CIPS, the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply, had long been based in a converted house near Peterborough. With segregated rooms, limited collaborative space and rising maintenance costs, the building no longer supported the organisation’s evolving work or ambitions. Following a workplace consultancy to map their needs, Oktra recommended WestPoint Peterborough — a modern, amenity-rich building capable of supporting a more connected and professional working environment.
CIPS wanted a workplace that would bring people together, increase transparency and strengthen culture. Moving to a single open floor with varied work settings allows teams who once worked in isolation to collaborate more easily. The new environment also provides a professional and welcoming setting for visitors, members and branches, with an innovation space, ‘the bridge’, designed for workshops, learning and idea generation.
Insights from the consultancy identified how CIPS’ teams operated, the obstacles to collaboration and the behaviours needed to foster a stronger culture. These findings informed the layout, zoning and choice of settings, ensuring the workplace directly supports the organisation’s day-to-day operations.
The unit at WestPoint presented a creative challenge: a vaulted, arched ceiling that dictated room placement and required careful acoustic design. Alongside the architectural considerations, CIPS’s teams faced a significant cultural shift, moving from small, enclosed rooms to a more open, modern environment.
Oktra supported their transition through close engagement, guiding teams through the changes and creating settings tailored to their needs. A welcoming communal teapoint at the entrance now acts as a natural gathering point for connection.
CIPS’ identity is expressed throughout the workplace. A timeline wall celebrates 100 years of history, while an archive display showcases artefacts, books and medals uncovered in their former building. Branded manifestations and a prominent logo visible from the bridge reinforce their presence and create a strong sense of continuity.
Floor-to-ceiling windows and a full glass façade introduce abundant natural light and views of surrounding trees. Desks are positioned to maximise daylight access, and staff now enjoy amenities the previous building couldn’t provide, including a wellness room, social spaces and access to the building’s wider café and agile working areas.
Technology plays a central role in supporting CIPS’ evolution. A large screen on hinge brackets enables town hall meetings and events in the social space, supported by a high-quality speaker system. In the innovation area, interactive whiteboards and AV tools offer a dedicated zone for brainstorming, workshops and community learning.
The new workplace directly addresses the challenges identified in the consultancy, giving CIPS a unified environment that supports how their teams work. With tailored settings, improved communication and a professional space for hosting the procurement community, the office strengthens organisational culture and provides a dynamic foundation for CIPS’ continued influence and growth.
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