One Year On

In September 2006, with the cute ‘converted stable’ offices at Stratton Audley bursting at the seams, rumblings began of an office move; it was clear ‘why now?’We all met in the courtyard for the big announcement and were handed packs detailing ‘our next mission’ then bundled onto mini-buses and driven to the secret location – it felt like something out of a James Bond movie! Winding through the rambling Oxfordshire countryside and jabbering like an excited bunch of school kids the anticipation grew. As we rounded the corner of New Mill Lane and were greeted with a babbling brook, willowy trees and expanses of green fields; it became clear ‘why here?’The New Mill felt grand yet charming, functional yet full of character, empty yet brimming with potential, brand new yet strangely familiar and inviting… (or maybe that was just the rows of filled champagne glasses?) John and Craig’s excitement was contagious as we walked through the offices visualising what it would be like; we all agreed ‘why not!’

Back at the ranch it was all systems go and the move began; the cathartic excavation of junk was coupled with a curious enthusiasm for the brand new ergonomically designed ‘work stations’ and office layout. Teams worked around the clock to ensure the deadlines were met, and by December, the vast open spaces of a brand new office became the comfortable yet dynamic environment it is to work in now.

One year on; old faces and new faces pass in the corridors and the New Mill buzzes with vibrancy as the business thrives and the sense of community lives on. The New Mill has seen the creation of the fabulous new Canada product; the introduction of an exciting operations and commercial team; not to mention incredible growth and diversity across all departments.

The new offices have enabled Audley to expand in terms of brand and reputation as well as the compound social ethos they pride themselves on; witnessing everything from allotment gardens (and subsequently a flurry of inter-department vegetable competitions; apparently ‘size matters’) to a well stocked honour-system tuck shop, a welly store, a bike shed, a gym and Clean Queen Tracy. Social events continue to scatter the calendar with Chris Mantel now heading the social committee; the summer festival was a huge success and the Christmas party promises to be ‘a ball’ (ha ha) with numerous events dotted in-between that keep the tunes playing and the drink flowing! In the meantime, with our second Christmas in Witney just around the corner we look forward to welcoming in the New Year at the New Mill and wait to see what things 2008 has in store!