Signify (Euronext: LIGHT) is the world leader in lighting for professionals and consumers. Their advanced products, systems and data-enabled services deliver business value and transform life in homes, buildings and public spaces. In 2024, they had sales of EUR 6.1 billion, approximately 29,000 employees and a presence in over 70 countries. They feature in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index and hold the EcoVadis Platinum rating, placing in the top one percent of companies assessed. Signify global brands include: Philips, Philips Hue, WiZ, Interact, ColorKinetics, Dynalite, Telensa, Signify myCreation, Signify BrightSites, NatureConnect, Trulifi.
“Our purpose is to unlock the extraordinary potential of light. We wanted to display that in our new office by creating a collaborative working space and culture, whilst doing good.
Living our program of brighter lives, better world where take specific and measurable actions to make a positive impact on the environment, Active Workplace proved to be the right partner for the project. They carried it out seamlessly, ensured a sustainable move, and made the project a success.”
Nico van der Merwe, Cluster Leader – Europe West
The Project
Signify wished to create a flagship UK Headquarters in Guildford Business Park. In part the need was driven by new models of working and flexible support for their employees, but more importantly it was to create a space that accurately reflected their brand pillars and innovative lighting and technology solutions.
The new HQ was to support hybrid occupancy with confidential areas, canteen and town hall space all boasting cutting edge lighting technology – a space to show exactly who they are and what they can deliver.
Signify were wanting a higher spec space but not at the expense of sustainability. To ensure the move was sustainable, fFrom the project’s inception the mantra was Reuse/Repurpose or Recycle for every possible resource.
The Solution
As a business that also prizes sustainability across all areas of its operations, Active Workplace Group were aligned with the brief right from the start. They were not only familiar with the requirements for sustainable design and build projects but also had the experience, processes and networks to make the process as efficient and productive as possible.
“We have many years of experience, helping our clients do right by their employees, their local community and the planet. We have long established connections that support carbon-friendly office development with everything from meticulous recycling operatives and expert furniture refurbishment, through to charity contacts desperate for free or low-cost office equipment to support their crucial endeavours.” Ben Martin, Managing Director, Active Workplace Group
The new HQ is high-spec and beautifully designed, with a high-end finish and luxury touches, but not at the expense of the planet. All desks and task chairs were reused, along with the majority of Signify’s signage, and equipment such as meeting room share points, TV screens, kitchen equipment and even the trusted venue for a 1 to 1 meeting – the pool table.
As you would expect, the lighting is a key feature throughout the new design. Signify has incorporated their key lighting innovations such as myCreation, NatureConnect and BrightSites, Interact IoT software, Philips LED luminaires and Dynalite lighting controls. Melanopic lighting throughout the HQ brings the benefits of natural daylight indoors, enhancing visual comfort, wellbeing and performance for everyone working there.
Active Workplace Group’s key partner, Powercor were pivotal in the expert installation of the wide range of lighting design into the new space.
“This project showcases the latest in advanced lighting technology. The system incorporates cutting-edge energy-saving features such as daylight harvesting, occupancy sensing, and wellness-focused illumination to promote both sustainability and employee wellbeing. The lighting fixtures installed offer exceptional efficiency with industry-leading lumens per watt. In addition, the system integrates Interact technology—an intelligent platform that delivers added value through space optimisation, people wayfinding, and asset tracking, among other capabilities. This is what we call “lighting beyond illumination.” As a proud Platinum Partner of Signify since 2011, we are committed to driving innovation and excellence in smart lighting solutions.” Chris Wright, CEO, Powercor
“What stands out about Active is their positive attitude. They gave expert advice and offered solutions when inevitable challenges appeared. From the start we were able to have an upfront and honest working relationship. They clearly understand sustainable design, build and office moves, and were able to put to best use all existing building resources and incorporate it into the new HQ. Where we couldn’t repurpose or include our existing furniture or fittings it was responsibly recycled or donated to deserving causes.” The result is an exceptional space with a high-end finish that both companies can be very proud of.”
Steve Meadows, Services & Operations Director, Signify
The Future
Active Workplace Group is far more than a commercial design and build company, with divisions for move management, storage and maintenance also under the group’s umbrella. After proving their, professionalism and expertise through this creative and sustainable headquarters, Active have now also been engaged to deliver a contract for ongoing Facilities Management services for Signify.
“Building lasting, transparent relationships with our clients is the backbone of our success and growth strategy. Being able to offer a range of commercial property services from moves to dilapidations is a standout proposition in our sector. Our clients come use us for one service – see how we operate and come back for more. That’s how we know we are doing good business.”
Ben Martin, Managing Director, Active Workplace Group
