Tech firm Halo moves into Ipswich's landmark Willis building
Halo moves into the Willis Building on Monday with ambitions to create 5,000 jobs in 10 years.
The founder of a technology company says its move to the heart of Ipswich will help make the town a "start-up incubator" that will keep young talent in the county.
Halo is moving its headquarters to the Willis Building - a Grade I listed glass office space designed by Lord Norman Foster, with insurance firm Willis - now called WTW - retaining a smaller presence there.
Founder Paul Hamilton confirmed to the BBC that staff will move into the building on Monday - and 250 people will be based there by the end of the year.
"This move reinstates our commitment to the region, and ambition to make Ipswich a tech hub," he said, adding that the firm wanted "to respect a historic and iconic building".
He says the company has ambitions to "create 5,000 jobs in 10 years".
It celebrated its 50th anniversary last year after being originally built for the insurance firm.
Worth an estimated £1bn, Halo is a global software company that builds IT service management and workflow platforms, used by major organisations such as Microsoft and Red Bull.
The company focuses its recruitment on graduates - with the average employee age about 24.2 years.
Hamilton said the move to the Willis Building was a "huge next step" and gave the company "the capability to expand further and hit our target of 1,000 graduates in Ipswich by the end of 2030".
"We are looking forward to working alongside WTW after the incredible 50 years they've had in the building so far," he said.
Halo initially had two offices in Stowmarket but will keep one open.
Last year, the software firm replaced Ed Sheeran as the main sponsor of Ipswich Town's football shirts .
Jack Abbott, Labour MP for Ipswich, previously said the move was "massive" for the town, and that it symbolised "our economic rejuvenation".
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