Gas firm reveals plans to relocate 1,000 staff

Gas distributor Cadent has begun consulting staff over its plans to relocate 1,000 staff to a new site in Coventry.

Cadent wants to close Ashbrook Court in Coventry, home to its business services department, and its Leicester Data Hall. It said they would be replaced by a new building at Ansty Business Park, while a refurbishment is planned for its Hinckley offices.

A spokesperson said: “Cadent have announced the start of a consultation period with staff from its Hinckley, Coventry and Leicester offices, regarding the possibility of moving some of its office staff to a new purpose built, building at Ansty Business Park, Coventry.

“A number of our buildings are coming to the end of their lease or are no longer fit for purpose. We are taking this opportunity to review our options, significantly improve the working environment for our staff and to build an exciting and fresh future.

“Staff from the three offices are being consulted with during September until 20 October. After this time, the business will be able to make the decision on the best location for the business’ future.”

The company added that Ansty Park has been mooted as a potential relocation site because Cadent has deliberately tried to find a new location in the Midlands, to retain jobs in the East and West Midlands, and relatively close to the primary offices included in its review.

“We looked for a location that would minimise adverse impact on staff, recognising that there are strong links to the Hinckley, Leicester, Coventry, Warwick and Solihull areas,” Cadent said.

The Coventry-based company employs 4,000 people and owns four of the eight regional distribution networks, operating in the West Midlands, North West, East of England and North London.

Cadent is the brand name for the former National Grid Gas Distribution business. It was launched two years ago after a 61% stake was bought by an international consortium including Macquarie and the Qatar Investment Authority.

In May, Cadent took a £50m hit for a series of serious failings that including poor service to thousands of customers and inadequate record-keeping.

Investigations by Ofgem have resulted in a £24m payment and improvement plan, the creation of a £20m community fund for vulnerable customers, and Cadent doubling the statutory compensation it pays out, at an estimated cost of £6.7m.