Earlier this month, we returned to Exeter, the place where City Science first began, for our annual away day. This year’s gathering was a little different, as it marked a special milestone: ten years since our journey started.
Over two days we reconnected, celebrated, and reflected on just how far we’ve come. For many of us, finally meeting colleagues we normally only see on a screen was a highlight in itself. Between energising activities, insightful sessions, and plenty of laughter, it was the perfect mix of fun and inspiration.
Away Day Highlights
Our two-day celebration captured what makes City Science special. One of the most memorable activities was our team-building session where we expressed our vision of City Sciences 10-year anniversary through Play-Doh art. Watching colleagues sculpt everything from to a 3D Cadence Display to questionable representations of our CEO Laurence reminded us that creativity takes many forms.
The unexpected highlight was a laughter yoga session. As unusual as it sounds, it captured something important: when we are busy, we still should take time to improve our mental health. Laughter is a great form of stress relief, and that’s no joke. The evening social at Exeter’s Boom Battle Bar brought out everyone’s competitive side with interactive darts and axe throwing. These moments show how much fun it can be to work here, where collaboration extends well beyond the office walls
Reflections from the Away Day
As we looked back on a decade of challenges and achievements, a few themes stood out:
Joy powers progress
Our projects span everything from transport strategies and renewable energy modelling to nature-based solutions and cutting-edge research. The work can be complex and demanding, but we thrive because we genuinely enjoy solving problems that matter. Whether we’re delivering Local Area Energy Plans (LAEPs) or helping local authorities unlock finance barriers through the Net Zero Living programme, the work motivates us because it creates real impact.
Growth comes from learning
Every project has been a chance to expand our knowledge and develop new skills. Collaborating with international partners, pushing the boundaries of modelling, or testing fresh ideas closer to home, each step has stretched us and shaped us. That curiosity and appetite for learning has been central to our first decade, and it will carry us forward into the next.
Leadership is resilience in action
Ten years of growth doesn’t happen without persistence and leadership that can guide a team through challenges with optimism. Our founder and CEO, Laurence, has set that tone from day one. His positivity and resilience reminds us that even the most ambitious goals are achievable with the right mindset and a strong team behind them.
A Journey of Impact and Growth
It’s incredible to see how far we’ve come. From a single office in Exeter, we’ve grown into a team of 61 people across four locations: Exeter, London, Bristol, and most recently Birmingham.
Our early days were spent building transport modelling tools like Cadence, which went on to win both the CIHT Transport Technology Award and the Master of Modelling Data & Visualisation at Modelling World in 2019. Since then, our work has expanded into some of the most pressing issues of our time.
We’ve supported the Climate Change Committee on Direct Air Capture feasibility, developed the Nature Investment Land Assessment Tool to help local authorities turn policy into action, and been selected by the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero to deliver key components of their Home Energy Model programme. Each project reflects not only our technical expertise but also our commitment to creating solutions that benefit people, places, and the planet.
Our flagship Regional Strategic Modelling (RSM) work with Transport for West Midlands has transformed how local authorities understand and plan for future growth, while our Local Area Energy Plans (LAEPs) are helping communities across the UK chart their path to net zero. The Net Zero Living programme has pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in sustainable community design, and our renewable energy strategies are powering the transition to clean energy across multiple sectors.
Each project reflects not only our technical expertise but also our commitment to creating solutions that benefit people, places, and the planet.
Gratitude to Our Partners
None of this would have been possible without the trust and collaboration of our incredible clients and partners. From government departments and local authorities to private sector innovators and academic institutions, you’ve challenged us to think bigger, work smarter, and deliver solutions that make a real difference. Whether you’ve been with us since the early days or joined our journey more recently, your partnership has been fundamental to our growth and success. Thank you for believing in our vision and entrusting us with work that shapes the future.
Looking Ahead
While anniversaries are a time to celebrate the past, they’re also about what comes next. The energy and positivity we felt in Exeter were a powerful reminder of what makes City Science special: a team that’s motivated, collaborative, and passionate about creating meaningful change.
As we look toward our next decade, we’re more committed than ever to solving the complex challenges that matter most, from transport decarbonisation and sustainable aviation fuels to nature recovery and net zero financing frameworks.
Here’s to the next ten years of innovation, curiosity, and problem-solving.
If you’re excited by what we do and want to be part of the journey, we’d love to hear from you. Visit our careers page to explore opportunities to join the team.
