South Yorkshire surveying firm opens new HQ with £500k investment

1st Horizon, the surveying and engineering company, has invested £500k in new purpose-built headquarters in Barnsley.

The company, which specialises in 3D laser scanning of buildings and surveying for underground pipes and cables, has transformed a former fizzy drinks factory into its new home.

After a two-year development period, ‘The Old Pop Factory’ will officially open on July 6th, where the company will invite customers to see the new premises and watch demonstrations of its full product range in action.

Set up in 2006, 1st Horizon employs 30 staff including five apprentices who now work at the new facility.

Jim Garside, 1st Horizon’s managing director, said: “We have always placed a strong focus on the use of the very latest technologies and techniques available and continue to invest in our staff and facilities to enable us to apply the most efficient, versatile and cost-effective service for our clients’ survey requirements.

“Over the past few years we have rapidly grown our client base and team which has seen us outgrow our previous office near Penistone.”

Jim added: “After viewing offices in and around the Barnsley area, we found The Old Pop Factory site where we could design and construct our own, purpose-made facility – it just seemed to make sense!

“It’s taken two years of hard work to sympathetically restore the 18th century barn into a bespoke and contemporary office space which will enable us to develop the 1st Horizon brand and expand our service portfolio, while providing an inspiring workplace for employees.

“Our new location in Dodworth also provides excellent local facilities and better recruitment opportunities, with good links to nearby towns and cities.”