Technology

Posted on July 3, 2019 by staff

Leeds’ tech reputation attracts property consultancy

Technology

Leeds’ burgeoning technology and digital sector has convinced a leading property company to open an office in the city.

OBI, the commercial real estate consultancy responsible for 42 per cent of the total office space transacted in Manchester city centre last year, is hoping for similar success in West Yorkshire.

Leeds was recently named sixth in the rankings for top tech sector destinations in the regions and rose four places this year in the major UK tech sector destinations ranking list compiled by global real estate advisor CBRE.

Broadcaster Channel 4 recently confirmed that its new HQ office would be based in Leeds, taking three floors of the Majestic building from late 2020.

OBI has recruited Rob Prescott from Cushman & Wakefield in readiness for its launch in Leeds.

The company was pounded in 2010 by Will Lewis and Dominic Horridge and their landlord and occupier clients include Aviva Investors, Allied London, Bruntwood, Kinrise, Property Alliance Group, Booking.com, AO.com and The Hut Group (THG).

The consultancy said Leeds’s growing talent pool and ambitious development and regeneration plans is among the reasons behind its expansion plan.

Lewis said: “Leeds is a vibrant and innovative city that attracts and retains many talented people and innovative businesses from across the north and beyond.

“OBI has been working towards opening operations in Leeds for some time and already has a number of landlord and occupier clients in the city.

“We feel our values of exceptional client service, hard work and innovation will be well received and with Rob already on board, are looking forward to an exciting new venture that aligns with our next phase of growth.”

OBI employs 32 people and provides advice to clients across its multi-discipline services, which include leasing and investment, office acquisitions, business relocations, interior design, project management and dilapidations. The collection of services is known as the ‘OBI Difference’.

Earlier this year the multi-award-winning real estate consultancy launched spin-off business Studio OBI, an integrated creative agency providing branding, marketing materials, online platforms, video and CGIs for its clients.

OBI also boasts its own online TV channel, OBI TV, as well as The OBI Journal, a twice-yearly published magazine covering the latest intelligence and insights on Manchester’s restaurants, property, fashion, tech and more.

Prescott’s appointment comes after OBI won Regional Agency Team of the Year at the 2019 Property Awards in London.

He said: “I’m delighted to have joined OBI and am already fully focussed on working towards the Leeds launch later this year.

“I’m also part of OBI’s national transactions and management teams and couldn’t be more pleased to be working with so many talented colleagues and dynamic clients.”