SECOM Plc in the Midlands has moved into a new office as its old one became too small. The firm’s Midlands office previously occupied a building from the 1960s on the outskirts of Birmingham, as its headquarters since 2000. In the 15 years since, SECOM Midlands has grown significantly, the firm reports. The firm provides security to the banking sector in the UK, and offers fire services.
A need for more storage – the capacity to hold bonded stock for key clients – meant SECOM had to move. Not only has its contract base increased, but the various services it offers clients.
Its new location: a former NHS dialysis unit built in 1994. The building was given up two years ago for the new Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
The firm’s search for a new building saw discussions beginning in 2014, but on August 10, 2015 SECOM purchased the old dialysis unit. The firm then developed and refurbished the building, which began on October 5 and continued for nine weeks.
The new offices cover an area of 7,500 square feet, and the storage area is four times the size of the company’s old premises. Its intention is to use this centre for staff from around the UK, and as such SECOM has set up a lounge and meeting area.
The firm has also developed a new training centre, towards realising its goal of a National Apprentice Centre for SECOM UK. The company is a founder stakeholder of the Government Trailblazer Apprentice scheme, and has plans for a second training room for apprentices.
Paul Weaver, SECOM’s general manager for UK operations, said: “This new facility and new location has been beneficial to all of our staff. The site is in a secure prime location on Aston Cross Business Village with local waterways, wildlife and shops on site. The morale of our staff has improved significantly as they all had an input into its design throughout the process. They now have a new modern, open-plan designed building which I am sure all of my staff are very proud to work in.”
SECOM moved into its new Midlands offices on December 7, in Birmingham’s Aston Cross Business Village, just over a mile away from the company’s old offices.
