COMPANY FOCUS Certikin’s new 125,000 sq. ft Witney-based HQ became fully operational in December 2021
Certikin Puts Its Customers And Staff At The Heart Of Its New HQ Cementing its position as the UK’s leading supplier of pool and spa products, Certikin has moved to new state-of-the-art premises at Tungsten Park in Witney, securing both its future and providing a multitude of unique benefits to its customers and staff
D
riven by a determination to retain its experienced and loyal workforce, together with its central location in the thriving Oxfordshire market town of Witney, Certikin acquired a site just two miles down the road from its old premises which, after 31 years, was no longer able to support the needs of the flourishing business. Located on Witney’s Downs Road, it is part of a 24-acre site, just 500 metres from a new junction on the A40 providing easy access to Oxford and Cheltenham and, in turn, the main arterial routes of the A34, M40, M4 and M5 motorways. Construction began on the new facility in earnest in spring 2020 and, despite the complications caused by the pandemic, it was completed and became fully operational in December 2021. Befitting its status as one of the town’s largest employers, Certikin occupies the largest building (125,000 sq. ft) in the 16-unit development. It’s impressive by any industry’s standards. The sheer size of the purpose-built office, warehouse and factory
reinforces the company’s position in the wet leisure industry. Every detail has been considered and expertly executed. Certikin’s Operations Director, Tim Wilson, headed up the in-house team that designed and delivered the project, working alongside architects and developers to ensure that the project would deliver a building that would meet the specific needs of Certikin, both for now and well into the future.
extensive product portfolio, but the fact it is coupled with an extremely high level of technical knowledge,” explained Tim. “At the old site, we were working across three buildings. Now, with just one building, and the workforce gathered under one roof, our teams are able to work closely, leading to a more joined-up and efficient level of customer service.”
CENTRALISED TECHNICAL EXPERTISE
Providing a welcoming, interactive environment for Certikin’s 130+ employees was prioritised at the planning stage and an internal team was appointed to identify features that would enhance working conditions and staff wellbeing. Attractive break-out areas, meeting tables and refreshment-making facilities make this a desirable place to work. A bright, spacious canteen on the second floor is the ideal on-site space for staff to relax and dine during breaks and lunch hours. Artistic flair was allowed free rein when it came to the stylish decoration of the four meeting rooms, named after the local area’s landmarks and heritage – Cogges, Windrush, Wychwood and Weavers (with the latter, a nod to Witney’s blanket-making past). All highly individual, the Windrush, for instance, is designed to reflect the River Windrush, the banks upon which Witney developed. The boardroom within the new building bears the name of one of the company’s
Once inside, a spacious floor-to-ceiling glasswalled reception area, displaying an eyecatching product showcase, greets visitors. Leading off this light, airy vestibule, you enter into the main administrative work hub where a large open plan office, with brand new furniture and fittings, stretches before you. Promoting centralised communication, Certikin’s Technical, Sales Order Processing, Customer Service and Distribution teams are assembled here. “Certikin’s unique strength is not only its
At the old site, we were working across three buildings. Now, with just one building, and the workforce gathered under one roof, our teams are able to work closely, leading to a more joinedup and efficient level of customer service” 52 April 2022 SPN 52-53_SPN_April_22_Certikin.indd 52
PEOPLE FIRST
www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk 28/03/2022 16:53