Pace unveils new look international HQ in Saltaire

Published on 6 May 2008

Pace Micro Technology plc, Yorkshire's largest technology company and one of the world's leading developers of digital TV technologies, today revealed the first phase of its extensive refurbishment programme at its international headquarters in Saltaire.

The first phase of the programme, undertaken by Claremont Group Interiors, consisted of updating the central areas of Pace to fully reflect its position as an internationally successful company, confirmed by Pace's recent achievement of winning the Queens Award for International Trade this year.

These areas consisted of the core employee facilities and the main customer-facing areas, including the reception and meeting rooms, and an innovative approach to demonstrating its latest products.

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Neil Gaydon, Chief Executive Officer at Pace said: "We have seen a number of changes in the company since moving to the site in Salts Mill nearly 20 years ago. Today we are operating in a thriving business with customers across the world. Our headquarters needed to reflect the direction and energy behind Pace and give our international visitors a feel for the dynamic nature of the company.

"The refurbishment is far more than a facelift. A key tenet behind the project was to create a workplace that encourages interaction between people and fosters innovation throughout the company. This is about a culture change in our organisation."

Pace has recently doubled in size, following its recent acquisition of the set-top box and connectivity solutions business of Royal Philips Electronics, and now employs over 900 people worldwide. Half of that workforce is based at the Saltaire site and includes software and hardware engineers, technologists and designers, as well as many of the support teams such as human resources, marketing and operations.

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Ann Clarke, Design Director for Claremont Interiors, said; "We looked at how the space around the building was being used, and how to be more creative with it. The staff restaurant was relocated to a more central position and dramatically transformed so that it encourages employees to congregate, eat good food, and share ideas with each other. There are internet terminals around the room, together with a games room that encourages employees to have fun.

"We have managed to maintain and enhance the feel of Pace's Grade II listed home but also convey an image of modernity based on Pace's contemporary management ideals of interaction, knowledge sharing, relaxation and empowerment. The reception and meeting spaces now convey Pace's brand position as a market leader and innovator while creating an effective environment for meetings."

The redevelopment has also stayed true to Pace's green principles, with heating and ventilation systems, and lighting chosen to minimise the overall impact on the environment.