Hull software specialist APD Communications has completed its move to new offices in the city’s Old Town.
The firm, which creates software used by emergency services, airports and the London Underground, had outgrown its former home after rapid growth took its staff count past the 100 mark.
APD has now moved into purpose-designed offices close to Hull’s landmark minster, in the heart of the city’s Old Town, as it prepares for the next phase of its growth.
Rhiannon Beeson, commercial director at APD, said: “Before, we were trying to fit the needs of the business around existing buildings; now we have a building that has been purpose-designed for APD and our ways of working, with room for further growth.
“We’ve been able to deliver this move and provide a working environment of this quality because of the effort our people have put into growing the business over a number of years. This is something the teams have been working for – they’ve made this happen.
“Everything has been designed with staff feedback in mind – they’ve been an integral part of it and their reaction has been overwhelmingly positive.”
APD had outgrown its previous offices across two buildings at the Newland Science Park next to the University of Hull.
The company’s new two-storey offices, in the shadow of Hull Minster, have undergone a £2m redevelopment to create a cutting-edge, hi-tech space.
Dave Campbell, support team leader, said: “It’s like working at Google’s headquarters. It’s a really modern, fresh environment – lots of collaborative meeting spaces, sit-stand desks, a roof terrace and great kitchen facilities.
“The location is brilliant too. The Old Town is one of the nicest parts of Hull, with great facilities and places to eat all around us.”
The new offices have been designed to support existing and new customers, with the first floor largely dedicated to software development, engineering and testing.
Facilities include a test lab for the London Underground, for which APD manages communications between tube trains and control rooms, through multiple operators, as well as a new purpose-built software lab and audio lab.
The office is also equipped with state-of-the-art video conferencing to enable staff to work efficiently with customers far and wide.
Ms Beeson said: “Our aim is to be an employer of choice and now we have a workplace to support that ambition.
“Our people have exciting jobs within a growing business at the cutting edge of technology. Now they also have a great place to work, right in the heart of the city, with fantastic facilities all around.
“It’s great for our staff and definitely makes us even more attractive in the competition for talent.”
APD supplies cutting-edge software to the emergency services, public safety and control room markets.
The company’s mission critical communications and control solutions are used by more than two thirds of UK police forces as well as major transportation hubs, including Gatwick and Dubai international airports and the London Underground.
