Speedo makes a splash in new HQ
Swimwear giant Speedo is aiming to expand in Nottingham after the company's new headquarters were opened by the Princess Royal in the city's NG2 business park. Its president David Robinson told Insider that Speedo was committed to Nottingham and he would like to see the company grow.
Robinson hailed Miller Birch’s NG2 building as the "most prestigious business site in Nottingham". He added that Speedo had not ruled expansion on the business park.
Robinson said: "We’re a growing company, and there is definitely room to expand on NG2. We’d obviously like to grow, and if we do then NG2 is perfect for that.
"We’re obviously an international company, but we always have to count on local knowledge," he said. "We work closely with the two universities in Nottingham – both of which are fantastic. We’ve worked particularly closely with Nottingham Trent University in the area of R&D, and this is something we hope to continue."
The company’s new premises are a "barometer of Speedo’s success", said Robinson.
"When distributors come here and see the building, they know they’re dealing with a company at the top of its game," he said.
Speedo signed a 17-year lease for its 43,000 sq ft headquarters in 2009. It houses 175 staff, which were previously based at offices on Ascot Road in Nottingham. The site hosts Speedo’s global Aqualab Research and Development Centre and acts as the brand's international base for visiting partners and athletes sponsored by Speedo.
After signing Speedo up to NG2, Peter Gadsby, chairman of Miller Birch - the developer behind NG2, said: "I am delighted to welcome Speedo to NG2. As a world recognised brand, Speedo reinforces the reputation of NG2 as the premier business location in Nottingham and the Midlands."
