Work has started to extend Holland & Barrett International’s global headquarters in Nuneaton, Warwickshire.
The company is one of the world’s leading health and wellness retailers and the largest in Europe, supplying its customers with a wide range of vitamins, minerals, health supplements, specialist foods and natural beauty products. The Nuneaton-based business moved to Eliot Park in the town in 2010 and now employs more than 300 staff at its head office.
But as the retailer has expanded rapidly, the headquarters too are in need of development, and Coventry-based Deeley Construction is in the process of building a 48,000 sq. ft. extension which will allow staff numbers to grow to between 500 and 600, solidifying Holland & Barrett International as one of the largest employers in the area.
Holland & Barrett International has almost 1,100 stores in 11 different countries including Kuwait, Malta, Singapore and China, and has been assisted in its overseas growth by the UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) team at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.
Holland & Barrett International’s success in global expansion was recognised this year with a Queen’s Award for International Trade, one of the highest honours for business presented to the company in April.
Work on the extension follows on from the creation of a new car park on site at Eliot Park, part of a 40-year regeneration on the site, undertaken by the Deeley Group, and is expected to be completed in early 2017.
Peter Deeley, managing director of the Deeley Group, said: “Every region, such as our own region of Coventry & Warwickshire, needs successful, growing companies and the expansion of Holland & Barrett is a very good story locally, nationally and globally.
“We are delighted that we were able to provide a home for the company in 2010 which allowed it to expand and equally pleased to be working with the Holland & Barrett team again to help it continue to blaze a trail.”
Roger Craddock, Group Legal Director of Holland & Barrett International said: “As a Nuneaton-based business, it’s important to us that we continue to support the local economy, even as our business expands across the globe. This new extension will stand us in good stead for further global expansion whilst we continue to keep up the local values that our business has become known for.”
Paul Carvell is the president of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and is also the chair of its north Warwickshire branch.
He said: “This is great news for our area. The Chamber began a Go For Growth campaign at the start of the year and it’s fantastic to see Holland & Barrett expanding in such a way.
“It’s pleasing to see that the support from the international trade team at the Chamber has helped the company to grow its presence in more countries worldwide.”