A RECRUITMENT business serving the IT sector has opened a new office in Southampton to accommodate a growing team.

VIQU was attracted to Hampshire in 2017 because managing director Matt Collingwood identified the Solent region as an attractive location for tech talent and businesses.

He said its research-intensive university, higher than average salaries for IT professionals outside London, and a “very high” score for quality of life were all factors influencing the decision to open in Southampton.

The Birmingham-headquartered company opened a satellite office in Ocean Village in May 2018.

Viqu, based in ocean Village, aims to tackle shortage of IT and cyber security experts

Since then, the city has been labelled a top five “tech supercluster” and Starling Bank has opened offices.

VIQU bought a bigger ground floor office at Ocean Village last year. It has spent 12 months working with local businesses, including Bluewood Office Interiors and Lime Signs, to renovate it.

After consultation with its staff, VIQU introduced standing desks and a shower room so people could cycle to work or exercise at lunchtime.

The space seats 22 people and VIQU says it has the space for rapid growth.

Matt Collingwood said: “After an impressive period of growth, VIQU’s senior leadership team and I made the decision that it was time to heavily invest in a region and tech sector that we truly believe has the scope to expand and support our ambitious growth plans.

“I am very pleased with the results, and I know that our current Southampton team members and future hires will enjoy and benefit from the modern, bright and engaging office environment we have created for them.”

Vinay Sonchatla, managing consultant at VIQU Southampton, said: “I am very proud of what our Southampton team has managed to achieve in just three years, supporting the IT departments of many fantastic local and international clients.

“I have always championed the Solent region’s IT industry and believe that VIQU’s willingness to invest in its Southampton presence will only transpire into trusting and prosperous long-term relationships.

“I’m looking forward to enjoying the perks of the new office and showing it off to our Southampton clients once restrictions allow us to.”