Global defence and security firm expands in Hull
Global defence and security company Saab has expanded in Hull, taking 2,000 sq ft at Wykeland’s @TheDock development to accommodate the rapid growth of its team in Hull.
The Saab team has moved from the neighbouring Centre for Digital Innovation (C4DI) tech hub, which is the centrepiece of Wykeland’s £15m @TheDock business location.
Saab’s Hull team is focused on SAFE, a cutting-edge system for emergency services organisations and mission-critical operations.
Saab introduced SAFE to the UK market just two years ago and has since secured major contracts, running for up to 10 years, with four police forces and Transport for London, with a combined value of over £30m.
Saab established its UK team for SAFE at C4DI just 10 months ago, with a core of nine software developers and engineers. The team has now expanded to 22 – the majority recruited locally – with plans to grow to up to 50 staff over the next two years.
The second-floor office at No.1 @TheDock is now Saab’s fifth UK location, each focused on a specific industry sector, with Hull the UK hub for the Public Safety business unit.
Simon Read, UK director of Saab’s Public Safety business unit, said: “When we first came to Hull we looked at various locations and settled on C4DI because of the sense of community, the buzz and the tech focus.
“C4DI has surpassed our expectations – it’s been great. The software developers and engineers love it here – they love the vibe and the ability to interact with other like-minded people. They’re really engaged in the whole community.
“So we didn’t want to leave, but we needed more space. Wykeland have been really good as they have enabled us to move into an adjacent building while remaining very much part of C4DI.
“We’re still members of C4DI, we have use of the facilities and we continue to be part of the C4DI community. From our point of view, it’s as if C4DI has expanded.”
With Saab currently recruiting for additional software developers and commissioning and support engineers, Read said the availability of technical talent was a key factor in committing to Hull.
“We’ve been able to find the talent we need in Hull and that has given us the confidence to continue to grow here.
“We’re really selective about the talent we hire and we’ve found that being here has given us a real advantage because lots of software engineers and tech people want to work at C4DI. It also helps that there’s a very good computer science department at the University of Hull.
“I think mindsets are changing as well. Previously when people graduated in Hull with digital skills and qualifications they may have thought they would have to move away. Now they can see there are options to stay in Hull and get a good, well-rewarded job with great career and development prospects.”
Wykeland assets manager John Gouldthorp said: “The growth of Saab’s Hull team is really exciting and very positive for Hull’s ever-growing reputation as a tech hotspot.
“We’re delighted we have been able to accommodate Saab’s expansion within @TheDock and retain them as a flagship member of the C4DI community.”
