AN ONLINE marketplace which has seen its staff expand from a few people to more than 100 has secured a new HQ in the centre Bournemouth.

OnBuy, set up to take on Amazon Marketplace, says it chose not to invest in the “London bubble” but to stay in the area that has supported its growth so far.

The business, which has more than 100 job roles open, will occupy four storeys of office space at OnBuy House in Dean Park Crescent, with breakout area and a roof terrace.

It has previously been in Poole and also has staff in Manchester.

Founder and chief executive Cas Paton said: “We’ve always been on a steep growth trajectory, but we realised quickly that we needed to upgrade our space – particularly when we ran out of desks. While plenty of companies are downsizing in favour of ‘WFH’ or hot-desking, I’ve always believed in creating a space where our team can think, do and thrive.

“We have fully adopted the need for a hybrid model ensuring we attract and develop the very best talent, but the offices are here to be the heart of the company, to provide a fantastic hub for collaboration and a place to come and enjoy being at work.

“The south west is where OnBuy was born, and I truly believe that there is a world of talent beyond the M25 to be tapped into. We’re known for hiring the best and brightest, and with our coastal base we’ve been able to bring on board a range of people with diverse skills that will help take us to the next level.”

Ian Girling, chief executive of Dorset Chamber, said: “I’d like to offer my congratulations to Cas and the team at OnBuy on their move to their new HQ in Bournemouth. We work closely with OnBuy as Dorset Chamber premier business partners, as one of the leading tech businesses in the south, and this move mirrors the meteoric growth of the business over the last couple of years. This achievement is another step on this incredible journey and we are proud to be working with OnBuy.”

Goadsby Commercial acted on behalf of the landlord. Director James Edwards said: “We are naturally delighted to have secured the letting on behalf of our client, particularly as it is to a company of OnBuy’s stature.

“The building presents OnBuy with a rare opportunity to occupy a prominent self-contained office building in the town centre and it is one of the most significant lettings to take place during the pandemic.”

The formal move will happen next month, when OnBuy staff will start to occupy the space in line with Covid regulations.