Burberry To Relocate 300 Jobs To Leeds

Burberry plans to relocate 300 jobs from London to Leeds. The luxury fashion retailer proposal to create a new business centre of excellence will move roles from finance, HR and procurement from the UK and overseas, as well as some customer service and IT roles.

Christopher Bailey, chief creative and chief executive officer, said: “This is an important move for Burberry as we continue to deliver on the strategic priorities we outlined last year.”

The Leeds-based offices, opening in October, come as part of the brand’s ongoing commitment to strengthen its historic ties to Yorkshire, home of the iconic trench coat. The plan also aims to deliver at least £100 million in cost savings by 2019.

The news comes as part of an overhaul for the British fashion house. Christopher Bailey stepped down as CEO to become president and chief creative officer, and will welcome new CEO, Marco Gobbetti, in July.

A £50 million proposal for a Yorkshire-based manufacturing facility, announced in 2015, is on hold however, as chief financial officer, Julie Brown, confirmed the retailer is "taking a moment to think through" plans for the factory in Leeds South Bank.