Our friends at Cuprinol have compiled this survey which features some of the finalists for Shed of the year 2017 🙂
- 53% of Brits now have Wi-Fi and electricity in their sheds compared with 25% who have a wheelbarrow according to new research by Cuprinol
- Millennials are the most savvy when it comes to making the most of their sheds with 20% running a successful blog or business from the bottom of their garden
- Cuprinol’s Shed of the Year competition will see the finalists go head-to-head this summer on the Channel 4 series ‘Amazing Spaces Shed of the Year’ for the coveted crown
Sheds are now becoming much more than a space for storing tools as Brits swap their wheelbarrows for Wi-Fi in a bid to make the most of their garden spaces. The research by Cuprinol for National Shed Week found that 28% of people now use their garden shed as a space for their hobby and 7% of these have now grown into small businesses.
Millennials are the most shed-savvy when it comes to making the most of this space with 20% running a successful blog or business from the bottom of their garden.
A fifth of Brits (21%) have created outdoor offices complete with computers, desks, pens and notepads and over half of respondents (56%) say they would work in the garden more often if they could with 29% of Londoners preferring to work from their shed than the kitchen table.
The news comes as the Cuprinol Shed of the Year competition counts down to the final show down on the Channel 4 series ‘Amazing Spaces Shed of the Year’ this summer. This year has seen the highest number of shed-repreneurs with 11 of the 32 finalists running a business, blog or not-for-profit organisation from the bottom of their garden.
Shortlisted sheddie and YouTuber, Mermaid Gossip, has created a colourful multipurpose workspace with Wi-Fi which means Emily can sit and work on her laptop
Whilst founder of Team Unlimbited, Stephen, designs and builds 3D printed prosthetic hands and arms for children in need completely free, all in his spare time. His vision has helped children from around the world – from Peru to Pakistan, Turkey to Brazil, and beyond.
Almost a half of people (48%) say they feel more productive in their garden and can concentrate better, whilst almost a third (29%) believe they are more creative outside. With an increasing number of us benefitting from flexible working, working from home is becoming more and more common, with 40% of us looking to our gardens to set up shop.
Speaking of the findings, environmental psychologist, Lily Bernheimer said: “Workspaces with daylight, views of nature, and natural ventilation have demonstrated higher levels of productivity, well-being, and comfort; so it’s no surprise that almost half the British public say they feel more productive and can concentrate better in their garden.
“People feel more removed from everyday stress in the garden as compared to indoors—calm and relaxed, refreshed and revitalised, and more in control. Even looking at nature for just 40 seconds at a time has been proven to improve brain functioning and help people concentrate better.”
Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director at Cuprinol said: “It’s clear that the humble garden shed is no longer just a space to store garden tools, as people view it more as an extension of their home.
Working outside can have a positive impact on your wellbeing and what’s wonderful is that anyone with a garden can design a space to inspire their creativity. It’s great to see how that year’s shortlist really showcases the extensive uses for a shed and how it can so perfectly enhance the way you live your life.”
For the fourth year running, the shortlisted sheds will feature on hit TV series ‘Amazing Spaces Shed of the Year’, produced by Plum Pictures, airing on Channel 4 this summer.
The category winners will be revealed on the show over the four-week programme and the eight winners will then go head-to-head in a battle to become the overall winner.
Selected by a panel of shed experts including the founder of the competition, Andrew Wilcox, George Clarke and his expert team; craftsman William Hardie, architect Laura Clark and industrial designer Max McMurdo, the winner will receive £1,000 courtesy of sponsors Cuprinol along with a plaque, £100 worth of Cuprinol products and a giant crown for their shed.
I do have a router in the shed waiting to be wired up as my reception down there is a bit patch. As I have power, a power line extender is also an option. The wheelbarrow was last seen poking out of the top of someone else shed roof. So to get it back I’d likely need to help them fix the roof.