Member Article

Waterstons unveils new Durham HQ

UK business and IT consultancy Waterstons has marked its 25th anniversary of business growth with the official opening of its bespoke Durham HQ in Aykley Heads Business Park.

For a quarter of a century, Waterstons has enjoyed significant success and is now one of the top employers and business and IT consultancies in the North East with a global client base. In 2018 Waterstons achieved a turnover of over £11.7million and a 64% increase in profitability. This year it will recruit 20 new graduates, placement students and apprentices.

Currently Waterstons employs 166 consultants with significant growth plans across its Durham, London and Glasgow offices. The company, which provides technology based solutions to improve performance and competitive edge, serves clients across a range of sectors including manufacturing, architecture, engineering and construction, higher education, distribution and transport and housing.

The company’s new office epitomises Waterstons ‘people first’ culture with colleagues playing a key role in its design.

To mark the official opening of the office, a special plaque dedicated to the memory of Sally Waterston’s brother and sister, William and Susan Liddon, was unveiled by Chief Constable Mike Barton of Durham Constabulary, also based in Aykley Heads.

Susan Bell, Chief Executive Officer at Waterstons, said: “We’ve come a long way since the formation of the company and we can feel very proud of our achievements over the last 25 years, reaching a turnover of over £11million and expanding our global client base.

“It’s extremely satisfying to be able to celebrate a quarter of a century in business with the official opening of our Durham HQ. The office is an embodiment of our collaborative culture which has helped to drive our success – empowering us to work together towards the common goals of growth, innovation and providing the best service for clients.”

Waterstons’ Durham HQ reflects both internally and externally, the company’s core values of people first, collaboration, empowerment, innovation, honesty, trust and quality. Designed to enhance ‘task-based’ working, the office provides a flexible working environment with zoned work areas, integrated technology and systems to support smarter team working and encourages more circulation and interaction between colleagues.

Michael Stirrup, Finance Director at Waterstons, said: “Our new office is fantastic. GT3 architects, Identity Consult and Project Interiors, in collaboration with our people, have created a much improved and dynamic space to facilitate interactive and creative sessions both with our colleagues and our customers. It is the blueprint for all of our future offices.

“I’d like to thank Chief Constable Mike Barton for officially opening our Durham office. Aykley Heads, as a high-growth business district for professional services, was extremely attractive to us and we are thrilled to be a part of the redevelopment of the area. It’s rewarding to contribute towards the growth of the county’s employment hub.”

Brian Archer, Managing Director of Business Durham said: “We’re delighted to see a successful company such as Waterstons reaffirm its commitment to Durham and contribute to the ongoing success of Aykley Heads Business Park.

“Like Waterstons, we recognise that it’s the people behind the business that matter the most. Community spirit is strong in this part of the world and businesses here are rooted in their local communities, providing many opportunities to support and have a significant impact on the lives of other businesses, organisations and people.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Edmundson .