Hull’s rapidly expanding waterfront business district has welcomed its latest big-name occupier.
Renowned city shipping and fuel firm JR Rix & Sons Ltd has started a phased move to Two Humber Quays, following the acquisition earlier this year.
The modern office development on Wellington Street will be the new headquarters for the long-standing family firm.
It is moving from its long-term base in Spyvee Street, taking over the ground floor and parts of the second and third floors of the five storey-building.
Rory Clarke, managing director, said the group was undergoing significant change, including a far-reaching digital transformation under the latest family member to join the business - Harry Rix - and the new location was indicative of this progression.
He said: “JR Rix & Sons has a heritage stretching back more than 150 years in Hull and that has been achieved by evolving with the business landscape, here and nationally, and through innovation.
“We have also always had a culture of reinvesting our profits back into the business to generate new commercial opportunities and jobs in Hull and further afield.
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“The move to Two Humber Quays sees us take one of the most prestigious business addresses in the city that has enabled our success, and that is a huge source of pride for everyone at JR Rix and Sons.”
Following the purchase from Luxembourg-registered investment company Colsilverbird in February, a substantial fit out has been orchestrated, as the immediate area has seen Arco’s new headquarters complete and occupied, as well as the C4DI expansion.
As reported, part of the work includes the creation of a new hi-tech innovation centre where people can collaborate and explore ideas that they wouldn’t get the opportunity to do in their day-to-day roles.
Mr Clarke said such as style of working has helped to build the business’s culture, which has been essential to its ongoing success.
He said: “Covid has demonstrated how home working can be effective, but we have always taken the view that a well-designed, attractive office space that people want to come to is central to a successful business.
“It facilitates collaborating, new ideas and innovations and colleague relationships in a way remote working cannot. Ultimately, a shared physical space creates culture. This has been one of the main drivers for investing in Two Humber Quays.”
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Rix acquired the building from Colsilverbird A SARL, a Luxembourg investment company, with tenants RSM 海角视频, BCD Travel, and the employed fit-out specialists Chameleon Business Interiors all remaining.
Close to the resurgent Fruit Market and overlooking the marina, the setting ties in with Rix’s maritime heritage.
Mr Clarke added: “Two Humber Quays is a beautiful, modern office development that will enable us to comfortably accommodate all of our current staff and provides room for future growth. But the real draw is the location.
“Being on the water’s edge and adjacent to the marina affords us the best views in the city, looking over the estuary where it all started more than 150 years ago.”
Rix was advised by Steve Carrick of Carrick Real Estate, Dave Garness of Garness Jones, and Glenn Craft and Sophie Wheeldon of Rollits Solicitors while securing the deal.
Knight Frank and TT&G Partners acted for Colsilverbird.
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