Arco to create 30 new jobs as digital team moves to Hull's Fruit Market

Safety company Arco has moved its digital team to the @TheDock development in Hull’s Fruit Market.

Leased from Hull-based regeneration company Wykeland Group, the new office will house the 50-plus strong digital team as well as up to 20 consultants and partners working on Arco’s “Digital First” transformation programme.

Some of the team have transferred from Arco’s headquarters in Waverley Street, Hull, with others newly hired as part of ongoing recruitment that will add 30 new jobs in digital disciplines such as software development, search engine optimisation, online analytics and systems architecture.

Arco has chosen the 4,000 sq ft first floor offices at the £15m @TheDock development to benefit from being part of Hull’s new business quarter, which has the Centre for Digital Innovation (C4DI) tech hub as its centrepiece.

Arco’s Digital First programme began in January and will run over the next three to five years, with the company investing more than £30m in the transformation. More than 150 Arco staff are working on projects as part of the programme.

Richard Martin, Arco’s digital director, who is leading the programme, said choosing @TheDock opened up opportunities for collaboration and made the business more attractive when competing for tech talent.

The office is open plan, with informal breakout spaces rather than meeting rooms.

Mr Martin said: “The working environment has been purpose-designed to promote collaboration, creativity and pace of change.

“This is where the digital team is based and the home for the whole Digital First programme, but it will also be used by many Arco colleagues. People from across the business will be encouraged to work from here for a half a day or a day at a time, using the meeting spaces and hot-desking facilities.”

Founded in Hull 133 years ago, family-owned Arco employs 1,700 people across the UK, including more than 800 in the city of Hull.

The company offers more than 170,000 personal protection equipment, workwear, safety footwear and workplace safety products. The digital drive will involve a complete rebuild of the Arco website to lift online sales from 40% currently to over 60% .

Mr Martin, who is a fourth generation member of the founding family, added: “We now want to strengthen our links with the local digital community and tap into specialist skills within C4DI. Being based here means we are perfectly placed to do that.”

Dominic Gibbons, managing director of Wykeland, also commented: “Arco is a pillar of Hull’s business community with a proud heritage in the city and exciting plans for growth, driven by a digital-led transformation. We’re delighted Arco has chosen @TheDock as the base for that change programme.

“Arco’s investment enhances further the Fruit Market’s ever-growing reputation as a magnet for investment. @TheDock is now firmly established as the location of choice in Hull for businesses seeking a high-quality and inspiring working environment within a vibrant, creative community.”