Bonnier Books UK today announces that it will be relocating its trade business to Victoria House, Bloomsbury Square, London Wc1.
The company’s trade business was previously based from two London offices, on the Kings Road in Chelsea and Wimpole Street in Marylebone. The relocation to Victoria House will bring Bonnier Books UK’s 155 London-based trade employees together under one roof for the first time in the company’s history.
The company will occupy a dedicated workspace on the fourth floor and will benefit from access to a network of multi-use meeting rooms and communal areas across the building’s 150,000 square feet of space, including a café and roof terrace for informal meetings.
The iconic grade II listed building is operated by LABs and has been renovated into a high quality, contemporary workspace. Other facilities include a large capacity event venue, wellness suite – including fully-equipped gym, shower facilities, relaxation lounge and library – eight passenger lifts and secure bike storage.
The building materials have been chosen to support health and wellness – with increased ventilation and optimised humidity to aid air purity – and all colleagues will have access to fitness classes, educational seminars, workshops and talks, focused on personal and professional growth. Victoria House also has a dedicated meditation and prayer space.
Colleagues will also have access to other workspaces and facilities in the LABS network, including four alternative spaces in Holborn and two in Camden.
Perminder Mann, CEO, Bonnier Books UK: “I’m thrilled to announce that we will be relocating our trade teams together under one roof in the cultural heart of London. A beautiful grade II listed building that’s been renovated into a modern, flexible workspace, Victoria House blends the best of old and new and is a fitting new home for our trade publishing. We’ve long aspired to bring the teams together in this way, strengthening our culture and encouraging greater collaboration and learning in a way that will support our next phase of growth. Once the restrictions around the pandemic ease, I look forward to welcoming our author, illustrator and wider agent community through our doors.”
Jonathan Perdoni, CFO / COO, Bonnier Books UK added: “Our new workspace at Victoria House is the ideal home for our trade business as we begin to plan for the next stage of our growth. Based on the government’s roadmap for easing restrictions, we hope to gradually start returning to the office from the beginning of July. However, the health and wellbeing of our people remains our top priority, and so we will be reviewing the government’s advice carefully, whilst consulting our teams.”
As the company announced in September 2020, once the office is reopened to staff, everyone will have the option to work up to three days remotely. This will enhance the company’s existing flexible hours policy, first introduced in 2018.
As part of the unveiling of the new office to staff, the company announced a “rest and recuperate day” on 30th April, recognising and thanking staff for their hard work during the pandemic.
