How a Growing STEM Content Company Found the Perfect Fit at UBC Cheltenham

How a Growing STEM Content Company Found the Perfect Fit at UBC Cheltenham

When Matteo Orsini Jones launched Orso Publishing, a provider of specialist STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) learning content, he had just hired his first employee and needed a space for them to work. This brought him to UBC’s flexible offices in Cheltenham’s Harley House - an attractive Grade II listed Regency building at Cambray Place.

"Our company was founded at the same time as us moving into our offices here in Cheltenham," Matteo explains. "I was hiring my first member of staff and so I needed an office to put them in!”

Fast-forward three years, and the company has grown to a team of eight, outgrowing their office twice (with a possible third move on the horizon), all while staying in the same building.

Specialising in Science and Maths education, Orso Publishing creates high-quality content for educational publishers and EdTech companies, delivering digital and print-based services including video and audio production, content writing, technical illustration, product management, and editorial work. Their impressive client list includes the BBC, Oxford University Press, Hachette Learning, and Pearson Education.

One of the things that drew Matteo to UBC Cheltenham was its central location - ideal for a team that prefers walking, cycling, or using public transport. “Being so close to shops and restaurants also makes us feel part of the community and makes company lunches and socials much more convenient.”

But it’s not just the location that has worked in Orso Publishing’s favour.

“Our office manager Debby, as well as her predecessor Steph, have always been flexible to our needs and made us feel right at home,” Matteo says. “We’ve already outgrown our office twice in three years, and they’ve made that process as easy as possible by working with us to find the right solution in terms of costs, room size, and desk layout.”

The flexibility of the office space, along with a friendly and responsive onsite team, has allowed the company to scale smoothly without ever needing to leave the building. Their current office offers spacious personal desks, air conditioning, and views over Cheltenham’s regency town square - an environment that Matteo believes contributes to a productive and happy team.

“I’m a big proponent in comfortable working conditions allowing for productive staff,” he adds. “The central location with 24 hour access also makes it particularly convenient for both our local team members as well as those who now live further afield and only visit occasionally - it can be accessed easily by public transport at any time of day.”

Looking ahead, Orso Publishing is bidding for several large-scale projects into 2025 and beyond.

“Our hope is that we can keep the momentum going and keep growing our team - and, perhaps, move into our 4th new office in as many years!”

UBC is thrilled to have played a part in Orso Publishing’s journey from the very beginning, and we look forward to supporting the team’s needs as the company continues to thrive and grow.

Discover more about Orso Publishing at www.orsopublishing.co.uk.
Interested in flexible office space in Cheltenham? Discover more about Harley House here and don’t hesitate to contact us or pop in for a coffee and a tour!