Represented by JLL, a leading UK software and IT services supplier has agreed a major relocation deal by taking out an entire floor of office space at the newly refurbished Mailbox in Birmingham.
The deal could result in 400 new jobs being brought to the city centre.
Advanced Computer Software Group is the third largest software and IT services supplier to the UK market. It has committed to a lease on the full 45,000 sq ft of space on the iconic building’s third floor, which is Birmingham’s largest commercial accommodation on a single floorplate.
Advanced already employs around 2,000 people across the UK and this new deal sees the Mailbox become the IT firm’s Midlands headquarters and is part of a significant recruitment drive by it to attract the UK’s best talent.
The office accommodation is currently mid-way through a comprehensive programme of remodelling to reconfigure and fully refit it to Grade A standard.
Work is due to be completed early next year, with the office set to feature a dedicated reception, 4.8 metre ceiling heights and floor-to-ceiling windows.
Simon Samuels, Partner at Brockton Capital, investment adviser to the Mailbox, said: “This letting is a perfect example of the quality and calibre of occupier that we felt would be attracted to the Mailbox. With some of Birmingham’s best dining, retail and leisure outlets right on the doorstep, the Mailbox offers a unique and vibrant workplace setting.
“I know that the whole team is looking forward to welcoming Advanced to the Mailbox and working with them on the final stages of delivery of this prestigious commercial space.”
Gordon Wilson, CEO, Advanced Computer Software Group: “The sheer size of this accommodation gives us the ability to bring together a number of our functions under one roof and in a prestigious location.
“The combination of the Mailbox’s proximity to New Street Station and the city’s other transport links, its unique position above the retail and leisure offerings and the quality of the refurbishment programme, were all key elements in our decision.”
Neil Rami, Chief Executive, Marketing Birmingham, said the arrival of another major investor in the city was a further boost to its economy.
“Business Birmingham has been targeting the highly valuable information, technology, electronics and communications (ITEC) sector for some time, due to its capacity for creating jobs and generating economic growth here,” he said.
“With a knowledgeable workforce boosted by the stream of bright graduates from our local universities, and the support of several organisations across the city, it is no surprise that Advanced has chosen Birmingham as its home.
“We look forward to welcoming them to Birmingham to play a leading role in the city’s increasingly important digital sector.”
Kelvin Craddock, director of JLL, said:
“Advanced Computer Software Group was impressed with the opportunities available in Birmingham, demonstrating the city’s ability to continually attract inward investment. A major catalyst for this has been infrastructure projects including New Street Station and the Midland Metro.
“Following on from a very positive 2014, this has been yet another outstanding year for the city’s office market, with a number of key occupiers including Advanced, HSBC and Extra Energy choosing to locate in Birmingham.
“It is anticipated that this significant inward investment boost, will account for approximately a third of take-up during 2015, with close to 1 million sq ft anticipated for the entire year.”