Handelsbanken has revealed plans to create more jobs at its Manchester headquarters, by doubling available space. The Manchester office has around 60 existing employees and plans to increase that number to 120 in the next few years. The Swedish bank is located at the centre of the Airport City Scheme – a £650m development of Manchester Airports Group.

Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, head of region Tracey Davidson said that the company chose Manchester as its base while the branch network was expanded. The 4M building is situated next to Manchester Airport’s transport interchange and railway station and will double its office capacity to over 14,000 sq ft. As the Airport City Scheme aims to attract international businesses to the area, the latest plans will be viewed as a huge boost. Davidson confirmed that Manchester had been selected as it enjoys extensive travel links throughout the UK and worldwide.

There are more than 11,000 employees of Handelsbanken throughout the world, with UK head offices in London, Birmingham and Manchester. The bank states that the UK is a rapid area of growth and the increased office space in Manchester will be utilised to support its branch network. The new offices will be immediately occupied with new positions for local employees and other employees relocating from other parts of the UK, according to Davidson. The location is a popular choice for existing employees, with superb facilities and amenities available, with transport links worldwide and in the local area being of paramount importance.