Birmingham technology hub opens - creating 500 new jobs

Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce chief executive Henrietta Brealey cut the ribbon on a new technology hub which is set to accommodate 500 new jobs in Birmingham city centre.

Version 1, a leader in digital transformation, officially opened the new hub yesterday.

The new facility will accommodate the 500 new jobs previously announced in October.

Version 1 already has more than 300 people operating in the area and the new opening promises to be a springboard for investment in technology and people.

Henrietta, who was guest of honour at the ribbon cutting ceremony, said: “It’s fabulous to see companies like Version 1 investing in the area, underscoring the region’s strengths as a leading place to do business.

“The Chamber is here to unleash the potential of Greater Birmingham’s businesses and we know that this kind of commitment helps to elevate the West Midlands as a powerful business location.

Version 1’s investment will contribute to regional economic growth and create employment and upskilling opportunities for the local community too.” 

West Midlands mayor Andy Street said: “This news from Version 1 is yet another vote of confidence in what our region can offer - particularly the opportunity for technology organisations.

“My warm thanks to Version 1 for demonstrating its commitment to the West Midlands. I look forward to seeing this investment changing lives for the better in the months and years ahead.”

Attending the milestone event were Version 1’s managing director for Digital, Data and Cloud, Enda Diggins and UK portfolio director Emma Mitchell.

“We could not have chosen a better location for our new technology hub and are very excited to be officially opening it today, earlier than expected,” said Enda Diggins.

“Not only are we closer to our existing customer base, but here we have access to some of the best technology talent that the UK has to offer and with our own Digital Skills Academies opening later this quarter, we can offer our customers the best expertise, locally.”

Recruitment for the new roles is underway and includes positions within the Digital Skills Academy starting in April.

Pictured (from left): Enda Diggins, Henrietta Brealey and Emma Mitchell