A national firm of consulting engineers has announced that it will be opening a new office in Derby in the new year.
JMS has said it will open at the Oberoi Business Hub, in St Christopher’s Way, Pride Park, in January.
The building and infrastructure specialists said it had decided to launch a Derby office due to a growing customer-base in and around the city and a number of upcoming civil and structural developments planned in the area.
The new office is the latest expansion for the company, which already has regional offices dotted throughout the 海角视频 and overseas.
Its portfolio includes tidal flood barriers, hospitals and urban developments. The JMS team has also been responsible for refurbishing many of London’s Grade II-listed buildings, including The Shaftesbury Theatre.
Daniel Staines, managing director at JMS, said: “We’re delighted to set up shop in Derby. It has a great reputation for high-tech innovation and it is also a beautiful place to live, with a great mix of urban infrastructure and amazing countryside on your doorstep.”
JMS staff will have more opportunity than most to savour that countryside as part of its ‘Free Fridays’ initiative, which gives them every second Friday off work. This amounts to 25 paid days off work a year, on top of their annual leave allowance.
Mr Staines said: “The engineering industry has a reputation for tight deadlines and long working hours. People burn out.
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“As a responsible employer, I wanted to move away from this culture, and find a way to ensure my staff could enjoy a more positive work/life balance.
“Needless to say, when I suggested the idea of a nine-day fortnight, my team were very happy to give it a go.
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“After a year, we have discovered that our productivity levels are actually now much higher. People work hard when they are here and appreciate what we are doing for them.”
Other staff benefits include access to a personal trainer, who offers free dietary advice and exercise plans.
Mr Staines said: “Research has shown that sedentary work can have a negative effect on your physical and mental health over time.
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“As our engineers often spend significant time at their desks working on 3D models, we decided to give everyone a Fitbit, and we have regular challenges, with prizes, to see which office can do the most steps.
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“Of course, it remains to be seen whether the new Derby branch will be able to give our Cyprus office a run for their money.
“At the end of the day, we want our people to come into work happy, feel good about themselves, and enjoy a positive, healthy environment. And our ongoing success shows that treating your people well works.”