Oxford Ionics, a pioneer in quantum computing, has commissioned COEL to design, fit-out and furnish its brand-new HQ at Oxford Technology Park.

With the new headquarters housing Oxford Ionics’ advanced quantum systems, it will also provide plenty of space to grow its world-class team. Having recently won a £6 million contract to supply a quantum computer to the UK’s National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) in Harwell, Oxfordshire, the company is poised for growth, which their new, flexible, Grade A workspace will accommodate.

“We’re thrilled to be supporting the team at Oxford Ionics with the design and build of their new headquarters in Oxford. It’s a privilege to work with such inspiring science and tech businesses across the Cambridge-Oxford Arc and to be part of the area’s continued growth into a major UK hub for innovation.

Planning and designing a workspace gives us a unique insight into a business, its processes and its people. In the case of Oxford Ionics, we have been blown away by the potential of their market-leading quantum computing technology and the passion of their people. 

Having had a sneak peek at the design scheme, I am very excited to see this project come to life. The end result will provide a space to collaborate and inspire their teams, as well as offering more controlled environments to continue with their ground breaking research and product development.”

Sarah Butler, Head of Business Development and Marketing, COEL

COEL’s Project Manager for the Oxford Ionics flagship HQ, Ella Seddon, has begun to set up the site ahead of the fast-paced programme; taking deliveries of the fencing and skips and setting up the important Health and Safety aspects, essential for all our fit-out projects.

Ella tells us:

“It’s a real privilege to be the lead Project Manager on such a great site. For this project COEL will be providing a full turnkey fit-out service – from technical design and interiors, through to mechanical, electrical and plumbing. We’ll also furnish their labs, offices and client spaces, making them fit for purpose, and ultimately fit for growth. Our relocation and move teams will be ensuring a smooth transition from their current offices and labs to their new home, to limit any interruption to their core business” 

Oxford’s growing Science and Tech sector

In 2023, Oxford was responsible for a staggering 73% of the total lab take up across the Golden Triangle* (made up of Oxford, London and Cambridge) and we have seen this continue to accelerate in the first quarter of 2024. Bidwells’ most recent State of the Market Report (Oxford databook) further confirms 2023 as a bumper year for office and lab take up across the ARC (Oxford, Milton Keynes, Cambridge and Norwich).

More about Oxford Ionics

In their own words: “Oxford Ionics creates unique technologies which will bring Quantum Computing from the theoretical to the indispensable.”

Emma Forster, COO, Oxford Ionics, stated:

“In 2020 the company was a handful of people around a picnic table in a single room. We now have a team of over 50 who are currently split across two sites in Oxford as well as many working remotely across the UK, Europe and the US.

We needed a new space that would work for both our lab-based and desk-based teams – bringing everyone together and allowing for really seamless hybrid working and collaboration. We were looking for a team that could deliver something highly functional but also stylish and welcoming, as well as understand and deliver on the very specific needs of the labs where we build our quantum systems. So far COEL have ticked all our boxes and been a pleasure to work with.

This new space will allow our team to grow substantially and accelerate the development of our technology, by providing the space and facilities we need to work really smoothly and efficiently.”