Discount retailer B&M moving HQ to Liverpool

DISCOUNT retail chain B&M Retail is moving its HQ and distribution centre from Blackpool to Liverpool in a move that will create 600 jobs in Speke.

The decision was made following investment and development support from the city’s economic development company, Liverpool Vision.

After an extensive search for premises, the 135-store company has chosen The Vault in Speke for its new home.

The Vault, which is within Estuary Commerce Park and close to the motorway network, offers more than 600,000 sq ft of warehouse space with ancillary offices.
Privately owned by Cheshire-based brothers Simon and Bobby Arora B&M Retail, which operates B&M Bargains, has bought the premises in Speke and will carry out an £8m investment programme to bring the building up to its operating requirements.

The relocation will provide up to 200 office jobs and 400 warehouse, packing and distribution jobs.

Liverpool Vision will provide up to £1.75m in grant funding for the operation, dependent upon the number of jobs ultimately created.

Jim Gill, chief executive of Liverpool Vision, said: “This is a very significant investment in Liverpool by one of the country’s fastest growing retailers and underlines the attraction of Liverpool as a business destination.

“B&M Retail’s investment in the city will create jobs for people in Liverpool. The company will work with the Liverpool JET service to ensure that as many jobs as possible are available to and taken up by local residents.”

Merseyside is something of a hub for the discount retail sector, with Home Bargains owner TJ Morris and TJ Hughes already located there.

When the Aroras bought B&M in 2004 it had 21 stores and an annual turnover of £65m. It now has 135 stores and annual turnover of £255m through 135 stores which attract more than a million customers each week.

Joint managing director, Simon Arora, said: “We have invested heavily in the business and have seen four years of excellent growth, but in order to compete even more effectively in the national market and to develop the business further we needed to find a centre more geographically suited to our distribution needs.

 “After looking at a large number of potential sites we have decided that Liverpool was the outstanding option.

“A decisive factor was not only the quality of business environment but also the proximity to the docks reflecting Liverpool’s position as an international freight gateway.

“We are looking forward to working with Liverpool Vision, the Liverpool JET service and others to ensure that the move is a great success for the business and for the people of Liverpool.”

B&M Retail intends to begin on site immediately and to have the HQ and distribution centre operational by Christmas 2010.

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