This week, we celebrated the opening of our new UK head office in Ipswich. This move represents a new chapter in our company’s story, and we’re ready to continue our journey in a space that will facilitate our future growth and success.
The new head office is named New Century House, an acknowledgement to the first name of the company established by the founder of OCS, Frederick Goodliffe, 124 years ago. While the company will retain a small presence in Bury St Edmunds, most business operations will move to the new building from the start of April.
On the morning of April 8th, Mayor Lynne Mortimer, Councillor of Ipswich, symbolically inaugurated this new chapter by cutting the OCS ribbon for the new office. The day and the subsequent week were filled with activities from quizzes to raffle draws. This positive start in Ipswich laid the foundation for building strong ties with the local community.
In the coming weeks, Just Deli, a canteen catered by our catering brand Angel Hill, will be constructed and available for our colleagues to use in the new head office. Just Deli will provide fresh and nutritious food for our colleagues, with a focus on brain food, heart and gut health, to provide them with the necessary fuel to be their best.
Expanding and looking ahead
Our decision to move was influenced by several factors. Ipswich offers good transport links, including a direct train service into London, which is key for our operations. The town also opens recruitment opportunities, especially along the A12 corridor into Essex.
With the keys received at Christmas, we’ve been busy renovating New Century House, formerly occupied by accountants BDO, at The Havens, Ransomes Europark.
We’re not just relocating; we’re also expanding from our current team of around 200 colleagues who work in Bury St Edmunds. This growth is due to two acquisitions in the past two months and new contracts.
The move is a positive development for Ipswich and its local economy. The new HQ will operate on a ‘Hot Desk’ policy, with each department having a zone without desk allocation. This will maximise the efficiency of the premises in conjunction with hybrid working arrangements with colleagues. As OCS works to achieve its goal to double in size over the next 5 years, it expects to recruit up to 700 people from the Ipswich area and will look for additional space in Ipswich as it grows.
OCS will also be supporting the community through regional investment and volunteering work as a testament to our commitment to creating places for colleagues, customers, and communities to thrive.
We’re also making strides for a good cause by hosting the New Century House Walk, a trekking event that covers just under 32 miles, from Vicon House, Bury St Edmunds, to New Century House, Ipswich and raising funds for the OCS Foundation. Every step we take can make a difference.
If you’re interested in joining the OCS team, head over to: ocs.com/uk/careers/
Join us in this exciting new chapter of OCS’s history.
