HR software provider Ciphr has opened its new headquarters in central Reading.
The official opening took place on Monday (March 4), and was led by Ciphr’s CEO Sion Lewis, who was joined by Jason Davenport, CEO of the Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals (CIPP).
Ciphr has hosted several special ‘ribbon cutting’ events to celebrate the occasion, which were also attended by VIP guests from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), including Tony Osude, the CIPD’s commercial and marketing director, and Matt Gofton, the CIPD’s senior employer engagement manager.
Located at 33 Blagrave Street, Ciphr’s new 3,700 sq ft office is much more accessible to its distributed workforce, and provides a vibrant, modern workplace that better supports day-to-day working and the company’s new hybrid working model.
Designed to facilitate collaboration and enhance social connectivity by bringing teams together, the open-plan space incorporates dedicated areas for focused work, meetings and training. While the communal kitchen and dining area is a welcoming, inclusive hub for employees to enjoy some downtime and catch up with colleagues.
To help encourage communication and more purposeful use of people’s in-office time, Ciphr has increased its number of meeting spaces; with different-sized, soundproof rooms available for impromptu one-to-ones or monthly anchor day sessions.
In homage to its new location, Ciphr’s meeting spaces are named after famous people with Reading connections, including author Jane Austen, actor Kate Winslet, playwright Oscar Wilde, Kate Middleton (or, as she’s known now – Catherine, Princess of Wales), and Paddington Bear creator Michael Bond.
The relocation from Marlow to Reading marks a significant and exciting milestone in Ciphr’s journey, and follows the successful launch of its distinctive new brand identity and website last month.
Sion Lewis, CEO of Ciphr, said: “This is a huge event in our history – Ciphr 2.0 if you like.
“We had a brilliant facility in Marlow and lots of us have spent many years there, but what we have now – here in Reading – is really going to support our next stage of transformation and highlights our commitment to growing the business strategically.”
“It’s the start of an exciting new chapter for Ciphr.
“I’m really delighted that we’re able to offer our employees a fantastic office space that they can be proud of, and that they’ll want to spend time in.
“I’m certain that it will help boost collaboration, creativity, and productivity at Ciphr too.”
Claire Williams, chief people and operations officer at Ciphr, added: “I’m delighted that we have upgraded to a workspace that is far more accessible and environmentally friendly.
“This is something that we wouldn’t have been able to achieve at our Marlow office.
“We’ve specifically invested in ensuring our new Reading office is as inclusive as possible, with a fully accessible kitchen, meeting rooms and building access, as well as designated spaces for prayer and wellbeing.
“It’s a wonderful step in the right direction when it comes to being a truly inclusive employer.”
