HSBC is in talks to lease a 210,000 square-foot office in Birmingham’s Arena Central enterprise zone, following the announcement that it has chosen the city for the headquarters of its UK operations.
The bank told staff it had chosen the city because of the historical connection – Midland Bank, which HSBC bought some 20 years ago, was founded there in 1836 – rail access and the strength of its financial services sector.
Neil Rami, the chief executive officer of Marketing Birmingham which was involved in discussions with HSBC about the relocation, said Birmingham was the fastest-growing city outside of London, and that businesses in professional and financial services were choosing to locate there.
