Sharp has opened a new UK headquarters in Leeds, bringing together nearly 100 staff in a technology showroom designed to demonstrate the breadth of its business as it pushes into new areas of growth.

The global technology group’s 10,200 sq ft office at South Central is more than a new base for its Yorkshire team. The company has designed the space as a working showcase for the integrated technology services it is increasingly looking to sell to businesses.

The move reflects Sharp’s evolution beyond its traditional print business, with IT services, business applications, artificial intelligence, audiovisual technology and workplace design now forming part of its broader offer.

The Leeds headquarters brings those capabilities together under one roof, allowing customers to experience the technology in a live working environment rather than simply seeing it demonstrated in a sales presentation.

Features include a 195-inch direct-view LED installation, video walls, digital displays, meeting-room and collaboration technology, print devices and a Hiperwall command-and-control system. Desk, meeting-room and visitor management solutions are also incorporated into the building.

Sharp worked with commercial interior design specialist Design Tonic, with its own workplace design, print and audiovisual teams playing a central role in delivering the project.

Stuart Sykes, chief executive of Sharp UK, said the opening reflected a wider transformation of the business.

“The opening of our Leeds headquarters represents much more than a new office. It reflects the transformation of Sharp into a truly integrated technology partner,” he said.

“Over the last year we have brought together new capabilities, integrating our Display businesses, accelerating growth in Business Applications and AI, and continuing to invest in IT Services, Managed Print and Workplace Solutions. This headquarters brings those capabilities together in one place.”

He added that the showroom would give customers a practical demonstration of what Sharp could deliver.

“Rather than telling organisations what a modern workplace can look like, we can now show them.”

The new headquarters is one of 14 Sharp locations across the UK. The company employs more than 700 people nationally, with the Leeds office accounting for close to 100 of them.

Donna Carrick, chief people and transformation officer at Sharp UK, said the move demonstrated the company’s investment in its workforce and its ambitions in the region.

She said the office would bring employees together in a collaborative environment, while helping Sharp build local partnerships and attract talent from Leeds and the surrounding area.

Leeds’ established technology sector and university base were among the factors behind the decision to make the city the company’s UK headquarters, with the office intended to support growth both regionally and nationally.

Hilary Benn, MP for Leeds South, said the opening was a “strong vote of confidence” in the city, its workforce and business community.

Sharp is part of Sharp Corporation, the global technology group employing more than 34,000 people worldwide. Its Leeds investment underlines the company’s ambition to bring together its expanding technology offer and help businesses modernise their operations, improve collaboration and embrace digital change.

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