Jeweller moves into new offices on Hull waterfront

A family-run jeweller is moving into new offices on Hull’s waterfront as the company expands.

Hugh Rice has become the latest investor in the Fruit Market quarter, where it has established the company’s Central Support Unit, which will back up its retail operations.

Founded in 1965, Hugh Rice has expanded from Hull across Yorkshire and into the North East and now employs 350 people across 16 outlets.

Hugh Rice has worked closely with Wykeland Group, one of Yorkshire’s leading commercial developers, on the new offices. Hugh Rice bought the building from Wykeland and the two companies worked in partnership on its redevelopment.

Chairman Mike Rice said the company’s new home was an integral part of its growth strategy and five-year plan set out in 2015.

“Not only does the new office provide the space to grow into, which our previous premises lacked, it has also been designed to encourage us to work more effectively as one team, with communication between departments made much easier, helping us achieve our goals and grow the business in the future,” he said.

“We’re incredibly proud to invest in our home city of Hull. We’ve always been a city centre business and we were very keen to stay central, as opposed to moving to an out-of-town development.”

The business has worked closely with Wykeland Group, one of Yorkshire and the Humber’s leading commercial developers, on its new 6,000 sq ft premises. Hugh Rice bought the building from Wykeland and the two companies worked in partnership on its redevelopment.

The offices have been completely remodelled and refurbished, to create a bright, contemporary, inspirational and aspirational space, reflecting the quality of Hugh Rice’s retail environments.

The building includes learning and development facilities, which means Hugh Rice can hold all inductions and training in-house for the first time, and relaxed breakout areas.

A new-build ‘pod’ has been added to the roof, providing spectacular views through floor to ceiling windows and includes two meeting rooms and a terrace area.

Hugh Rice’s move is the latest major investment in the Fruit Market waterside quarter, which has been transformed from a near-derelict area into a vibrant commercial, cultural and residential community.

Wykeland property director David Donkin added: “We’ve been delighted to work with the Hugh Rice team on their relocation and to welcome another blue chip local business to the Fruit Market.

“The Hugh Rice management team were attracted to the Fruit Market in part by the appeal of becoming part of a thriving community. In turn, their presence will support the continuing growth of local, independent and creative businesses that are benefiting from the growing presence of leading employers in the area.”

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