The move marks the end of an era for the global business process outsourcing specialist, which opened its former headquarters in Worship Street in 1899 and has been present in the City since shortly after the founding of its predecessor in 1820.

A spokeswoman said: "As of Monday 29 June 2009, Williams Lea's head office will be moving to Eastbourne Terrace, Paddington. With an extended client base across the UK, European and International regions, Paddington provides a strategic base with excellent communication links.

"The move will provide our business with an exciting new working environment in an open plan modern office that will be used as the base for our London client-facing roles, as well as the global corporate head office."

It is not yet known what Williams Lea plans to do with its former Clifton House headquarters, which was considered "one of the most extensive, modern and up to date printing establishments in London" following its construction in 1899.

The site had colour print capability from the start and, in a newsletter dated 1902, the management declared it "replete with the latest appliances of modern science; machines being driven entirely by electricity".