A state-of-the-art headquarters building has transformed the working lives of employees at Dematic Northern Europe in Banbury Business Park

Balliol House, the former Vodafone building, which had stood empty for six years, has been completely reshaped by Dematic to provide a totally open plan workspace equipped with the latest technology.

It boasts 23 meeting rooms; a conference centre for up to 140 guests; a technical training room and ‘live’ exhibition space where customers and staff can view the latest innovations from the automated supply chain technology specialist.

Staff also benefit from dedicated hubs to relax or hold informal meetings; full kitchen facilities and restaurant; a studio for activities such as yoga and fitness workouts, as well a gym, showers and changing rooms. Outside, parking facilities include car-share spaces and charging points for electric vehicles.

Dematic enlisted the help of Richard Venables of VSL & Partners on commercial property matters and Andrew Snowdon of Hollybrook Estates Ltd as external Project Manager and Designer in 2016 to find a suitable building after outgrowing its existing premises on the Beaumont Industrial Estate, Banbury.

Once the 46,000 sq ft building had been located it was fully refurbished internally and externally by the landlords in an operation that took a year to complete before staff moved in during May 2017. A steering committee oversaw the transformation with staff consulted regularly.

Dematic has created a dynamic work and social space, building flexibility and choice which has created a more productive environment. This has delivered a genuine change for its employees and how they go about their day to day business.

David Evans, Business Support Director at Dematic, said: “The move has revolutionised the way we work – the building has been a catalyst for a complete change of culture and we will continue to reap the benefits long into the future.”

Richard Venables, director of VSL & Partners explained: “Balliol House had been transformed to create a stunning work environment. It is a remarkable transformation of the tired call centre facility. Commercial building design can only create part of the solution and the rest must come from the company ethos. Dematic have provided both the ‘cool and funky’ environment and an amazing company philosophy to compliment this and the result is a winning combination.”

Andrew Snowdon of Hollybrook Estates concluded: ‘’Balliol House was a challenge having been neglected for so many years however Dematic’s Steering Group entered the design process open minded with energy to dedicate the necessary time and with an eye for detail. The result is stunning and I am proud to have been involved in the creation of this vibrant working environment.

To view the new offices and for an insight into working at Dematic Northern Europe Headquarters view this film youtu.be/SCoNmYhas8s.

For more information, visit the VSL & Partners website here.