Honoring History, Embracing Change: Celebrating One Year in Exeter’s Bradninch Hall

Did you know that Brigantes celebrated its 10th birthday last year? The time has truly flown, and it can be all too easy to forget to pause and reflect on how things have changed since those early days. In just over 10 years, we have grown from a small startup business supplying adventure training equipment, to a key international player specialising in the provision of the full scope of on-the-soldier equipment.

We recently marked the first year in our current office headquarters, Bradninch Hall, an iconic space with a rich historic tapestry of its own. This anniversary seemed like the perfect moment to look back on the Brigantes story to date, the poignancy of the place we now call home, and a celebration of our connection to Exeter as a modern business.

Brigantes was founded in 2014 by long-term friends and colleagues, Matthew Williams and Andrew Workman. Born out of a desire to bridge the gap between the Outdoor and Defence industries, we’ve since established ourselves as the go-to specialist in on-the-soldier equipment and a trusted supplier to NATO military, government, and elite police units.

From our origins in the outdoor world, we’ve come on in leaps and bounds, with a product range now spanning apparel, footwear, vertical movement, signature management, technology, mobility, and sustainment. We unite our decades of military experience with advanced technical expertise and keen industry awareness to deliver unparalleled solutions to our customers.?

“Our journey has been one of constant evolution and innovation. From our beginnings in a tiny office back in 2014 to where we are now, in the heart of Exeter. This transition is very much reflected in our evolution and maturation as a business.”

- Matthew Williams - Brigantes CEO

Where we find ourselves now, ten years later, feels particularly poignant to us as a defence business. Our Office space in Bradninch Hall in the heart of Exeter has been home for just over a year, and more than just a beautiful environment, it represents a particular historical significance. Originally built as a family home in the 1800s, the building was repurposed during the First World War as a hospital facility for wounded soldiers. Bradninch Hall was a part of Exeter’s No V Hospital, which housed 200 beds and admitted hundreds of patients during the war, before it was restored to a hostel for student accommodation in 1919.

“There’s something profoundly humbling about working in a space that once served as a sanctuary for wounded soldiers. It feels like the work that we’re dedicated to today - providing essential equipment to soldiers, resonates with the building’s past.”

- Matthew Williams - Brigantes CEO

The building has come a long way since then, having been repurposed at some point in the 20th century into contemporary office spaces. Brigantes took up our tenancy here at the end of 2023, and we have done a lot of work to create a space that feels like home.

“We undertook a lot of work upon moving into Bradninch Hall to transform it into a space that really felt like “us”. From uncovering original flooring to repainting the walls in our signature green, every detail was carefully considered to create a welcoming and inspiring environment. The renovations have truly brought out the character of the building while making it a perfect reflection of our brand and vision.”

- Kimberley Wannell - Brigantes HR and Facilities Manager

As well as its historical significance, this new location also situates us in the heart of Exeter and InExeter ’s Business Improvement District (BID). InExeter is a local initiative which unites companies within the city centre to bring the community together and help businesses to thrive. As members of the BID, we contribute a levy towards their operational running costs, and get to take advantage of the many opportunities that they provide. From marketing and networking opportunities to business photography services, which we took advantage of to capture these photographs.

After 10 years of business, this first year at Brandninch Hall has felt in many ways like a coming home. As with any business, some years can be more eventful than others, and 2024, with its complex geopolitical landscape, brought some turbulence and organisational changes for us as a company. Weathering these changes almost always pays off though, and this challenging year has enabled us to lock in on a refined business focus and significant opportunities, both now and in the future.

This renewed focus, this growth, our continued partnership with InExeter and our place in the local community are what will define the next chapter of the Brigantes story. We’re not simply sitting back and toasting ten years of success; we’re setting our sights firmly on the future. Our journey so far has been fueled by a commitment to innovation, collaboration, and to delivering the very best for our customers, and in this respect there is no change. These principles will guide us in every year to come.

Our move to Bradninch Hall mirrors our evolution as a company. Nestled in the heart of Exeter, this historic space represents both a hub for our business and a beacon of our commitment to the community. We’re proud to be part of initiatives like InExeter, investing in a thriving business ecosystem, fostering collaboration and mutual growth in the city we call home.

“Being part of InExeter has allowed us to connect with other incredible businesses and contribute to making Exeter an even more vibrant and prosperous city. It’s a partnership we’re proud of and one that we see growing even stronger in the future.”

- Kimberley Wannell - Brigantes HR and Facilities Manager