Software business announces move to hi-tech home

Software business APD Communications is moving to hi-tech offices in Hull where it will occupy a two-storey building currently undergoing a £2m redevelopment.

The company, which develops cutting-edge software for the emergency services and critical control operations, is taking over the landmark former Jobcentre Plus building in Hull’s regenerated Old Town.

The building faces 700-year-old Hull Minster and will be rebranded as Minster Corner. It is now undergoing a comprehensive conversion to create a modern tech hub within its traditional exterior.

APD has leased the 15,000 sq ft building and the workforce of more than 100 employees are due to move relocate in July.

APD has out-grown its current offices across two buildings at the Newland Science Park next to the University of Hull.

Rhiannon Beeson, commercial director of APD, who has led the relocation project, said: “This move sets us up for the next chapter of APD’s evolution and we’re really excited by the opportunities it offers.

“The building is being completely transformed, specifically to meet our needs. It will represent who we are and provide the first-class working environment our people deserve.

“We’re very proud to be a Hull business and that we’ll now be playing an even bigger part in the regeneration of the city by moving into the very heart of it.

“Our strong relationship with the University of Hull will continue, particularly in terms of graduate recruitment, and our new location will enable us to strengthen our existing partnerships with the C4DI tech hub and Ron Dearing University Technical College. We’re also keen to develop new links with Hull College.”

APD has worked in partnership with Hull-based developer Allenby Commercial to transform the building, which dates back to the 1930s and was Hull’s main Labour Exchange for decades before it closed in February 2018. The building is on the site of the former Edwin Davis department store which was destroyed in a Zeppelin raid in the First World War.

Allenby Commercial bought the building in August 2018 and has given it a complete overhaul.

Charlie Allenby, contracts manager of Allenby Commercial, said: “When we bought the building we could see its potential and felt it should be a company headquarters.

“We’ve taken a derelict Jobcentre and stripped it back to its shell to create a contemporary working environment within a traditional exterior and with a real wow factor.

“It’s great that it’s now becoming the new home for a business with a strong history in Hull which is creating hi-tech jobs of today and tomorrow. This is a major investment, bringing a growing company and highly-skilled jobs into the city centre, supporting the local economy and contributing to the exciting regeneration of the Old Town.”

Hull-based workplace design company RFD was appointed by APD and worked alongside Allenby Commercial to design the new offices and will deliver the second phase fit-out.

APD commercial director Rhiannon Beeson with Charlie Allenby, of Allenby Commercial, left, and RFD’s Alex Jenneson outside the technology company’s new offices in the shadow of Hull Minster, which are currently undergoing a £2m transformation.