In this episode of Workspace Unwired, BCO chief executive Samantha McClary is joined by Tobi Crosbie, founder and chief executive of Making Moves, to explore how occupier expectations are reshaping the office market.

From building his business from scratch to advising clients across London, Crosbie shares candid insights into what today’s organisations really want from their workplaces and why.

The conversation highlights a clear shift in how office decisions are made, with C-suite leaders now more directly involved in shaping spaces that drive productivity, attract talent and reflect company culture. As hybrid working continues to evolve, Crosby explains why the traditional open-plan office is being rethought in favour of more flexible, human-focused environments.

Ultimately, this episode paints a picture of an industry adapting quickly, where experience, design and service matter more than ever in creating workplaces people genuinely want to return to.

Listen in for key insights on why:

• The occupier is firmly in control: Decision-making has shifted to the C-suite, with a sharp focus on productivity, culture and employee experience.

• Workplace design is becoming more human: There’s a growing demand for quieter, more flexible environments alongside collaborative space.
• Service and experience now rival location: Inspired by serviced offices, occupiers expect higher-quality, hospitality-style environments across all building types.

Enjoy!

In this episode of Workspace Unwired, BCO chief executive Samantha McClary sits down with Nicola Gillen, EMEA lead for Total Workspace at Cushman & Wakefield, and chair of the national judges for the BCO Awards, to unpack what truly defines excellence in today’s workplaces.

Drawing on insights from reviewing more than 100 buildings across the UK during her four years on the BCO national judging panel, Gillen shares a unique, behind-the-scenes perspective on how offices are evolving in a post-pandemic world.

The conversation explores a major shift in thinking, from inward-looking buildings designed purely for occupiers, to places that actively contribute to their communities, economies and environments.

Gillen highlights the growing importance of retrofit and reuse, the rise of human-centred design that caters to diverse working styles, and the increasing role of workspace as a catalyst for innovation and regeneration beyond London.

She also shares insights on why location and placemaking are more critical than ever, how the industry is responding to sustainability challenges, and why the BCO Awards process provides unmatched real-world insight by focusing on buildings that are already in use.

While Gillen offers some invaluable guidance for future award entrants on how to make their submission and show-and-tell shine for judges, what this episode is really is, is a call to action. A call to design workplaces with purpose, responsibility and long-term impact in mind and to rethink what value truly means in the built environment.

Listen in for key insights on why:

• Great workplaces go beyond the building: The best projects actively shape their communities, supporting regeneration, social value and economic growth.
• Reuse, retrofit and sustainability are central to delivering excellence: Retaining existing structures and reducing carbon is no longer optional—it’s becoming the industry norm.
• Designing for people means designing for everyone: Successful workspaces balance collaboration, wellbeing and focus, recognising the diverse needs of users.

Find out more about the BCO Awards at https://www.bco.org.uk/events/awards

In this episode of the BCO’s Workspace Unwired podcast, chief executive Samantha McClary talks with Clare Fielding about inclusion, workplace design and the importance of creating spaces where everyone feels safe, respected and able to thrive.

Fielding, a former planning lawyer, managing partner and now coach, reflects on her experience as a trans woman and what she describes as becoming a “reluctant activist” in response to increasingly polarised public debate.

The conversation explores the complexity of current discussions around gender, legal guidance and workplace inclusion, particularly in relation to the built environment.

Rather than fuelling division, Fielding argues for a more thoughtful, balanced and human-centred approach—one that starts with dignity, listening and practical problem-solving.

Together, the pair discuss how designers, developers and operators can create workplaces that offer choice, comfort and safety for all, without humiliating or excluding anyone.

Fielding is also a board member for Freehold, the property industry’s LGBT+ network, so utilises this episode – with the full endorsement of the BCO – to shout out the work Freehold is doing to make the property sector more inclusive.

This episode isn’t really about workspace, it’s about being more compassionate in everything that we do. And, if we bring that inclusive thinking into our design, development and operation of workspaces, we’ll ultimately deliver space that works for everyone.

Listen in if you want:

• A thoughtful, human-centred perspective on inclusion The episode cuts through noise and polarisation to focus on dignity, empathy and practical inclusion.
• To learn how to connect social inclusion to workplace and design decisions Listeners will hear useful ideas about how offices and shared spaces can better support everyone.
• Valuable sector insight from an experienced voice Fielding brings legal, leadership and lived experience, alongside insight into Freehold’s work in the property industry.

Enjoy!