Whiteley: Expanding LeadStream moves to new headquarters

An online customer acquisition service for the financial services industry has relocated to larger headquarters within Hampshire.

Due to rapid growth, an initial 16 new roles are being created at LeadStream’s customer service centre at St Andrews House, 4400 Parkway, Solent Business Park, Whiteley.

The business, which employs 80 staff and already has up to 60 working at any one time at the nationwide call centre, outgrew nearby Arena Fareham.

A recruitment drive is under way by LeadStream, which was launched in November 2014 by founders Matthew Milnes and Michael Hubbard, with plans for a 150-strong workforce.

In a deal through independent commercial property consultancy Hughes Ellard, LeadStream signed a 10-year lease on the 9,006 sq ft detached office, at £15 per sq ft.

Hughes Ellard acted for the private landlord of the two-storey premises.

Chief executive Milnes said: “Our diligent and motivated customer service teams are involved in 2,500 fresh enquiries a day, placing discerning customers to the best company which suits their requirements, whether that is life insurance, stocks and shares or other financial investments.

“Our leads are warm and qualified – and therefore meaningful - because customers, interested in a product or service, have already filled in our web form first.

“This innovative online approach, which our buyers like, saves precious time and cost for everyone involved.”

Milnes added: “We had outgrown our previous office and Hughes Ellard brought St Andrews House to our attention – it ticked all the right boxes.

“We now have plenty of room to grow the customer service centre and are well placed to diversify lead generation in both business-to-consumer and business-to-business markets.”

Russell Mogridge, a business space director at Hughes Ellard, which has offices in Fareham and Southampton, said: “LeadStream is an excellent example of a go-ahead business which required quality office headquarters from where to expand staff numbers.

“The location is ideal – just off junction 9 of the M27, with a superb employment pool across the conurbations of Southampton, Portsmouth and Fareham, all within commutable distance.

“LeadStream has done well to secure larger Grade A offices – they are in short supply across the Solent region.”

Hughes Ellard has acted for a number of investors over the years at the site, including acquiring the land upon which St Andrews House was built 15 years ago.

Previous occupier Peach Technologies relocated to nearby Forum 5 on Solent Business Park.

Locally based building contractor Amiri Construction carried out a five-figure refurbishment of St Andrews House, which also has 40 parking spaces, for LeadStream.