Harvey Norman, a leading multinational retailer of furniture, bedding, technology and electrical appliances has chosen The Gracechurch Centre, Royal Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands as the location for a new store as well as a dedicated UK headquarters, reinforcing the company’s commitment to the region.
As part of this expansion, the business is expected to create up to 100 jobs across sales, marketing, online, finance, procurement, operations, warehousing, administration and management, including several apprenticeship opportunities.
The decision to sign a lease for The Gracechurch Shopping Centre follows the successful launch of Harvey Norman’s flagship store at Merry Hill Shopping Centre in October which has welcomed a significant number of shoppers from across the region and beyond.
Established in 1982, Harvey Norman has rapidly expanded its global presence over the last 26 years, with over 300 stores worldwide across Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, Slovenia, Croatia, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. The flagship Merry Hill store represents the first in a wave of planned investments across the UK’s West Midlands, in support of the business’ wider UK and global expansion drive. Harvey Norman is also in advanced negotiations regarding a number of other investment opportunities across the West Midlands, expected to create a further 200 jobs.
The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is backing plans to breathe new life into the 250,000 square ft Gracechurch shopping centre through a multimillion pound investment, including new homes, leisure, retail, commercial and other uses. Through its state-of-the-art facilities, Harvey Norman’s choice of the site for their UK headquarters will support the business’ strong commitment to employee wellbeing and development.
Harvey Norman’s investment drive is being supported by the West Midlands Growth Company (WMGC) – the region’s official investment promotion agency – which is helping the business to identify possible investment sites, in conjunction with local skills teams. WMGC has also facilitated valuable introductions in support of Harvey Norman’s recruitment drive and provided the business with specialist consultancy across a number of areas, including trading in the England marketplace for the first time.
The investments follow the implementation of the UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement in May 2023, removing unnecessary barriers to the UK market for Australian businesses and strengthening trade ties between the two countries. During the 2023/24 financial year, the West Midlands consolidated its strong track record in attracting FDI. According to the latest EY UK Attractiveness Survey, the region bucked a general trend of FDI decline, recording a 72% rise in FDI projects. Birmingham also entered the record books, recording 67 FDI projects – the highest number recorded by a regional city in the last ten years.
Katie Page, CEO at Harvey Norman, said: “The West Midlands’ high grade retail space and exceptional connectivity are two key reasons why we’ve chosen Sutton Coldfield as the home of our new UK headquarters and to launch our next store here. Gracechurch will provide an excellent hub for our growing UK team and I look forward to returning to the region soon as we progress our expansion plans.”
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Harvey Norman’s investment is a big win for Sutton Coldfield. It’s proof that our high streets can thrive again, creating jobs and giving people more reasons to visit, shop, and socialise. With new jobs and homes on the way, we’re delivering real opportunities and making this town a great place to live and work.”
HE the Hon Stephen Smith, High Commissioner of Australia to the UK, said: “The United Kingdom is Australia’s second largest investment destination, as well as our second largest source of investment. This major investment by Harvey Norman into the West Midlands is a great example of how investment is mutually beneficial and supports economic growth and jobs in both Australia and the UK. The Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement, which came into force on 31 May 2023, is providing new opportunities to expand trade and investment by lowering barriers to trade and encouraging new investment.”
