One of the largest independent business telecommunications providers in Britain has invested £1m in a new distribution centre in Hampshire.
In a deal through commercial property adviser Hughes Ellard, Onecom has acquired a hi-tech unit as part of the company’s strategic growth plan.
The 6,105 sq ft space, with production on the ground floor and offices on the first, is located at Fulcrum, Whiteley, just off junction 9 of the M27 between Southampton and Portsmouth.
Onecom, which provides fixed line, mobile, unified communications and connectivity solutions, has a mobile customer base of 250,000-plus.
With 300 staff, the £55m turnover company is headquartered at Onecom House, 4400 Parkway, Solent Business Park, close to the newly-bought premises.
Last year Onecom, a regular in The Sunday Times’ Tech Track 100 Index of fastest-growing technology companies, signed a £500m deal to become Vodafone’s key UK partner in reselling business-to-business mobile communication products and services.
Darren Ridge, Onecom’s chief executive, said: “This is a significant investment by Onecom which reflects the company’s ongoing growth and underlines our commitment to outstanding customer service. We’re grateful to Hughes Ellard for its help in ensuring sale completion went smoothly.
“Our customers increasingly want one overall point of contact for fixed lines and mobiles. Onecom is the provider of choice for those business, with this distribution centre playing an important role.”
Harnish Patel, associate director at regional consultancy Hughes Ellard, acted on behalf of Allied Developments, which owns the 110,000 sq ft Fulcrum office and industrial space. It was built in 2008.
He said: “Onecom, one of Britain’s largest independent business telecommunications providers, had a very specific requirement and approached us to discuss possible options within the immediate area, where opportunities are limited.
“The Fulcrum is modern scheme with a direct link onto the national motorway network and a multi-sector employment pool. These are just some of the attractions of the location and attributes modern business require to be successful and grow.”
Russell Mogridge, director of Hughes Ellard, which has offices in Fareham and Southampton, added that Fulcrum has consistently attracted high-calibre business: “These units are unique, offering a combination of office and warehouse space. The scheme is now 100% occupied.”
Onecom also has offices in London, Southampton, Plymouth, Leeds, Telford, Norwich and Brighton.
