Phone giant to open new Salford office creating 50 jobs

Huawei, a global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) solutions, is opening a new office in Greater Manchester.

The new office space, which is more than 4,000 sq ft, located in the Blue Tower building at the flourishing MediaCityUK complex, is the company’s first in the North West of England and will serve as a base of operations for Huawei as it looks to develop its business in the Northern Powerhouse.

The office will house several of Huawei’s key business operations, including customer account teams, the Huawei Network Design Centre and Huawei’s delivery operations centre for the North of the UK. Initially upwards of 50 roles will be allocated at the new facility.

The MediaCityUK complex has gained a reputation for being an international hub for technology, innovation and creativity. Greater Manchester is also home to one of the fastest growing digital technology sectors in Europe.

Victor Zhang, president of government affairs, Huawei Group, said: “This new office based in Greater Manchester further signifies Huawei’s continued commitment to the UK.

“We pride ourselves on our track record of investing at a regional level and stimulating local job creation. Where better to base ourselves than at MediaCityUK which, with its reputation for fostering creativity and innovation, is attracting a host of other large scale international businesses.

“We look forward to partnering with Greater Manchester to assist it in its goal to become the UK’s leading digital hotspot.”

Paul Dennett, Salford City Mayor, said: “The digital tech industry in the North West turned over £4.98bn in 2018 and Greater Manchester boasts the largest number of digital workers in the UK outside of London.

“Next generation technology alongside 5G will have a massive impact on our city over the next decade, it is, therefore, vital that we continue to attract top tech talent to the city – the arrival of Huawei, who are a key player, further cements this city and Salford in particular as the emerging tech hotspot in the UK.”

Jerry Wang, Huawei UK chief executive, said: “We are delighted to announce our first facility in the heart of the Northern Powerhouse and birthplace of the first industrial revolution.

“The North West is an important region for Huawei as we look to continue our growth in the UK.

“Greater Manchester’s talented workforce and emerging tech scene make it an exciting city to invest in, the city is now at the forefront of healthcare and university tech-led innovations today.”

Rhys Whalley, executive director, Manchester China Forum, said: “We are immensely pleased to welcome today’s announcement from Huawei, which will generate in excess of 50 jobs and add greatly to the economic and technological value of our region.

“Huawei’s new facility in MediaCityUK marks another great milestone in the relationship between China and Greater Manchester. For Huawei as a global leading brand to select Greater Manchester underlines the strength and specialist skills of our tech ecosystem. We look forward to supporting the growth of the Huawei team in the months and years to come.”

Chris Reay, property director at MediaCityUK, said: “Huawei’s decision to base part of its UK operations here further demonstrates MediaCityUK to be a leading creative, technological and digital hub in the UK.

“Huawei is at the forefront of technology, talent and innovation and as the digital revolution continues to evolve, so will our destination, meaning we are in a position to welcome more and more organisations leading the way in such advancements.”

“It’s great to see companies such as Huawei choosing Greater Manchester as the area to open their new base of operations” said tech expert Dan Sodergren.

“The creative and digital tech scene in the North is growing at a phenomenal rate, with Salford and The Landing, where the new base will be centred, having one of the highest economic growth rates in Greater Manchester.”