Mayor signs deal to bring global energy storage leader’s UK headquarters to West Midlands

• Global pioneer in home energy solutions, EcoFlow, chooses Birmingham in the UK’s West Midlands region for its new UK headquarters.
• EcoFlow to occupy significant and highly prominent space within Bruntwood SciTech’s Innovation Birmingham campus, where it plans to create 35 new jobs.
• Announcement made by West Midlands Mayor, Richard Parker during UK’s biggest trade mission to China in six years.

EcoFlow, a global pioneer in portable power and home energy solutions, has chosen Birmingham in the UK’s West Midlands as the location for its new UK headquarters, where it plans to create 35 new jobs to drive its growth ambitions.

Headquartered in China, the US and Germany, EcoFlow is supporting the global transition towards renewable energy by developing industry-leading portable power products, solar technology, and smart home energy solutions.

As part of its continued investment in the UK, EcoFlow is establishing its first UK base at  Bruntwood SciTech’s Innovation Birmingham campus, due to its strategic location within Birmingham’s Knowledge Quarter (B-KQ) – part of the flagship West Midlands Investment Zone – and its proven track record for helping businesses to grow and scale. The expansion will create around 35 jobs in areas including engineering, customer service, marketing, and business development, reinforcing EcoFlow’s commitment to the market.

The deal was brokered by West Midlands Mayor, Richard Parker as he participates in the UK’s biggest trade mission to China for six years, with the aim of rallying economic growth opportunities for the West Midlands. Parker is part of a delegation of regional Mayors and Deputy Mayors visiting key powerhouse cities, including – Shenzhen, Chongqing, Chengdu and Shanghai – to promote the UK as a world-class investment destination and bolster areas of trade that benefit national interests.

EcoFlow will join the West Midlands Global Growth Programme – a unique, fully funded support package, offering international innovation-led companies a springboard to success in the region. The programme is delivered by the Mayor of the West Midlands and the West Midlands Growth Company.

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “EcoFlow is a fast-growing company developing solar technology and smart energy solutions. And now they’re investing in the West Midlands. This deal will deliver real benefits for local people – good jobs, greener power storage and a boost to our energy sector.

“Our region is open for business. We’re ready to welcome more forward-thinking investors who share our ambition to make the West Midlands a global leader in cutting-edge battery technology and clean energy.

“I’m building partnerships that will create high-quality jobs and drive a new era of economic prosperity for the residents of our region.”

Minister for Investment Baroness Gustafsson OBE said: “The West Midlands is a powerhouse for investment, and this announcement from EcoFlow will not only play a vital role in creating new jobs but will put more money into the pockets of the local community here in Birmingham.

“Seeing global investors put billions in the UK economy shows the Plan for Change is working. With clean energy being identified as a growth sector in our upcoming Industrial Strategy, we're not only helping to attract and secure investment, but delivering long-term, stable growth across the UK."

Ryan Xing, Managing Director of EcoFlow Europe, said: “The West Midlands is leading the UK’s green industrial revolution, making it a stand-out destination for our new UK Headquarters. This investment marks a significant milestone in EcoFlow’s expansion, reinforcing our commitment to the UK market.

“Our new home at Bruntwood SciTech’s Innovation Birmingham campus will provide us with convenient access to the region’s ever-growing STEM talent pool and world-class R&D ecosystem, with unparalleled connectivity to potential partners across the UK and internationally. We look forward to driving further investment into the region and supporting its journey towards a net-zero-carbon future as we embark on this next stage of EcoFlow’s growth trajectory.”

Innovation Birmingham, the Midlands’ largest digital technology campus is adjacent to Aston University and Birmingham City University and will allow EcoFlow to tap into the region’s research expertise and 132,000 student population. Bruntwood SciTech is backed by Bruntwood, Legal & General and Greater Manchester Pension Fund, and is now the UK’s largest property provider dedicated to the growth of the science, tech and innovation sectors.

Rob Valentine, Regional Director for Bruntwood SciTech, said: "The addition of EcoFlow to our Innovation Birmingham Campus marks a significant milestone for both the city’s tech ecosystem and our shared commitment to a sustainable future.

“As the first global technology unicorn to call Birmingham Knowledge Quarter home, their arrival not only reinforces Birmingham’s status as a leading tech hub in the UK but also aligns with our net zero vision. EcoFlow’s commitment to operating from a 100% renewable, net zero office environment demonstrates its ambitions to support the global transition towards renewable energy through sustainable energy solutions.

“Joining the 130 digital, tech, and innovation-led companies within our ecosystem, we look forward to welcoming EcoFlow into our extensive network and supporting the business as it enters its next stage of growth by unlocking local talent, and delivering greater opportunities for collaboration.”

Sarah Mann, His Majesty’s Consul-General in Guangzhou, said: "On behalf of the British Consulate General in Guangzhou, I extend my congratulations to EcoFlow and the West Midlands government on their successful agreement to establish EcoFlow’s UK headquarters in Birmingham.

“EcoFlow's new base in Birmingham will boost the regional economy and serve as a hub for their growth in the UK. We are thrilled to support EcoFlow on this exciting journey and look forward to their continued success."

During the 2023/24 financial year, the West Midlands consolidated its strong track record in attracting FDI. According to the latest EY UK Attractiveness Survey, the region bucked a general trend of FDI decline, recording a 72% rise in FDI projects. Birmingham also entered the record books, recording 67 FDI projects – the highest number recorded by a regional city in the last ten years. 

The West Midlands has been successful at attracting investment from Chinese companies, ranking joint second of all UK regions between 2015 and 2024. Chinese companies operating and employing in the West Midlands include automotive OEM, Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, Changan Automobile and is also home of the ZhuZhou CRRC Times Electric UK Innovation Centre.

EcoFlow is expected to take occupation of their new UK headquarters in June this year. Bruntwood SciTech was advised by Savills.