One of Hull’s most prestigious office developments is to become fully occupied for the first time in its history with a global footcare business set to move in next month.
Scholl’s Wellness Company, a business with more than 100 years’ heritage in developing footcare products and solutions, has chosen Two Humber Quays on Hull’s waterfront as the base for its ‘northern powerhouse’.
It will be home to 30 staff working in R&D, regulatory, medical, quality, packaging and design and finance teams, taking the entire fourth floor of the complex, which is owned by one of Hull’s oldest and most successful companies JR Rix & Sons, which itself moved its headquarters into the building 12 months ago.
Scholl’s Wellness Company is the leading global footcare brand, operating in more than 20 countries. Divested by Reckitt in June 2021, it is now owned by Boston-based, US private equity company Yellow Wood Partners.
Scholl’s global headquarters are in Bracknell, Berkshire, but it has had a long-term base in Hull through the previous ownership of Reckitt, in Dansom Lane.
Scott Seville, vice-president for R&D, quality and regulatory at Scholl’s Wellness Company, said “Last year’s buyout could have proved a catalyst for a move away from Hull. However, when a new home was sought, the appeal of Two Humber Quays and working closely with JR Rix & Sons proved a perfect option.
“We’ve invested heavily in the quality of the team and expanded the skill sets we have here in Hull, and so when it was clear we needed to find a new home following the sale from Reckitt, we wanted to remain in the city.
“To do that we needed to find somewhere that provided an inspiring place to work, especially given the increase in home working following the pandemic. We wanted a destination, premises and a location which facilitated collaboration, socialisation, and also offered wellbeing benefits to our staff.
“Two Humber Quays not only boasts amazing views over the Humber and a fantastic location in terms of the Marina, cafes and bars for our staff, but also sits within a really strong business community which helps one another in this part of the city.
“It ticked all the boxes for us, as did working alongside JR Rix, who from the very first interaction have been so friendly, helpful and welcoming.”
Edward Beech, R&D innovation manager at Scholl’s Wellness Company, says the premises offer the business scope for further growth in the future.
“We’ve grown our talent pool in recent years by adding in quality, packing and design professionals, as well as finance teams, and there is scope to increase our team up to 50 plus people here with a mix of office and home working,” he said.
“Being in this quality environment is crucial to recognising those ambitions as it will help us with the recruitment and retention of talented employees.
“Additionally, being located at Two Humber Quays allows us to tap into the thriving business eco system springing up around the Fruit Market, both of which we view as real tangible competitive advantages.”
Mike Fry, head of estates at JR Rix & Sons, says it was important to ensure the five-storey office complex, which boasts stunning views into the city and out across the Marina and Humber, fulfils its potential and offers the very best facilities to tenants.
JR Rix purchased the building in February 2021 from Luxembourg-based investment company Colsilverbird, moving their headquarters from Spyvee Street to the building, using the full ground floor and parts of the second and third floors themselves.
Since then they have invested significantly in improving the building for existing tenants RSM UK, BCD Travel, and design and fit-out specialists Chameleon Business Interiors (who have led the office fit out for Scholl).
Rix has also worked closely alongside commercial property specialists Garness Jones, who manage the building on their behalf, ensuring the offices have matched the requirements of Scholl’s Wellness Company.
“Two Humber Quays is a fantastic, modern office development which provided a perfect new home for us when we purchased it in 2021,” said Mr Fry
“We didn’t just buy the building as a home and investment for ourselves, but with a commitment to make sure it became a first-class home for other businesses in the city, and a real asset for Hull.
“We have worked closely with tenants and Garness Jones to make sure that is the case, and in terms of Scholl, we have worked with them to create a space which has been entirely tailored entirely to meet the needs of their workforce.
“There is a really good mix of tenants in the building now, and a really vibrant atmosphere with more than 300 people based in the building.”
Paul White is director of Garness Jones, which advised Rix on the purchase of the building last year, and also with the letting of the space to Scholl to bring the building to full occupancy.
He said: “This has been a really important deal not only for Rix and for Scholl, but also for the city and the continuing development of our waterfront business community.
“In a world where we now have a hybrid of office and home working, it is paramount for the success of our cities, and the businesses in them, that we have vibrant office developments which attract successful and ambitious businesses.
“When Rix bought this building last year, a clear focus was placed on ensuring it became the quality asset it now is for the city, and we have been delighted to support that with our management services.
“Rix deserve great credit for their investment and vision, as do Scholl who, when looking for bigger premises to support their growth, have demonstrated their faith in the city. When they showed their colleagues across the world what we have in Hull, they said they were envious. How great is that?
“Whist they are businesses in very different sectors, there is great synergy between the two businesses as they each have long-standing histories, track records of innovation, are trusted as leaders in their fields and are businesses we should be very proud to have here in Hull. This is a great success story.”
