IM Group Ltd (IM) has announced plans to relocate its headquarters from Coleshill to Fore Business Park in Solihull, bringing in excess of 250 jobs to the area.
The move is in response to IM’s current offices in Coleshill being acquired by HS2 to make way for the London to Birmingham High Speed line.
A purpose-built, state of the art campus including offices and a training academy is being constructed for the IM Group of companies including IM Properties, Spitfire Bespoke Homes, International Motors, Isuzu UKand Subaru UK. The campus will also include an office for Christian Vision, a charity established by IM’s founder Lord Edmiston.
Planning Permission was granted for the scheme by Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council in October 2017 and initial groundworks started on site in January 2018. As part of the application, IM secured consent for an additional 100,000 sq ft of offices to sit alongside its new headquarters.
Andrew Edmiston, IM Group Ltd’s managing director said:
“Over the last few years IM Group has been developing rapidly, although we did not expect to be moving from our previous location so soon, we are excited to be moving into Solihull.
“Fore Business Park gives us excellent road, rail and air connectivity which is critical to IM – as we are a truly international business.
“We firmly believe in providing the very best facilities for our staff and visitors and our new HQ is an opportunity to go further than we have been before in that regard. The effort we are putting into this project reflects the confidence we feel in our future.”
Tim Wooldridge, IM Properties managing director added:
“Fore Business Park is a good fit for the business as a major investor in the Midlands region. Looking forward we have a £1.5 billion development pipeline of space to deliver and with major assets such as Blythe Valley Park delivering significant economic growth on the M42 corridor, it makes sense to be located close by.
“The landmark design reflects the important and highly visible position on the M42 and the buildings incorporate cutting-edge design features promoting wellness at work through fitness facilities, roof terraces and large communal staff areas for flexible and collaborative working. The campus has been future-proofed for the expansion of our Group over time and designed with sustainability at its heart including renewable energy measures and an EPC rating of A.
“HS2 provides exciting opportunities for both business and investors in the region and as connectivity and infrastructure rise to the top of both Andy Street’s and the West Midlands Combined Authorities’ agenda, there couldn’t be a better time to be involved.”
West Midlands Mayor, Andy Street, who attended the ground breaking added:
“The IM Group is one of the region’s success stories and it’s great to see the company moving forward with confidence, investing in the future of the business, creating new jobs and opportunities and contributing towards the future prosperity of the West Midlands.”