Change your business address
If you're a full access user, you can update your business, registered, mailing and personal addresses within Online for Business and the Business banking app.
Stephens Scown LLP: Owning your own path to sustainability
In a bold move to align its physical spaces with its values, employee-owned B Corp law firm Stephens Scown LLP has transformed its Exeter office into a beacon of sustainability and employee wellbeing, with support from Lloyds and local partners.
Read time: 3 mins Added: 18/12/25
Taking the lead
Stephens Scown LLP, a leading law firm in the Southwest with offices in Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset, has long championed progressive values, from employee ownership to environmental responsibility. As part of its commitment to sustainability and its B Corp certification, the firm executed a seven-figure upgrade that not only modernised its workspace, but also significantly reduced its environmental footprint – setting a new standard for legal offices in the Southwest.
A transformative transformation
The firm’s existing office at Curzon House, was functional but outdated. It lacked the energy efficiency, collaborative design, and modern amenities needed to support hybrid working and employee wellbeing. With a net zero pledge by the end of 2025, Stephens Scown LLP needed a solution that would deliver both environmental and operational impact.
With a £3.3 million Buildings Transition Loan from Lloyds, Stephens Scown LLP purchased the leasehold of its 16,600 sq. ft Exeter office and simultaneously launched a comprehensive refurbishment project.
Partnering with Bespa, a local sustainable interior design firm, the transformation included:
- Energy upgrades: improved insulation, lighting, and a switch from gas heating to air-source heat pumps, boosting the EPC rating from C to A.
- Workspace redesign: a new foyer, reception, client lounge, and collaborative working areas.
- Hybrid-ready infrastructure: smart booking systems and flexible meeting spaces to support modern working practices.
Alex Mackie COO and first non-lawyer Partner, Stephens Scown LLPThe support from Lloyds has been invaluable in our journey to building our presence in the region, while also making the space we work in our own. From here, we’ve created a great base to engage more closely with the local community and do our bit to balance people, planet and profit.
The new standard
The changes made have already had a positive impact. From an environmental perspective, they’ve significantly reduced energy use and carbon emissions, accelerating progress toward net zero. There’s been positive feedback from staff on improved collaboration, comfort, and pride in their workplace too.
From a community commitment, the use of local suppliers and staying in the heart of Exeter has reinforced the firm’s local engagement, and they were also shortlisted for the Exeter Sustainability Awards.
“In a year of growth and great success for us, it’s been even more important than ever to invest in our places and people. And the results have been tremendous already. Positive feedback from our team in Exeter and visiting employees from our other offices has meant we’re now replicating this formula across our other offices” states Alex.
The case for investing in sustainability
It’s clear that the firm’s commitment to strategic investment in office space has driven both environmental and employee benefits. Local partnerships have amplified community impact and brand authenticity, and sustainability upgrades have been operationally smart and helped future-proof the organisation.
Buoyed by the success in Exeter, Stephens Scown LLP is now replicating the upgrade across its offices in Taunton and Truro, further embedding sustainability and wellbeing into its regional footprint.
Gary O’Neill Relationship Manager, LloydsIt’s been a pleasure to work with Stephens Scown LLP, their commitment to sustainability and community is inspiring, I can’t wait to support them on their next chapter of growth.