Version 1, a digital transformation specialist, has unveiled its intention to create a new technology hub in Birmingham city centre. The new hub is set to generate 500 new jobs and establish Version 1 closer to its West Midlands client base. The decision comes in response to growing demand for its digital, data and cloud services, next generation managed services and AI collaboration in both the public and private sectors. The expansion will also build on Version 1’s existing bonds with the city’s universities and further and higher education institutions, in order to enlarge the local talent pipeline for future growth.
The announcement was made by Version 1 in collaboration with The West Midlands Growth Company during Birmingham Tech Week. The employment opportunities created from the expansion will be in technology disciplines, with available positions that range from entry level to managerial roles for multidisciplinary software engineers, product design and delivery specialists, and service management. Although the individuals holding these positions will be remotely based around the new hub in Birmingham City Centre, the official opening will take place next year.
Additionally, Version 1 was recognised as the 2023 Microsoft Global Partner of the Year for Modernising Applications for its work with National Highways, headquartered in Birmingham, where it helped to enhance safety and efficiency across England’s major A roads and motorways. The company’s new office location will provide better proximity to several other clients, including HMRC, Wesleyan, NatWest, Arup and Cafcass.
According to Tom O’Connor, the CEO of Version 1, “we are thrilled to increase our presence in Birmingham with the creation of another 500 jobs. Our work with organizations in the West Midlands area has grown considerably in recent years, so this local expansion will allow us to embed our presence and continue to service the evolving needs of both our current and future customers. The technology talent in this region is remarkable and has been a crucial factor in our decision.”
The expansion has received support from Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, who said that “This investment reinforces our region’s status as a destination of choice for ambitious companies across a wide range of sectors. My thanks to Version 1 for their vote of confidence in us. They will help the West Midlands to realise its potential to be a ‘science and technology superpower.’”
Recruitment for the new technology hub will begin in 2024, and it will include early career academies running in the second quarter, which will offer graduates and interns advanced training before being onboarded into the business. The move is expected to help boost digital skills in the region and support its development as a business centre.