Our Story - Portico Guest Services

Over the past 20 years...

We’ve grown from a single client relationship into a dynamic and diverse organisation, setting benchmarks in guest services excellence and innovation across the UK and Ireland.

Portico started with a single city contract in 2004. Since then, it has grown its geographical reach extensively, and now creates bespoke front-of-house experiences for over 230 locations, including landmarks such as 22 Bishopsgate and 20 Fenchurch Street. Serving the professional services, commercial property, tech, media, retail, visitor attractions and the premium residential sector. Portico has gained countrywide recognition for our bespoke approach to guest services, which includes everything from overseeing meeting and event spaces, cultivating dynamic and innovative workplace communities, to managing cycle parks.

Visit our locations

When the team was planning the launch of a new guest services company in 2004, they met in the café located in the Crypt of St Paul’s Cathedral. Sitting beneath one of the world’s greatest porticos, the name was an ideal match for their vision, which was to create supportive and warm personal experiences. People have always been at the heart of our business, so it fits that we celebrate this legacy by giving back to those around us.

Over the past 20 years, Portico has experienced remarkable growth, expanding its workforce to over 1,000 employees in 40 cities across the UK and Ireland. Known for its positive working culture and commitment to equal opportunities in learning and development, the company boasts high employee retention, with 70% of current staff having worked at the company for longer than a year. Portico’s L&D Portfolio was recently accredited by The Institute of Learning and Performance (LPI),recognising its forward-thinking approach and benchmark for excellence.

Learning & Development programme

Portico, a leader in high-quality, tailored guest services, has last year unveiled its comprehensive ESG strategy, “Second Nature,” aimed at fostering inclusive workplace, nurturing talent, fostering progressive partnerships, and stepping up environmental efforts, now in its second year. The strategy, built around four pillars, underscores Portico’s commitment to providing a positive workspace for its people, a welcoming space for guests, and a flourishing partnership with clients, all while minimising its environmental impact.

ESG Strategy 'Second Nature'