A leading business energy supplier is creating a new headquarters in Northamptonshire, national commercial property consultancy Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH) has announced.
Opus Energy, which supplies gas and electricity to 300,000 businesses across the UK, is consolidating its three existing offices in Northampton to create a single 90,000 sq ft HQ at John Dryden House, which is also in the town.
It is the latest in a string of property deals LSH in Northampton has worked on with Opus Energy since it launched in 2002. The investment in the new HQ means a major employer will remain in the town, safeguarding more than 850 jobs.
Opus Energy acquired John Dryden House from Northamptonshire County Council last year in a deal brokered by LSH, and plans to spend on the upcoming year completely refurbishing and extending the building. Once finished, it will boast high-quality facilities, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems and break-out areas for staff.
The refurbishment of John Dryden House is expected to be completed in December, after which the company will transfer its staff from its existing offices at Westbury Court, Moulton Park; Francis Crick House, Moulton Park; and Regent Pavillion, Royal Pavillions.
Ian Leather, head of office agency at LSH Northampton, has provided property advice to the firm over the years, from its first move to a small, start-up office to now handling the tender work and scoping specification with mechanical and engineering consultants for its latest acquisition.
“It’s been fantastic to be involved with Opus Energy’s growth, from finding its first office when it was a small start-up to now supporting it as it acquires a 90,000 sq ft premises,” said Ian.
“It has never wavered in its commitment to having its headquarters in Northampton and we’ve been able to help the company as it has expanded over the past 15 years to now being the sixth largest business energy supplier in the country.”
Opus Energy chief operating officer Nikki Flanders commented: “The move to John Dryden House signifies a milestone in Opus Energy’s history. Our teams are a point of pride and we’re delighted to be providing our employees with state of the art facilities and a workspace they can be proud to work in. We are excited to have all employees in one place and see the benefits in action.”
Opus Energy, which also has offices in Cardiff and Oxford, was bought out by power station company the Drax Group in December 2016 for £340 million. Its move to new headquarters will see the energy supplier more than double its existing capacity to accommodate its 850+ staff, with further space for growth.
