Groundbreaking Birmingham tech bub project set to generate 500 new jobs

Version 1, a specialist in digital transformation, has unveiled plans to establish a new technology hub in the heart of Birmingham city center, with the intention of generating 500 new job opportunities and bringing the company closer to the expanding client base in the West Midlands.

The company has already established a substantial presence in the region, and this move is a response to the growing demand for its services in the public and private sectors, encompassing digital, data, cloud solutions, next-generation managed services, and specialized AI collaborations.

Version 1 has forged strong partnerships with the universities and further/higher education institutions in the city to foster the development of local talent for the future.

This announcement was made in collaboration with The West Midlands Growth Company during Birmingham Tech Week.

The new positions will encompass various technology disciplines, including multidisciplinary software engineers, product design and delivery specialists, and service management roles spanning from entry-level to managerial positions. These roles will be primarily based in the broader region, but will revolve around the new hub located in Birmingham city center, set to open officially next year.

This news coincides with the organization’s recent achievement of being named the 2023 Microsoft Global Partner of the Year for Modernizing Applications. This recognition is particularly attributed to its collaboration with National Highways, based in Birmingham, to enhance safety and efficiency on motorways and major A roads across England.

The strategic choice of the new office location will also enhance the organization’s accessibility to a diverse clientele in the region, which includes HMRC, Wesleyan, NatWest, Arup, and Cafcass.

“We are very happy with our decision to increase our presence in Birmingham with the creation of another 500 jobs,” said Tom O’Connor, CEO. “Our work with organisations 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 impressive and has been a key factor in our decision, along with the support provided by the West Midlands Growth Company, who provided dedicated account management and made valuable introductions to the WMCA to support our expansion. 

“Our team here is exceptional and makes a significant contribution to the wider Version 1 business as we continue to grow throughout the world.”

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, added: “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’ – equipping local people with the skills they need to succeed and generating the high-quality jobs of the future in the months and years ahead.”

The company is set to commence its recruitment process in 2024, coinciding with the opening of the new technology hub. This initiative will encompass positions within the Early Careers Academies, slated to operate in the second quarter. These academies are designed to offer intensive training for graduates and interns before their integration into the business.