TalkTalk has announced plans to relocate its headquarters from London to Salford to support its next phase of growth.
The move is the second major investment by the FTSE 250 telecoms company in the North West in recent years. The company opened a large office in Salford in 2017, which is home to the firm’s technology and business teams. The state-of-the-art site replaced previous offices in Warrington and Irlam.
TalkTalk said the success of its Soapworks site in Salford had exceeded expectations, improving collaboration between teams, supporting a more flexible working environment and enabling the company to attract and retain the best talent. Since moving to Salford, the company was recognised as one of the UK’s best Large Workplaces™ by Great Place to Work®.
TalkTalk now wants to build upon its success in the North West, transferring its HQ from London to Salford as part of its strategy to simplify its operations. The company will relocate several hundred existing roles from London in 2019, supporting employees with their relocation plans. TalkTalk will also create new posts, in part through the continued expansion of its graduate and apprenticeship programmes.
Tristia Harrison, Chief Executive of TalkTalk said: “We’re excited to be moving our headquarters to Salford. We’ve always had a base in the North West, but we want to build on that heritage and create a world-class campus for the whole business.
“As with any change, we are committed to supporting all of our colleagues during this transition period. Bringing all of our teams together will make us a simpler business, where it’s easier for teams to work together and deliver the very best service for customers.”
Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said: “Salford is already home to the second largest cluster of digital businesses outside London and the city is working hard to grow the digital skills and talent for the future. TalkTalk relocating their headquarters and executive team here and creating hundreds of new, high quality, technical, digital jobs speaks volumes for the success of our investment in a digital future.
“TalkTalk has a long-standing and very warm relationship with the city and local communities so I’m delighted to hear of this further investment. It is an exciting new chapter in Salford’s success story as the fastest growing economy in Greater Manchester.”
Rebecca Long Bailey, MP for Salford and Eccles added: “Following the success stories of leading businesses moving to Salford, it’s great to hear the news that TalkTalk will be doing the same in moving their headquarters to the city from London. By linking up with the company’s technology and business office which opened in Salford in 2017, I hope the move will open up opportunities for Salford residents.
“This announcement provides further evidence that businesses can find success and growth outside of London, provide investment to the area, and job opportunities for people here in Salford.”
