Member Article

Boost to West Midlands economy as Advanced becomes one of largest employers in the West Midlands

Technology Firm Advanced Relocates Corporate HQ to Birmingham

In a boost to the West Midlands economy, Advanced, one of the largest providers of software and services to the UK market, is to relocate its UK corporate headquarters to the iconic Mailbox, one of Birmingham’s largest commercial buildings, the company announced today.

Following its acquisition by Vista Equity Partners in March 2015, the business has undergone significant transformation and investment in its people and solutions, creating a solid platform for further impressive growth. Advanced has a £316+m turnover, employs 3,042 people and serves more than 20,000 customers.

The relocation of its corporate headquarters to Birmingham will make the company one of the largest employers in the West Midlands. Birmingham is an international technology hub that develops and attracts digital talent, with a thriving innovation culture that makes it a natural home for Advanced. Advanced has based its regional headquarters in the Mailbox for several years, and this latest move will allow the company even greater access to the excellent talent in the region. The company is committed to providing new and exciting career opportunities, aligning with the Government’s levelling-up agenda and creating growth and prosperity across the region.

Since launching its Midlands regional office at The Mailbox in April 2016, Advanced has invested heavily into the region. The business has now grown to 533 registered employees in the Birmingham office, positively contributing to the jobs market in the West Midlands. By consolidating its HQ in The Mailbox, Advanced will have greater access to digital talent to help further accelerate the business. Since January 2020, the technology company has created 343 additional jobs at its West Midlands HQ, which occupies 45,000 sq. ft. of space.

Advanced is rationalising its business estate in response to changing work trends and to meet the hybrid preferences of its workforce. With the advent of flexible working and fewer people commuting to offices, Advanced is consolidating its office space into a network of core regional hubs and its new corporate HQ. This strategy means Advanced will use less energy, create less waste overall and will allow the company to reduce its carbon impact as part of its ESG program of work.

Birmingham is the location of the UK’s fastest-growing tech sector, with the area set to create thousands of new digital jobs by the end of 2025. It is at the epicentre of the UK’s largest regional urban economy, with its diverse talent pool, excellent travel links and exemplary colleges and universities. Advanced has strong partnerships with Birmingham’s BMet College, the University of Birmingham, Birmingham Tech, WMGC and is a patron of the West Midlands branch of the Prince’s Trust.

For Advanced’s employees, the West Midlands delivers affordable living in comparison to the Southeast, an excellent social life and access to top cultural and scenic hotspots. The Mailbox is situated in the geographical heart of England, with unrivalled motorway, rail and air links.

Advanced has seen extensive transformation and organic growth over the last two years, with eleven acquisitions made since 2020, as it strives to become a £600 million business by 2025. Advanced’s aim is to become the best UK head-quartered software and services businesses in the UK market.

The company’s headquarters were previously in Ditton Park, just outside London. Advanced have now closed those offices with staff now working from home and using The Mailbox for face-to-face meetings.

Speaking from Birmingham Tech Week, Gordon Wilson, CEO, Advanced, comments:

“The move of our corporate HQ to Birmingham places us at the epicentre of the UK’s largest regional urban economy, while ensuring we attract dynamic, high performing and motivated people who are vital to our expansion. Priorities for success in today’s climate include ensuring we have a highly skilled, motivated and diverse workforce. Our people, partners and solutions enable us to deliver technology that positively impacts the lives of millions of people. Since setting up a regional hub here in 2016, we have been impressed with the energy and vibrancy of the West Midlands and its great talent, including from the many local education establishments in the area. “

He adds, “We are proud to be an example of an innovative British business that is growing and creating skilled jobs across the UK. Our investment in regional hubs is attracting new talent and providing exciting regional career opportunities. Advanced is undergoing one of the largest transformations of any UK business today, which includes an ambitious talent acquisition programme. It’s only by attracting the best talent that we will be able to deliver our ambitious plans for the future. As a major British technology company, we are part of a connected business community that underpins a culture of innovation and growth.”

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “As we seek to supercharge our region’s economic recovery, it’s fantastic news that one of the UK’s most successful technology businesses is making this new commitment to the West Midlands. It’s a real vote of confidence in all that Birmingham and the wider region has to offer for growth-oriented businesses and shows what can be achieved when the private and public sector work together. This new investment from Advanced will help to drive the digital revolution that will be a vital part of the Levelling Up mission in the months and years ahead.”

Yiannis Maos, CEO and founder of Birmingham Tech, said: “The tech sector in Birmingham is fast becoming a true powerhouse of digital talent. Advanced’s commitment to root and grow its headquarters from The Mailbox will provide a real boost, providing high-quality and well-paid job opportunities for those who want to pursue a career in tech, and fuelling innovation and business growth within the region.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Advanced .