Client in the Spotlight - Hitachi

Office Freedom are on a mission to innovate the way businesses search for flexible workspace. Every month, we are shining the spotlight on some of the companies we’ve helped find the perfect office. This month, we are focusing on Hitachi Europe, a global leader in the technology industry.

Lorraine Blick (Deputy Director of Property) at Hitachi Europe, contacted Office Freedom in June of 2018 looking to find an office space which better supported their changing business requirements. With the help of Office Freedom’s Senior Account Director, Bob Toor, we were able to find Hitachi the ideal flexible workspace in Paddington.

We caught up with Lorraine Blick and Ben Kinrade to find out how their teams are settling into the new workspace.

What was the reason for this office move?

Due to a number of organisational changes, Hitachi decided that our previous London office was no longer well suited to our needs. This also gave us the opportunity to create a dedicated home to our expanding Social Innovation Business.

What prompted you to choose Paddington as the location for your new business home?

The new office is a short distance from our previous location, so it is convenient for our colleagues. Being close to Paddington Station offers easy access to our Thames Valley-based head office.

You worked Closely with Bob Toor to find your new office – How did you find the experience?

This isn’t the first time I’ve worked with Bob and its always a pleasure. Office Freedom have supported us on a couple of requirements and organised a number of tours for different business groups of Hitachi Europe. Bob is very professional and always prepared to go the extra mile, literally! It’s helpful as well to have his insight and knowledge of the various properties when he accompanies us on viewings.

What’s the best thing about your new office space?

The building’s open and spacious atrium and floor to ceiling windows result in a great first impression and a pleasant working environment.

Describe your new space in a few words.

The office is bright and spacious, located in a modern building with access to a range of informal meeting spaces. The Paddington Central campus is very well maintained and provides a great range of options for lunch and entertaining.

Interior shot of Office Space in Paddington

Reception

What’s next for Hitachi Europe – do you have anything exciting in the pipeline?

As part of Hitachi’s Social Innovation Business, our team at Paddington has recently embarked upon delivering Optimise Prime an innovation project trialling solution that will help electricity networks and fleet operators prepare for the transition to the use of commercial electric vehicles.

To gain an understanding and idea of what Paddington is like, we’d like to ask some quick questions. What is the best place for:

Grabbing a coffee with a friend:

The Department of Coffee and Social affairs, in the foyer of our building.

Lunch with a friend?

On a sunny day, the grassy steps of Sheldon Square provide a great spot to meet, with different street food options throughout the week.

Getting drinks with co-workers?

Darcie and May Green is a unique bar on a boat, located just outside Paddington Station.

A bit of culture?

Not Paddington’s strong point, unless Paddington Bear Counts …

The nearest supermarket:

Sainsburys local

Some space for a bit of me time?

Little Venice is just around the corner, offering a variety of relaxing lunchtime walks.

If you’d like to find out more about Office Space in Paddington and the surrounding area, we can help! Contact our experienced team of office space consultants to get your search underway! Call 0203 603 2576.