LEADING European provider of automotive and mobility services, Opteven UK, has officially opened its new national headquarters at Birchwood in Warrington as it bids to double in size.
The new headquarters marks a significant six-figure investment in one of the most successful business areas in the Northern Powerhouse.
The Mayor of Warrington, Councillor Maureen Creaghan, attended Opteven’s launch event to cut the ribbon to officially open the new head office on Birchwood Boulevard.
The move celebrates a significant milestone for the business, which began operating in the UK in 2015. Having previously co-shared an office, this new 2,000 square foot office space demonstrates Opteven’s confidence in the automotive market and the future growth potential.
Embarking on ambitious plans to double the size of its business by 2025, as part of its Highway 25 strategy, the new office allows Opteven to recruit and train more employees and further invest in the UK business. It currently employs over 100 people in the UK, across its Birchwood and Thame offices.
Commenting on the official opening ceremony, Councillor Maureen Creaghan, Mayor of Warrington, says: “I was delighted to join Opteven UK to officially open its new office in Birchwood and learn more about its business both here and globally. I’m thrilled they have chosen Warrington as their base for UK operations and see the value in the local economy and community here in the North-West.
“The values of the company are displayed for all to see, and I was so impressed by the way Opteven are looking after their staff and that it is one of their main aims. I look forward to seeing the business grow and follow its contributions to the local economy.”
Martin Quail, International CEO at Opteven, said: “We are delighted to have moved into our new office in Birchwood, which provides a brand-new home for Opteven UK. Since launching our UK business we have shared offices with other local companies and following strong and encouraging 2021 financial results, together with a recent organisational restructure, we felt now was the right time to move into an office of our own to better suit our evolving needs. This provides the business ample space to accommodate our ambitious growth plans, including taking on new contracts and employees. Our North and Midlands based field sales teams will use this office as a hub for business meetings and co-working.
“With another office in Thame, Oxfordshire, we wanted our new space to be in the North-West of England and to be a part of the impressive Northern Powerhouse. Warrington is an extremely well-connected location – benefitting from significant investment in road and rail infrastructure, as well as a thriving residential area. Birchwood Boulevard also boasts an abundance of cafes and landscaped outdoor spaces which gives our team the opportunity to get out of the office at lunch for some all-important fresh air and sense of well-being .
“We’re extremely grateful to Mayor Maureen Creaghan for joining us to officially open our new office and for having the opportunity to show her our business and share our future growth plans.”
Reflecting its desire for growth, Opteven UK has also bolstered the team with a number of key senior appointments. Craig Grant has taken on the role as Managing Director, Neil Monks is now Retail Sales & Customer Services Director and Martin Quail has joined as International CEO. A new Operations Director, Madjid Hadj-Amar will also be relocating from Opteven Group, joining the UK team this summer.
Opteven UK’s business encompasses WMS Group, which offers a range of specialist vehicle warranty services to the motor industry, as well as a range of asset protection products. The team in Warrington manage the business’ contracts with Volkswagen Financial Services for maintenance and warranty, and the RAC breakdown service.
With its global headquarters based in Lyon (France), Opteven also has international offices located in Thame, Warrington (United Kingdom), Milan (Italy), Madrid (Spain) and Berlin (Germany).
For more information on Opteven, visit www.opteven.co.uk
For further information on WMS Group, visit www.wmsgroup.co.uk