Balaam defends BT Engage IT relocation move

Martin Balaam insists relocation of Reading and Wood Lane-based staff will support VAR's growth

Balaam: this was not a cost-reduction exercise

Martin Balaam, BT Engage IT’s new managing director, has hit back at rumours that the corporate giant is undertaking a cost-reduction exercise.

Following several reports from sources close to the company, CRN reported earlier this month that the company had closed its Wood Lane site and relocated to its Newgate Street office.

It was also rumoured to be closing its Reading-based office and relocating staff to central London.

In a statement, Balaam confirmed the moves, but said: “We have moved our offices in London from Wood Street to St Pauls for three reasons. First, the team has expanded significantly, with plans to expand more, and we had run out of space.

“Second, we wanted to get the staff at Reading working as one with the London office and needed even more space in London to do this. Third, we wanted to work more closely with BT Business and BT Global Services to have access to their customer base. The best way to do this is to be in the same offices as them.

“So in short, this was not a cost-reduction exercise but a strategic one to support current and future growth,” he said.