Synergy News & Blog: News
2023 End of Year Statement From Duncan Ball
“As we come to the end of 2023, I reflect on the year we’ve had at Synergy.
I’m delighted that the business has thrived this year and this is a testament to the hard work from everyone at Synergy. Our teams have continued to grow as we’ve welcomed talented new starters across all departments in the practice.
This year we’ve been a part of several projects that have received awards for excelling in innovation, creativity and for their positive impact on the users of the spaces. RHS Hilltop and the Roman Villa Experience continue to excite and inspire since their openings, both picking up RIBA Regional 2023 awards. Hackbridge Primary School, a Passivhaus Plus building, received a prestigious design award at the RIBA London 2023 awards and Bath Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral and ArtsEd all won at the Civic Trust Awards.
We’ve remained steadfast in our commitment to social responsibility and are continually striving to connect with our communities. Our colleagues have supported a range of career events for local schools such as Gordon’s School and St Peter’s School, to help inspire pupils in their decision making and next steps.
Our colleagues have also shown enthusiasm and passion in various charity endeavours, including our amazing ‘Synergy Runners’ who raised £1,842 At Landaid’s 10K run in Regent’s Park. On top of this, our latest Christmas jumper day helped to raise £300 for Save the Children and the LLP are delighted to again be making donations to charities local to each Synergy office and close to the hearts of our staff.
We have advanced our environmental policy by monitoring our carbon emissions and have created a carbon reduction plan that will support our aim of becoming net zero by 2024. The new Synergy ‘Green Team’ is proactively finding new ways to drive sustainable practices through the business and in the summer, solar panels were installed on the roof of our Bath office.
For some schools there have been challenges to overcome, such as the impact of RAAC following the government announcement and at times, flooding emergencies. We have supported our clients in these difficult times to help minimise disruption to learning as much as possible.
This year we have seen the completion of a variety of projects across multiple sectors, from the new accessible West Front Entrance at Westminster Abbey, to the ‘Changing Lives’ community project at St Marylebone Parish Church and of course many diverse and rewarding education projects.
We have a few exciting projects nearing completion and we look forward to seeing them in use in the beginning of the new year. These include the new residential development at Purley Baptist Church, a church transformed into a new study space at Bradfield College and a new staff room transformation at Tonbridge School.
Thank you to all our clients and colleagues for your partnership. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and a happy new year!”
Duncan Ball, Managing Partner
