Canon Europe to set up London HQ

The decision will see key departments move to London from the company’s Netherlands base in Amstelveen, and will also involve the consolidation of sales and marketing functions in the UK.

Canon Europe took the decision to open its new headquarters, in Stockley Park, near Heathrow, in a bid to support improved communications and better decision making across Europe, the Middle East and Africa and create a more effective organisation to support its customers.

The company’s president and chief executive, Ryoichi Bamba, explained: “A London location will be beneficial for both our customers and partners, and bring us closer to key players in the global business community.”

Like many other global companies, Canon recognises the magnificent opportunities that London offers for overseas business

Boris Johnson

Mayor of London

London mayor Boris Johnson pledged his team’s support to help Canon Europe consolidate its operations in west London and ensure that staff relocating to the city settle in well.

“Like many other global companies, Canon recognises the magnificent opportunities that London offers for overseas business, with unrivalled access to western markets, a skilled workforce and one of the most diverse social and leisure scenes in the world,” Mr Johnson said.

"My message to global companies, looking to follow Canon, is that you will not only receive the warmest of welcomes but we will ensure you get off to a flying start in our city and are immediately successful.

“We are investing heavily in our infrastructure to provide business opportunities, as well as in skills and training programmes, and I am therefore supremely confident that the future is extremely bright for global companies who choose to set up shop in London.