Virtual opening ceremony for group’s new HQ
PARTNERS Leicestershire County Council and Loughborough University have been involved in a ‘virtual’ ceremony which welcomes The Access Group to its new HQ at Loughborough Science and Enterprise Park (LUSEP).
The county council has invested in the new office space at the University in an innovative move which will see revenue of £1.6m a year to support vital front-line county council services. It is believed to be the largest, single-occupier office deal in the county this century.
Council leader Nick Rushton said: “This underlines the strength of Leicestershire as a great place to do business as well as the county council’s place at the forefront of the drive for growth and innovation. It also cements Loughborough’s growing global reputation as a business and innovation centre and shows that Leicestershire is truly open for business.
“Our approach of building new workspaces is creating jobs and boosting the economy, which is vital in securing a good recovery from the COVID pandemic, and crucially, it means we can invest more into services such as maintaining our roads and supporting vulnerable people.”
From inception to completion, the 109,000 sq. ft. office at LUSEP was completed in under four years with work continuing safely through the pandemic.
The venture is a pioneering partnership between the county council and the university.
Loughborough University Vice Chancellor, Professor Robert Allison, said: “Since joining the LUSEP innovation community four years ago, the Access Group has developed mutually beneficial links with the University, expanded operations and affirmed its position as one of the UK’s fastest growing tech employers.
“I am delighted that by working in partnership with the County Council, we have delivered a fitting home for the company which also marks the start of exciting expansion at LUSEP within Loughborough and Leicester Science and Innovation Enterprise Zone.”
The Access Group, a leading provider of business management software to mid-sized organisations, has more than 35,000 customers across commercial and not-for-profit sectors. Founded in 1991, Access employs more than 3000 staff with a significant number based in the Midlands.
Chris Marjara, Chief Marketing Officer at The Access Group, said: “Our links to Loughborough University go back several years since we opened our technical development and support centre at LUSEP in 2016. We’re looking forward to being part of the future expansion and moving into our new office HQ in the early part of 2021. The Board and our teams are excited to make the building our new home.”
Victoria Brambini, Managing Director of Perfect Circle, said: “We’re delighted to see such a successful technology firm taking up their new premises in the County. The engagement of Perfect Circle at the earliest stage of planning and design, right through into project and cost management of the construction and fit-out, allowed the County Council and Loughborough University to de-risk the project and deliver better outcomes.”
This underlines the strength of Leicestershire as a great place to do business
Councillor Nick Rushton