Who's Here in Milton Keynes
Milton Keynes has an enviable track record when it comes to attracting businesses. This is a city that offers both support and a wealth of opportunities for all types of business - and just about every business sector is represented in Milton Keynes.
Milton Keynes' location at the centre of the Oxford to Cambridge Arc, together with the world-leading facilities at the Open University, Bletchley Park and Cranfield University, means the city is currently seeing an increase in knowledge-based, technology-led industries. Other sectors showing growth include creative, communications, public sector services and education.
Over the last 4 years Milton Keynes has celebrated more than 300 inward investment successes. A number of large projects have been completed and new investments, just getting off the ground, mean Milton Keynes is all set for even more success in the future. Here are some of the recent investment highlights:
Saracen Datastore Ltd - off-site business storage specialist, has expanded opening its latest records and data management facility at Knowlhill, Milton Keynes, taking advantage of the competitive rent and rates available. Its new high security site comprises 18,500 sq ft of storage space, with capacity for 125,000 archive boxes and 50,000 data tapes. The modern facility benefits from on-site security personnel as well as internal and external CCTV coverage.
Alphatec - a market leading IT company specialising in the finance and insurance sectors, expanded its head office in Milton Keynes, relocating to new purpose-built premises. The new building has given Alphatec the opportunity to design its own environment, within close proximity to Central Milton Keynes, only 34 minutes from Central London and commanding one of the most spectacular views of the new city.
PRP Architects - multi-award winning architectural firm, PRP Architects, expanded to a 5,500 sq foot office in John Ormond house, Central Milton Keynes, following seven successful years based at offices in Lloyds Court. The new premises have enabled PRP to accommodate up to 45 members of staff, which include designers and support staff, working on the design of future housing to be built in Milton Keynes and the surrounding region.
Tradepro - the country's leading supplier of financial services to the construction sector, Tradepro, moved its head office to Milton Keynes, taking advantage of the available skilled labour whilst retaining over 50% of their original skills base. The new building is already set for future expansion and the company has kept an option on the remainder of the building which will allow it to follow its ambitious growth plans.
Precision Corporate Finance - an independent corporate finance boutique specialising in the sale of companies with a value of up to £100 million, chose Milton Keynes as the location for its head office. The move reflects the company's desire to find a business environment with a robust financial support network and desirable lifestyle for its staff. The company is planning to reinvest in the local economy utilising local lawyers and accountants in the due diligence surrounding any business disposals it handles.
The Shaw Group - part of one of the world's largest technology, engineering and construction groups, has expanded its interests in Milton Keynes significantly with a 200% increase in employees.
Coutts & Co - the international private banking arm of The Royal Bank of Scotland Group, demonstrating particular expertise in financial planning for clients with an international asset base, opened a branch and offices in Central Milton Keynes.
USIL - a Hong Kong-based cutting edge research and development company that has developed a cathodic reverse osmosis system for removal of water molecules which is in use all over the world, including on the London Underground and at the Thames Barrier. USIL opened its UK Headquarters in purpose-built offices in Milton Keynes.
AsdaWalmart - the international supermarket retailer opened its biggest European store in Milton Keynes, creating 800 jobs.
B&Q - major DIY retailer, opened a second store in the city together with a national training centre, employing a total of 250 staff.
Spinal Injuries Association - the national organisation completed its new £1.8 million national headquarters in Milton Keynes.
Luminar Leisure - the largest operator of licensed late-night venues in the UK, including Chicago Rock Cafes®, moved into new headquarters in the city.
Rightmove - the company behind the UK's leading property website, moved into Milton Keynes and experienced significant growth, increasing staff numbers by 50% in just three months.
IKEA - opened a revolutionary new store with innovative operational and environmental solutions including rainwater harvesting, 90% recycling capability and back-filling - a system which allows the replenishment of stock without ever using fork-lift trucks on the store floor. 500 jobs were created in the process.
Valley Industries Corp - a leading global supplier of quality tools and equipment based in Paramount, California and one of North America's most prominent tooling distributors. They established their UK and European distribution centre in Milton Keynes and then expanded into larger premises the following year.
Last updated January 2010
