As we settle into 2025, the ongoing cost of living crisis and economic volatility continue to strain both employees and employers, with many employees facing heightened financial insecurity.
So how can you optimise your benefits budget without cutting value? The first step is to discover how to reallocate wasted spend, secure better pricing, and leverage tax-efficient benefits to maximise impact.
Managing employee benefits, cost control is always on the agenda. But savings don’t have to come at the expense of employee experience. With a smart approach to benefits design, companies can reallocate wasted spend to more impactful benefits – or a better benefits platform to help you manage it all. This makes the most of your existing budget while boosting value for employees.
This practice is sometimes referred to as “cost-neutral benefits,” but the reality is more nuanced. While some companies can identify and redistribute significant savings, others may already be optimising their spend. Either way, a strategic review of benefits is always worth the effort.
Here are three key ways employers can find opportunities to optimise their benefits budget:
A common mistake? Investing in benefits that employees don’t value. Recent key research tells us that there is low appreciation levels from employees for their benefits.
The cause is likely to be benefits that don’t align with employee needs.
For example, a Bristol Creatives startup made up of mostly employees in their twenties might be overfunding its life insurance policy, as employees in this age group are less likely to engage with life insurance. By scaling back the coverage from 10x to 2x cover, they could free up a big chunk of their spend—money that could be reinvested in wider range of more relevant benefits, or a platform that helps manage the administrative burden of benefits.
So how can Business Leaders identify these opportunities?
But before you go cutting less utilised benefits, remember: there are some benefits that few employees might use, but that are highly valuable and even life changing to them when they do, such as reproductive assistance or critical illness cover. It’s important to balance these factors when assessing your benefits. Speaking to a benefits design expert will be your best bet to strike that balance.
Cost savings aren’t just about what you offer, but also how you fund it. Many companies lose money by not negotiating the best rates with insurers or missing out on more efficient financial structures.Here are some key ways to make the most of funding:
By optimising financial structures, companies can often unlock significant savings without compromising on benefits quality.
3. Leverage tax-efficient benefits
Another overlooked opportunity is tax-efficient benefits, particularly salary sacrifice schemes. These allow employees to exchange part of their salary for benefits, reducing both employer and employee tax contributions.For employers, this means that you’re able to offer amazing benefits like electric vehicle leasing schemes and even grocery schemes…at no cost to you!
In the UK, salary sacrifice arrangements can create savings on:
For employers not already leveraging these benefits, the savings can be substantial, especially on National Insurance contributions. Yet many organisations fail to fully utilise these tax advantages, leaving money on the table.
Maximise your benefits budget with expert support
Not every company will uncover huge savings—but almost all can optimise their approach. By identifying low-value spend, negotiating better financial models, and leveraging tax-efficient benefits, Business leaders and HR provide a significantly improved offering without increasing their spend.
Want to find out where your organisation can unlock savings? Book a free benefits audit consultation with me –same budget, bigger results.
Bristol-based design studio Rhombus has officially achieved B Corp certification, joining a global community of businesses committed to balancing profit with purpose.
Rhombus has prioritised more than design, working with organisations that share its values of sustainability, ethical business practices and social responsibility. B Corp provides a recognised framework to continue improving, ensuring accountability, and reinforcing the company’s dedication to purpose-driven partnerships.
Attaining B Corp status required a deep reflection on business values, operational impact, and areas for improvement. The rigorous certification, overseen by the nonprofit B Lab, evaluated Rhombus on its social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. While the certification is a proud achievement, the studio views it as the beginning of a longer journey toward continuous progress.
By joining the B Corp movement, Rhombus strengthens its pledge to foster sustainable and ethical design solutions. Moving forward, the company will focus on key areas including:
The certification is a testament to the dedication of the Rhombus team, whose commitment to using design as a force for good has been instrumental in this success. From rethinking internal processes to championing sustainability in every project, their efforts have been central to the studio’s evolution.
A special acknowledgment goes to Future Shift, a consultancy that played a vital role in guiding Rhombus through the B Corp certification process. Their expertise was invaluable in navigating the requirements and securing this important recognition.
With B Corp certification in place, Rhombus remains committed to driving positive change within the creative industry. This milestone represents not just an achievement but an ongoing responsibility to push the boundaries of ethical and sustainable design.
“B Corp certification is about contributing to a wider movement of businesses committed to using business as a force for good,” says Co-founder James Ratcliffe. “We’re excited to keep pushing boundaries, collaborating with like-minded organisations and progressive founders to solve the problems of tomorrow.”
Rhombus is a Bristol-based branding agency and now a B Corp UK Certified business. We partner with progressive people and organisations to build brands that move the world forward.
B Corps meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability, proving that business can be a force for good.
Future Shift is a sustainability consultancy helping businesses navigate B Corp and Net Zero certification. Their guidance was instrumental in our certification journey.
Discover flexible, fully-equipped office spaces tailored to your needs
Whether you’re a startup, growing company, or established enterprise, we offer modern workspaces designed for productivity, collaboration, and comfort.
Our studio features high-speed internet, ergonomic furnishings, access to screening & meeting rooms, kitchen & lounge, and amenities to help your team thrive. With flexible rental options, we provide the ideal environment to support your success.
Why Choose Us?
Included Features:
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Book a tour today and experience the perfect workspace for your team.
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Access Creative College has launched the Bristol Academy of Visual Arts (AVA), which will provide students with an all-encompassing experience of working within the creative industries alongside their studies.
The Bristol college, which also offers courses in music, gaming, esports and computing, is developing its media pathways by enrolling students into the new Academy to develop core work-ready skills while studying content creation, film, video, photography, animation, visual effects or graphic design.
The Academy will be based at Access Creative College’s Bristol Campus in Broadmead, offering learners access to industry-grade photography studios, green screen rooms, performance spaces and production pods alongside collaborative workspaces.
The College is now calling on businesses and organisations in the creative industries to join as collaborators with the Academy. Learners have already begun exploring work with existing organisations including Sons of Graham and Mobile Pie, as well as local music festivals.
Academy members will also collaborate with the wider college community to capture content and bring to life the incredible work that students produce on a day by day basis. Becoming a collaborator enables organisations to help shape the college’s curriculum and training, and the professional development of learners, offering guidance to young talent to help them meet organisational needs.
The launch of the Bristol Academy of Visual Arts follows feedback from the West of England Local Skills Improvement Plan, which demonstrated that despite Bristol’s thriving creative industry, many parents lack the understanding of creative employment opportunities across the region.
Jon Domaille, Head of Bristol Campus commented: “Bristol is famous across the world for its creative industry, with the likes of the BBC, Aardman and Plimsoll Productions calling the city home. As the largest independent training provider in the UK, we recognise the role we play in supporting the next generation of talent to excel in their creative fields.
“We’re extremely excited to launch the Academy. The unique opportunity to work on live briefs will not only develop the students’ core skills of communication, problem solving and organisational skills that are sought after by employers both regionally and nationally but will also show them first-hand what a career in the creative industries can look like.”
In addition to earning their Level 2 and/or Level 3 Diplomas in their chosen subject matter, learners will be tasked with forming their own limited production companies – developing their own brands, and service offerings based on skill sets, such as graphic design, content creation, film, photography and animation.
Throughout the academic year, students will then have the opportunity to pitch for and work on live projects set by local businesses across the city, working together to fulfil the briefs while developing their skills in teamwork, collaboration and client relations.
Alongside the live briefs, students will also have access to some of the brightest creative minds from across the region, as well as access to workshops with industry practitioners, and trips and experiences to consolidate, inspire and build upon their learned experiences.
Domaille continued: “Inspiring students through opportunity is at the heart of Access Creative College’s ethos, and through the Academy we’re delighted to offer our students access to some of the top creatives our region has to offer. We’re always keen to expand our network and encourage any business that would like to support the Academy and help us shape the talent pipelines of tomorrow to get in contact.”
To find out more or sign up as a partner or collaborator to the Academy, please contact Jon Domaille on email at [email protected]. For more information about the AVA visit: https://www.accesscreative.ac.uk/campaign/bristol-academy-of-visual-arts-ava/
We currently have three locations in Bristol, and a fourth due to open in Bath. As the company is growing, we’re now looking for an Operations Manager to work alongside our team, to ensure smooth running of each of our locations.
Gather Round is a growing family of creative workspaces. Our beautiful spaces are specifically designed for creative industry professionals. Our mission is to foster a positive and supportive culture, through thoughtfully designed spaces and a diverse mix of people. Together, we champion a supportive culture of openness, inclusivity and solidarity.
We take time to consider every last detail. Making sure that everything we do, we do with meaning and purpose. Come and join us at this very exciting time!
Operations manager
Part-time, 3x days p/w | Salary: £35-£40k Pro Rata, depending on experience | Location: Bristol & Bath | Start Date: ASAP
We’re looking for a highly organised, strategic and pro-active individual to join our team to help nurture and manage our beautiful spaces.
Working alongside our growing team of creative individuals, you’ll report directly to our Founders and General Manager.
You’ll be overseeing the day-to-day operations of all locations, ensuring they are well-maintained, safe, and efficient. Making sure all our members have the right environment to do their best work. The role will also include managing all elements that keep our spaces running smoothly, from health and saftey to improving our processes.
We’re looking for a fun, friendly, super-organised person, whose passion and drive supports our purpose and embodies our company values of trust, openness and inclusivity.
Please send applications to [email protected] with the following subject line: Operations Manager, application.
And, in 5x bullet points, explain why you’d be a good fit for the role and attach an up-to-date CV.
Application closing date 28th February.
Bristol Light Festival is back! The fifth iteration of the annual event began on Friday 31st January and will run until Sunday 9th February, with 10 installations brightening up the city at a traditionally dark time of the year.
Bristol Light Festival’s digital programme is now available to view here.
The festival covers much of the city centre, with artworks located in the Harbourside, Broadmead, College Green, St Mary Redcliffe Gardens and beyond…
College Green has become home to a flock of bright and beautiful flamingos, delighting visitors with a whimsical display of nature’s most flamboyant creatures.
Shrouding the Amphitheatre in a cosmic blend of light and sound, Somnius responds to the audience’s every move, immersing crowds in a playful environment that puts them in control of their experience.
Those crossing Castle Bridge are being painted in reflections of shimmering light as they admire the suspended facade of more than 1,800 recycled CDs and DVDs, inspired by the waters of Sydney Harbour.
Back for another year of musical delights, Swing Song can be found on Queen Square. Due to popular demand, Bristol Light Festival organisers have introduced a fast track ticket for one set of swings at this year’s event. More information around this, including how to book, is available to view at bristollightfestival.com/swingsong
Lighting up the gardens of St Stephens Church is Our Beating Heart, an enormous heart-shaped disco ball that brings people together in its display of shared love.
At Broadmead, visitors to the festival can find Tetra, a tactile installation that needs to be engaged with to truly be felt and understood, taking inspiration from the many forces of nature.
Temple Church has been illuminated into a world of lasers and mirrors, where moving footage of natural phenomena like flora and the cosmos are being transformed into floating abstractions of light with Parallels.
The world premiere of The Whilers can be found in St Mary Redcliffe Gardens, where otherworldly creatures greet visitors as they interact with each other in an awe-inspiring experience.
Bringing the history of drum and bass to the centre of Bristol, Anthems: Volume One is inspired by the historic connection between the city and DnB music and can be found at Quakers Friars.
Katherine Jewkes, Creative Director of Bristol Light Festival, said:
“Bristol Light Festival 2025 is underway and it’s amazing to see such a positive response from visitors once again.This year brings such a variety of artworks, but at their core is a real sense of togetherness and connection with audiences. We look forward to seeing what the run holds for visitors and hope that even more people will come to Bristol to see all that is on offer!”
For the current edition of Bristol Light Festival, several Fringe events are happening across the city to allow visitors to amplify their experience.
Photography Walk – Monday 3rd February and Wednesday 5th February, 5:30 – 7pm
Award-winning photographer Adrian Wyatt will be guiding budding photographers around the installations, offering guidance on how to capture the best shots of the installations.
Walking Tours – Monday 3rd, Tuesday 4th, Wednesday 5th and Thursday 6th February, 5:30 – 7pm
An opportunity for festival-goers to orientate themselves within the locations and to learn about the installations. Participants can choose between the ‘waterfront’ or ‘central’ routes, or join an accessible tour.
Official Silent Disco Tour – Wednesday 5th February, 5:30 – 6:30pm, Starting at Bristol Cathedral
On this one hour tour, visitors are invited to boogie their way between art installations accompanied by hit tunes from across the decades. High tech headphones mean that users will be able to hear both the music and their tour guide as they make their way around some of the festival’s highlights.
Neon Kids Rave – Thursday 6th February, 4 – 7pm, Bambalan
The whole family is invited to brighten up February with a non-stop rave party including bright colours and plenty of opportunities to boogie. Tickets can be purchased here
Lights Under the Sea – Saturday 8th February, 10am – 7pm, Bristol Aquarium
To celebrate Bristol Light Festival, the Aquarium will be open later on this date, so visitors can experience the aquarium after dark with its botanical house magically lit with colourful lights. Special UV animal crafts will be available throughout the day, free of charge with an aquarium ticket.
For more information about all events, and to book, visit bristollightfestival.com/events
For the 2025 event, Left Handed Giant has once again created the event’s official beer. This year’s ‘Shining Stars’ is a bright and balanced pale ale, full of citrusy grapefruit and juicy tropical character, from a blend of citra, motueka and el dorado. While visitors check out C-Scales at Castle Bridge, they can grab a can of Shining Stars from Left Handed Giant Brewpub to enjoy the full Bristol Light Festival experience. Shining Stars will also be available at Small Bar, Glassboat and the Royal Navy Volunteer.
Bristol Light Festival’s hub can be found at Queen Square. The perfect place for visitors to meet, regroup and rest, the hub hosts merchandise, including branded beanies, tote bags, light up umbrellas and prints. The hub also houses the information hut, seating and a food market, as well as being the site of two of the festival’s installations – Swing Song and Bristol is Always a Good Idea.
Bristol Light Festival was founded by Bristol City Centre Business Improvement District (BID) and is presented in partnership with Redcliffe & Temple BID. The festival’s Artwork Partners are Broadmead BID and Cabot Circus. Visit Bristol, Visit West’s consumer channel for Bristol, is this year’s media partner. The festival is curated by Katherine Jewkes, Creative Director.
For those looking for somewhere to stay in Bristol City Centre during the festival, a list of offers and discounts for some of the best hotels in the area can be found at bristollightfestival.com/accommodation. The festival recommends booking early to avoid disappointment.
Bristol Light Festival recommends travelling as sustainably as possible. Visitors are encouraged to walk or cycle to the festival where possible, or to utilise the many train and bus options available to the city centre. More information about getting to the festival can be found here: bristollightfestival.com/getting-here/
All information about the festival can be found at bristollightfestival.com
Images credit: Andre Pattenden
The initiative combines a structured business accelerator with a unique creative placement scheme, providing practical tools and structured support to drive sustainable growth across the city’s thriving music scene.
The Two Step Programme addresses two significant challenges in the city’s creative sector. Currently, 60% of UK startups fold within their first five years (Forbes, 2024), while only 1 in 10 UK workers in the creative industry come from working-class backgrounds (The Guardian, 2024). By providing targeted resources for music businesses and opportunities for early-career creatives, the initiative seeks to help participants overcome these barriers, equipping them with the skills and connections needed for long-term success.
For Rhombus Studio, this project was more than just a branding opportunity, it was a chance to give back to the creative community that helped shape the studio’s journey. With the founders’ deep roots in Bristol’s music scene and a passion for supporting grassroots initiatives, the collaboration felt like a natural fit.
The studio aimed to create a visual identity that not only captured the essence of Noods Levels’ DIY spirit but also provided a professional, flexible design suited to the programme’s potential growth beyond the music sector.
The brief called for a bold, simple, and flexible brand that could resonate with both businesses and individuals. The design needed to reflect Two Step’s dual mission: supporting local businesses while fostering creativity among young talent.
Colour was key in shaping the visual identity, crafting a vibrant palette with limes and oranges to symbolise creativity and optimism for young creatives, while blue and purple represent collaboration and innovation for businesses. This energetic palette was paired with bold, chunky typography that delivers a clear, impactful message while maintaining a friendly tone.
At the heart of the visual identity is the ‘two-step’ frame, which became the focal point of the brand. It symbolises the programme’s twofold mission: supporting local music businesses while creating pathways for new creative voices from diverse backgrounds. The frame serves as a flexible design element, adaptable across various formats from digital assets to printed materials.
The final visual identity is bold, clean, and perfectly aligned with Two Step’s mission. It speaks to both businesses and creatives while leaving space for the programme to grow into new areas. Rhombus Studio is honoured to have played a role in an initiative that strengthens Bristol’s music community and creates meaningful opportunities for the next generation.
More info on Noods Levels site.
You may know Gather Round for our creative co-working spaces, but did you know we’re also home to two hireable studio spaces at our Brunswick Sq location?
Below our breakout areas where members discuss new collaborations and work on designs for their clients, our Meeting Room and Production Space are completely shut off from the world. Our unique spaces allow you to get things done, with no distractions.
Whether you need somewhere for a team building day, panel talk or yoga class, we’ve got you. We’re now offering 50% off your first booking so get in touch if you need a space to make stuff happen.
We recently launched our brand new, cosy Meeting Room with one of our sell out Gather Round Presents events. 40 creatives in front of 1 panellist, dishing out the good stuff on the importance of community. If you missed out, don’t worry, we’ll be back with another installment sooner than you think.
Our Meeting Room is a unique, cosy, quiet space in our much loved St Pauls location. Perfect for interviews, script run-throughs, strategy days, intimate film screenings and everything in between. Designed with comfort and practicality in mind, our modular furniture options give you the power to create the perfect environment for your event. Take a seat on the sofa for a relaxed interview or spread out over some tables for your team meet up.
Our largest space next to the Meeting Room has seen a myriad of productions, classes and events. We hosted Lucy McKerron for an intimate workshop; Giants at Play came through for their 7 week long stop motion production, plus, our members’ regularly use the space for their own creative pursuits. See how Flexi Plus & Part-Time Flexi members British Blanket Company and Remi Bumstead transformed the space for a product shoot last year.
For photography, filmmaking, production, rehearsals and everything in between. This space is a blank canvas in a unique building, designed to host creative production in all its forms.
You do your thing and we’ll provide the space with some handy extras.
Need to double up and book both spaces or maybe you need to make a block booking? No problem. Get in touch with our Events Manager for a tailored quote. Plus, we’re giving you 50% off your first booking in either space with us. T&Cs apply.
We can’t wait to see what you create!
For more information on our Meeting Room, Production Space or our main Event Space, get in touch with Hannah – [email protected]
This article has previously appeared on the ADLIB Blog.
Understanding Agency salaries in the South West is pivotal for job seekers and employers alike in 2025. This guide provides essential insights into the factors influencing pay scales and highlights the importance of considering additional benefits beyond salary to attract top talent.
For a detailed breakdown of digital marketing salaries in the South West, view our comprehensive salary guide or get in touch for a chat.
At ADLIB, we’re always keeping close to market trends and how things can fluctuate between organisations. Here, we aim to provide an overall range of salaries based on the spectrum of roles within the South West agency world. Factors that can influence one’s salary: the size of business and team, their location, the size and number of accounts you may be working on, management responsibilities, the industry sector, and specific marketing skills, will all have an impact.
If you choose to make a comparison, consideration should be paid beyond job title. It is worth noting that salary isn’t everything, and there are lots of other important factors to consider.
To attract the best talent, employers should also focus on:
This guide provides salary bandings for various sector roles and their respective job titles, including:
To attract and retain top-tier talent in the South West, consider the complete package: competitive salaries, hybrid working patterns, and a supportive, inclusive work environment.
Written by Tony Allen, Head of Marketing, Digital & eCommerce recruitment at ADLIB.
– Senior Appointments & Strategic Growth | Agency & In-house Marketing.
The Gather Round co-working spaces are primed for creatives to come together and thrive.
At our sites, advertisers brush shoulders with architects, filmmakers liaise with fashion professionals, and designers from various disciplines can spark big ideas.
With two renowned spaces — Cigar Factory in Southville and Brunswick Square in St. Paul’s — many Bristol creatives are familiar with what our community offers.
Now, as we dot the i’s and cross the t’s on the launch of our new space in Trinity Church, Bath, it’s high time we reflect on just what makes Gather Round so unique: the people.
Our members span a real range of professions. We’ve got textile gurus, publishers, interior designers, and creative software specialists among the writers, photographers and marketers. Some line-up!
So yeah…this lot call Gather Round their home away from home.
Maybe not literally. But you get the gist.
Let’s dive in.
Hetty is a versatile and kind hearted force in the creative industry. As a Freelance Art Director, DJ and Illustrator, her work is deeply inspired by sustainability and youth culture. She has shaped many memorable campaigns for Nike, Adidas, Carhartt and PSG X Snipes. She inspires those around her and brings the vibes wherever she goes – including the Gather Round Christmas party!
Samuel Gibbs (left)
Works for Fiasco Design. Honestly, Samuel puts it best himself — “a synth-pop musician and a digital designer that’s pretty particular about pixels.”
Jordan Pledge (middle)
Jordan’s a Motion Designer extraordinaire working for Yatta – in his work he blends the worlds of 2D and 3D together with a childlike love of the craft. He brings brand stories to life. Literally.
Nick Anderson Vines (right)
A Linkedin ghostwriter, helping founders of marketing and creative agencies establish themselves as global thought-leaders in their niche, and attract high ticket B2B partnerships.
Miranda Roundstone (left)
Grace & Green believe “caring has the power to change the world”. As Head of Brand Marketing, Miranda masterminds multi-channel campaigns to embody that, helping the brand make waves and break the cycle of period waste with a mission to promote Period Dignity for all.
Carl is a designer whose focus on Digital Experience spans CX, UX and Service design. Currently working for Monks in both their London and Amsterdam offices, recently clients incluide the likes of Spotify Studios, Nike and Hilton Hotels.
A Senior Producer and Curator, Rozenn is all about the arts – from event, project and exhibition production to community engagement initiatives. She’s especially at home working on projects that use art and music for social change.
As Co-Founder and creative mind behind Forage Studio, Matt focuses on branding projects “that often go beyond the realms of design.”
As a Copywriter and Content Strategist, Charlotte shapes brand stories and influences behaviour through the power of language.
An incredible Videographer and Documentary Filmmaker; Remi’s work includes projects for NGOs, as well as ethical brands.
Abigail Olingschlaeger
Abigail is an Associate Director at GN Espace, an off-grid cooking company serving the marine and campervan markets. With a background as a Qualitative Research Consultant, she excels at transforming insights into fresh perspectives to help brands thrive. Her current role involves leading new product development, marketing, strategy and sales.
A multi-disciplinary Design Director with a wicked eye for branding, Julia’s played a pivotal role in Fiasco’s growth in recent years.
People love our spaces because they can knuckle down on their latest projects or sit, chat, collaborate, and create from scratch. We’re proud of what unfolds in our co-working spaces, but the sense of community truly does transcend them.
Credit to Julian Preece for these great shots taken at last years members Christmas party.
Follow us on Insta for more content like this or get in touch if you want to come and have a look around and meet the community IRL.
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