’s winner of Bath’s Happiest Workplace award, content marketing agency M2 Bespoke, earned the prestigious title due to its beautiful rural setting near Limpley Stoke combined with innovative approach to staff wellbeing – including allowing dogs in the offices and weekly Google-style lunches.
It hopes to earn back-to-back victories this year but faces strong challenges from At Backslash Build, a digital consultancy set up by a group of graduates from the University of Bath, Circle Bath Hospital and Chilcompton-based data-driven marketing agency Occam DM. 
The competition is being supported by seating company Boss Design, carpet manufacturer Milliken, interior products company Vescom and iconic lamp manufacturer Anglepoise; all of which have donated prizes for the winner.
The Happiest Workplace competition is supported by Bath Business News and its sister titles.
Last year’s overall South West winner was national recruitment agency Rethink’s Bristol office.
Manor house-turned-business centre Hartham Park was recently refurbished by Wylde IA to embrace more flexible ways of working.
The Georgian building, pictured above, set in 50 acres of parkland near Corsham, called in Wylde IA to refurbish its restaurant, formerly called Jack’s, replacing it with a new reception area, meeting rooms, lounges and dining area.
Full details and photos of the awards ceremony will appear on Bath Business News next week.
