Manchester is attracting major tech firms who are setting up offices in the region, and this has fuelled a high demand for Manchester office space.
Indian mobile software company 42Gears has moved into offices at the city centre 4 Piccadilly House. Kaushik Sindhu, associate vice president of 42Gears Mobility Solutions, explained the company’s reasons for choosing Manchester, saying:
“Manchester is a world-class city with a thriving tech community and a booming economy, and the ideal location to act as a launch pad for 42Gears to connect with European partners and customers.”
The Manchester Evening News reported a rumour that Amazon is looking for 70,000 sq. ft of Manchester office space. The online retailer is already creating a fulfilment centre at the Airport City development, but has not commented on wanting more office space.
AO World, the online electricals retailer, is launching a digital hub at Baskerville House, part of Brentwood’s Riverside complex. Steve Caunce, chief executive of AO World, said:
“Baskerville House is a perfect location for this next stage of our development and will meet the needs of our staff with great transport connections and excellent local amenities.”
Not all tech companies are as large as these three, with some start-up businesses employing a handful of people. WeWork is creating office spaces in Manchester where these companies can rent desk space and share facilities such as the internet, reception, and refreshments areas. This means that small businesses in the tech sector need not invest in large office areas on long leases until they have expanded sufficiently.
