IM Group, the Midlands-based property, car and finance business and one of the UK’s most successful mid-size companies, has moved to its new £30m headquarters at Fore Business Park, Solihull, which it believes rivals any offices previously seen outside of the capital.
The new 60,000 sq ft state of the art campus, with wellbeing at its heart, utilises cutting edge technology and forward-thinking design to help futureproof the business and has become a major landmark on the M42.
Focussing on the use of high-quality materials and cutting-edge design, IM Group’s new HQ building will be known as The Gate, taking its name from the distinctive Core-Ten arch that is a key feature.
Designed and built by IM Properties (IMP) on behalf of the IM Group, following the compulsory purchase of the group’s previous offices at Coleshill Manor by HS2, the campus will be the home to both IMP and International Motors and will sit alongside a new HQ for Christian Vision, a charity founded by IM Group’s owner, Lord Edmiston.
Andrew Edmiston, managing director of IM Group said the business was pleased to be renewing its commitment to the region, creating headquarters described by many of its delivery team as a ‘once in a lifetime’ project to work on.
“We’ve invested significantly in the new campus, set in beautifully landscaped grounds, to not only make it work hard for its money in terms of sustainability and efficiency but to give us a working environment which will help attract and retain talent, showcasing IM Properties’ project delivery skills and helping to secure our continued success as a business in the region.
The Gate has been designed to meet the requirements of the business over the next 30 years, including electrical car-charging points which can be extended to every parking space on the site.
Tim Wooldridge, managing director of IMP added: “The headquarters are best in class and an example of all the greatest elements of design that goes into creating a landmark building that people will enjoy working in.
“With wellbeing at its heart, its layout offers a more flexible approach to working with collaborative working zones, breakout areas, quiet booths, wi-fi enabled terraces and outdoor seating areas to relax or work in.
Tim continued: “It also offers unrivalled amenities with a gym, three-hole putting green and an area alongside the high-quality restaurant to play pool and table football or watch big sporting events together, which I’m sure will appeal to the competitive side of many of our team.
“We’ve commissioned special artwork as centrepieces in key areas which reflect our work, values and people within the company, and I think there will be a few smiles when they spot some of the numerous amusing details that will be contained in the pieces.”
The new HQ has been delivered by BAM Construct UK, working alongside architects Webb Gray & Partners, Square Dot Interiors, BEA Landscapes & Couch Perry Wilkes.
Jason Jasper, UK project director at IMP, who led the team added: “We had a two-year window to find a location and design and deliver this £30m turnkey project, which to some may have appeared a near impossible task due to its scale and level of detail.
“The new HQ really does work hard to exceed expectations on every level from its low carbon footprint to the high specification and integrity of its materials, creating a landmark campus with a feeling of openness, drama and maturity.
“It’s been a real journey,” added Jason “And has been achieved thanks to the buy in and the commitment of our long-established, trusted supply chain. We got the job done without compromise within a tight timescale, on budget and to the highest quality. Everyone definitely went the extra mile.”
Andrew concluded: “The team have really put their heart and soul into creating the building and naturally there’s a lot of excitement surrounding the move. Now though, it’s back to business. It will be exciting to see how the company’s activities and performance grow in our new HQ especially since we have put so much effort into this project for just that reason.”
