Cov Building Society opens its new ‘ultra modern’ HQ
OFFICE INCLUDES RELAXATION AREAS, EAT AND MEET HUBS AND COMPLIMENTARY DRINKS AND FRUIT
COVENTRY Building Society has celebrated the opening of its new “ultra-modern” new head office at Binley Business Park.
The new office, Coventry House, is located next to the four existing Coventry Building Society offices within the business hub and will be used by staff from across the business to service the society’s two million members.
The Lord Mayor of Coventry, Cllr John Mcnicholas, cut the ribbon at last week’s grand opening ceremony and was joined by Coventry City Council chief executive Martin Reeve along with the society’s CEO Steve Hughes and hundreds of colleagues. Guests were invited to tour the 40,000 sq ft building which features a range of collaborative spaces for in-office employees and zoom pods for hybrid working.
Coventry Building Society, which has recently been named one of the best places to work in the country has designed the office with far more space than usual dedicated to communal areas and workplace wellbeing.
Staff based at the new office will benefit from relaxation and quiet areas with natural light, a multi-faith room, eat-and-meet hubs for socialising as well as kitchen areas that provide complimentary drinks and fruit. There is access to heightadjusting desks to alternate between sitting and standing during the working day, flexible rooms that can be used for meetings, conferences or training sessions, and large collaboration spaces where people can come together while maintaining distance if required.
The building is powered by renewable energy and 632 high-efficiency solar panels have been installed on the roof producing 30 per cent of the building’s electricity needs. Outside, the car park has eight electric vehicle charging points, and inside, a range of plants surround the open plan space with an entire wall covered in moss helping to improve air quality as well as absorb noise.
Steve Hughes, chief executive at Coventry Building Society, said: “We’re immensely proud to officially open our brand new head office in our home city. It shows our longterm commitment to Coventry and our long-term commitment to our colleagues.
“Our people are our greatest asset and our focus is on creating the best working environment we can. As one of Coventry’s largest employers, we invest heavily in our colleagues to ensure we retain the right people and attract new talent allowing our growing organisation the opportunity to succeed.
“We’ve created a collaborative, safe and inclusive place that our people are proud to work in and by bringing teams together under one campus, we can continue to deliver award-winning customer service to millions of our members and transform the business for the long term.”
Cllr Jim O’boyle, cabinet member for jobs, regeneration and climate change, added: “It’s really good to see Coventry Building Society investing in their staff, in a new office and in the city where it all started. They are one of the city’s largest employers and the jobs here are helping to support local people and the economy.
“I have seen lots of investment in branches across the city and I’m really looking forward to seeing the new central branch when it moves into the Precinct. We’ve created a fine outdoor space there and I think the Coventry Building Society will fit in really well.
“The new office has strong green credentials too - partly powered by solar energy with a range of sustainable features alongside EV charge points - supporting our aim to lead the green revolution. Hopefully some employees will be able to make sure of the segregated cycleway under construction linking the city centre to Binley too.
“I wish everyone working in the new office well and I hope they enjoy being part of an iconic Coventry business.”
The Lord Mayor of Coventry, Cllr Mcnicholas, said: “This building is a great addition to Coventry and reflects the beliefs and work of our city and the Coventry Building Society so well. With a multi-faith room, activity room and an eat-and-meet hub, it brings people together.
“It is a building designed to promote friendship and understanding. And with its solar panels, it is also perfect for our green, environmentally-friendly city.
“I am sure it will be well-loved by all - congratulations to Coventry Building Society and all concerned.”