A NATIONAL engineering specialist founded in York has relocated its office in the city in a move that brings together more than 140 employees.

SES Engineering Services has signed a ten-year lease to occupy new office space within the Aviva building at Moorside, in Monks Cross.

The move brings together more than 140 employees who had previously been based in different city centre locations, and creates space for further expansion at the business, which was previously part of York-based Shepherd Group, before being bought by national construction giant Wates in 2015.

Bosses say the long term lease reflects a commitment by SES to retain a presence in York.

Speaking about the move, which was internally managed by commercial manager Dan Townsley, SES business director North Steve Joyce said: “SES has been a major employer and a York-based company for many years and once the leases on our former premises were coming to an end it was hugely important for us as a business and an employer to retain our strong presence in the region.

“It was equally important that our new offices should reflect SES as a forward-thinking, contemporary, innovative company that not only moves with the times but sets the pace.

“The open plan office lends itself to greater communication between departments, easier interaction to openly spark ideas and problem-solve.

“Also, the stylish break-out spaces encourage relaxed social interaction between our employees, which is great. I’m a firm believer that your place of work should be somewhere you don’t mind spending time.”

The office’s meeting rooms have been named after regional landmarks where SES has an office, and include The Shard, The Angel of the North, The Bullring and The Queensferry.

The team from SES worked closely with the firm’s own in-house specialist fit-out company Smartspace.

Gary Edwards, Smartspace’s project lead, said: “This has been a challenging project to work on, not least because of the turnaround time, but one which has benefited from the client’s input and a truly collaborative approach.

“I’m confident that between us we have successfully created a working environment that brings two centres of operation together to support the continued success of the company.

SES managing director Jason Knights added: “The building provides an enhanced design to better reflect SES’ leading edge and growing reputation for innovation.”