Bedford Heights’ heritage as the home of Texas Instruments has given the iconic building a legacy associated with the US semiconductor giant. And with two large electronics businesses, Bourns and Axis Electronics, still based at Bedford Heights today, it seems the link with the technology industry lives on.
However, with over 2,000 people working at Bedford Heights, making it one of the largest business centres in East Anglia, there’s more to the building than an historic association with Texas.
We spoke to two tenant companies to find out more about their growth plans and why they decided to base their businesses at Bedford Heights.
The travel bug
Steve Fossett is Business Travel Manager at Travel Professionals, a travel company working across both the leisure and business sectors. Operating from its headquarters in Cobham, Surrey, the business also has an office here at Bedford Heights, run by Nick Watson, to facilitate planned local expansion.
Commenting on the company’s growth ambitions, Steve said: “Whilst the majority of our operations are in Surrey, the Bedford office is a key part of the future growth plans for Travel Professionals and the space at Bedford Heights allows us to develop the business locally in line with our objectives.
“Being located in a busy, vibrant business centre such as Bedford Heights not only gives us immediate access to a wide range of companies, but its central location means that Nick can network and visit businesses across East Anglia and the Midlands with minimal downtime.
“Of course business can be done remotely and virtually with the use of technology but it’s not the same as being able to meet people in person and that’s why having the office at Bedford Heights is important and makes a difference to the business.
“The fact that Nick is on his own in the Bedford office is another reason why Bedford Heights is ideal for us; the busy café and public spaces such as the lounge and courtyard areas give the feel of being in a vibrant, buzzing office, which is really important for motivation and productivity.”
L to R: Denise Robinson, The Extra Step with Katie Ferola, Verve Developments
A step in the right direction
Another business based at Bedford Heights is The Extra Step, a company specialising in branded workwear, branded corporate gifts, and promotional gifts. Denise Robinson is Managing Director, and she spoke to use to tell us all about her company’s journey and plans for the future.
“The Extra Step has been in business for 17 years and for 10 of those I have been based at Bedford Heights,” said Denise.
“When I first took space at Bedford Heights it was very different to how it is now. The changes that have been made in recent years are amazing.The original building was tired and dated and not very inspiring at all. Now, it’s somewhere I really enjoy being and look forward to welcoming visitors here as they’re always so impressed.
“It’s great to be in a building with lots of other businesses as we work with various companies in Bedford Heights in different ways; we supply the branded workwear for Bedford Heights staff and also supplied the Dragon Heights t-shirts for the dragon boat racing team at the River Festival in July. I also make sure to attend the various networking and marketing events that take place throughout the year as it’s a great way to meet other tenant businesses.
“The Extra Step is a growing business and we are actively seeking to expand our share of the branded workwear and uniforms market. Bedford Heights gives the business a supportive and creative environment in which to develop and I look forward to the next chapter for both The Extra Step and Bedford Heights.”
To find out more about available office space at Bedford Heights, Bedford’s premier business centre, visit www.bedfordheights.co.uk or call 01234 244 500.
