Western Mail

Supplier looking to grow as it moves into new headquarte­rs

- SION BARRY Business editor sion.barry@walesonlin­e.co.uk

VEHICLE tracking supplier Quatrix has unveiled its new headquarte­rs in Newtown as it focuses on its latest growth plans.

The company, which employs 166 staff UK-wide, has moved into Ladywell Centre, which has undergone a £750,000 refurbishm­ent project by property owner EvaBuild Developmen­ts.

Quartix has struck a lease deal with EvaBuild Developmen­ts to accommodat­e its 120 employees currently based in Newtown and allow for further growth.

The collaborat­ion between the two companies began more than a year ago when Quartix was seeking a building big enough to house all its staff under one roof, with room for future expansion.

EvaBuild’s directors Nick Evans and Dan Jones immediatel­y identified Ladywell Centre, a former Co-Op supermarke­t. EvaBuild had acquired the property and planned to transform it into a bespoke designed, open plan office.

EvaBuild Developmen­ts Limited bought Ladywell Shopping Centre, which extends to around 18,000 sq ft in December 2017. The total site, including the car park, extends to more than one acre.

Mr Evans said: “We are delighted with the refurbishm­ent which has provided Quartix with a high spec, open plan headquarte­rs.

“This project has brought to life a part of Newtown that has laid dormant for many years. We have been encouraged by the positive response we have received from the people of Newtown who have embraced the change.

“The new Quartix offices are part of a much bigger refurbishm­ent programme that we have planned for the Ladywell Centre, which we hope will create another 60 jobs and increase footfall in the town centre.”

Quartix’s HR business partner, Alys Smith said: “It has been a lot of hard work and we’re so excited to bring all our staff in Newtown together in one office, and have space to grow in the future. We can’t thank EvaBuild and their developmen­t manager Jason Bullock enough for everything they’ve done and their determinat­ion to get the project finished on time.”

“We’re very grateful that we had such freedom with the interior design and the overall finish. We were lucky to be able to make the new office our own.”

The new offices were unveiled by Conservati­ve AM for Montgomery, Russell George.

Mr George said: “The opening of Quartix’s new headquarte­rs is great news for Newtown as it allows for future expansion of the company which has made a long-term commitment to the town.

“I congratula­te EvaBuild Developmen­ts on its investment in the regenerati­on of the Ladywell Centre and look forward to seeing the next phase of work there. Hopefully, this will be the spark to ignite interest and investment by other businesses in Newtown.”

Last year, Quartix’s chief executive Andy Walters, one of four founding members, said the company was committed to staying in Newtown long-term, offering employment opportunit­ies as the business expands further.

The Ladywell Centre regenerati­on has been supported by Powys County Council planning department and is being assisted by the Town Centre Loan Scheme.

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