On 4 November, partners Leicestershire County Council and Loughborough University celebrated completion of a striking new global HQ for The Access Group at Loughborough University Science and Enterprise Park (LUSEP).
The venture – a pioneering collaboration between the County Council and the University – is believed to be the largest, single-occupier office deal in the county this century.
The purpose-built 109,000 sq ft office was completed in under four years with work continuing safely through the pandemic – and more than 90% of the project supply chain were SMEs.
The County Council has invested in the new office space in an innovative move which will see revenue of £1.6 million a year to support vital front-line services.
Council leader Nick Rushton said: “This underlines the strength of Leicestershire as a great place to do business as well as the County Council’s place at the forefront of the drive for growth and innovation. It also cements Loughborough’s growing reputation as a business and innovation centre and shows that Leicestershire is truly open for business.
“Our approach of building new workspaces is creating jobs and boosting the economy which is vital in securing a good recovery from the COVID pandemic and, crucially, it means we can invest more in services such as maintaining our roads and supporting vulnerable people.”
Loughborough University Vice Chancellor, Professor Robert Allison, said: “Since joining the LUSEP innovation community four years ago, The Access Group has developed mutually beneficial links with the University, expanded operations and affirmed its position as one of the UK’s fastest growing tech employers.
“I am delighted that by working in partnership with the County Council, we have delivered a fitting home for Access’s new global HQ.”
The Access Group, a leading provider of business management software to mid-sized organisations, has more than 35,000 customers across commercial and not-for-profit sectors. Founded in 1991, Access employs more than 3,000 staff with a significant number based in the Midlands.
Chris Marjara, Chief Marketing Officer at The Access Group, said: “Our links to Loughborough University go back several years since we opened our technical development and support centre at LUSEP in 2016.
“We’re looking forward to being part of the future expansion and moving into our new office HQ in early 2021. The Board and our teams are excited to make the building our new home.”
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