Advanced, the third largest software provider to the UK market, has today officially launched its brand new Midlands HQ at the Mailbox in Birmingham. The company is undergoing one of the largest transformations of any UK business today, which includes the launch of a major talent acquisition programme creating 1,000 roles over the next 18 months.
The unique high potential entry level programme is designed to attract Britain’s best talent. The drive welcomes both graduates and non-graduates of all ages and backgrounds looking to pursue a career in IT. Candidates undergo a rigorous assessment and, if successful, are offered the chance to fast-track their careers in the organisation. A minimum of 50% of new employees will come from the talent acquisition programme.
Four hundred of the new roles will be based in Advanced’s newly refurbished Midlands HQ at the Mailbox in Birmingham. Occupying 45,000 sq ft of space on the famous building’s third floor, this is one of the city’s largest commercial accommodations on a single floor.
Gordon Wilson, CEO, Advanced said: “The launch of our new Birmingham office is a key milestone in our business growth strategy and the talent acquisition programme represents a great opportunity for individuals considering a career in IT.
“We are passionate about identifying dynamic, high performing and motivated individuals who are invaluable to our future expansion and who will make a major contribution to our company culture. Birmingham is the clear choice given it has the UK’s largest regional urban economy and is the most popular destination outside the South East for mass millennial migration.”
Advanced is recognised as a British business success story having grown to a £750m company in just eight years. Following its acquisition by Vista Equity Partners, in March 2015, the business has undergone significant transformation and investment in its people and solutions, creating a solid platform for further impressive growth.
Part of the transformation includes the appointment of a new C-suite, comprising high calibre employees in the tech industry. The business is also completing a four stage programme of re-branding, relocation, restructure and recruitment.
Mark Rogers, Chief Executive, Birmingham City Council said:
“It is great news that Advanced has chosen to launch in Birmingham, creating hundreds of new training and career opportunities for the city’s workforce.”
“With over £1 billion of investment in the last year, the Greater Birmingham region is enjoying significant growth. We are building an unprecedented amount of modern office space and investing record amounts to improve transport links. Advanced’s arrival demonstrates the strength of Birmingham’s offer for major British brands looking to locate here.”
Neil Rami, Chief Executive, Marketing Birmingham said: “With more than 6,000 firms in Greater Birmingham employing 36,000 people and delivering £1.6 billion to the local economy, Advanced is joining one of the UK’s best performing digital economies.
“Tech companies are increasingly looking to our region’s offer to set up, thrive and expand. The strength of this sector means Advanced has a large local talent base from which to recruit, with some 40,000 students studying computer science or business in Birmingham each year.
“We will continue to work closely with Advanced in the coming months and anticipate the firm playing a leading role in the region’s vibrant digital community.”
Advanced employs 2,000 people and has a loyal customer base of more than 20,000 organisations including: Virgin Trains, Harvey Nichols, Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Carewatch.