The new office in the Edinburgh city centre was opened by Scotland’s first minister John Swinney, who commented on Heineken’s “longstanding ties” to the city.
The beer giant invested more than £2 million fitting out the “modern, flexible working environment”, which will house the majority of Heineken’s 500 Scotland-based employees across departments such as customer care, supply chain, IT, finance and HR.
Heineken had been based at an office in the South Gyle area of Edinburgh for the past 25 years, while its history in Scotland dates back to 1749.
Swinney was hosted at the new HQ by Heineken UK managing director Boudewijn Haarsma, who gave the first minister a tour of the facilities including an on-site bar, rooftop terraces and a café.
“Heineken has longstanding ties with the City of Edinburgh stretching back many years, and I am pleased that this is set to continue,” said Swinney.
“The opening of this state of the art, sustainable office space is an indication of Heineken’s belief that Scotland continues to be an excellent location for businesses.
“I know that this new location will be a success, both for Heineken, the City of Edinburgh and Scotland as a whole.”
Meanwhile, Haarsma said that the firm was very proud to greet Swinney and reassert the association between Heineken, the city of Edinburgh and Scotland as a whole.
“This city-centre location will help us attract and retain the talent that will enable our business to go from strength to strength,” Haarsma added.
“Our significant investment into the office with our long-term lease, coupled with our £4.5m investment in our Scottish pub estate announced this week, is a clear statement of our intent, reiterating the vital importance of Scotland to our business.
“Moving our Scottish base to this beautiful square at the heart of Edinburgh is especially significant as it marks a return to the square that Scottish & Newcastle also made its home. It’s a place to which Heineken owes much of its presence today in the UK.”
