A leading property expert has described Manchester’s tech sector as ‘thriving’ after securing a ‘hat-trick’ of deals in the last month.
Joe Averill is the founder / managing director of Level and last week helped tech recruitment specialist Fairmont move into 2,100 sq ft of space in 53-55 Mosley Street.
The deal followed hot on the heels of GigPig, the music industry disruptor, taking a bigger workspace at Manchester’s Bridge Street Studios and sports analytics and tech company, Kitman Labs, taking offices in Allied London’s Department Bonded Warehouse.
Averill said there were a number of similar announcements in the pipeline.
“The tech sector in Manchester is absolutely thriving,” he said. “The demand for office space is really holding up.
“Demand for conventional workspace remains strong but we’re also seeing a lot more flexible workspace in the city. Tenants really value the flexibility because it’s a great testbed for them to gauge the future of work at their organisation. Do they want staff to be fully back in the office; working remotely; or a hybrid model?”
Growing tech recruiter moves into Manchester city centre office
Averill launched Level at the start of the year to better support the needs of tenants ahead of landlords.
“We advise fast growth businesses on their end-to-end real estate strategy,” he said.
“We provide conflict-free advice because we don’t have any commercial models with landlords. Our commercial model is orientated towards the tenant.
“We care about their performance, not just in terms of their real estate but their future growth strategy. We don’t just do one-off transactions. We build long term value driven relationships so we help them with wider business challenges and facilitate the appropriate introductions.”
Averill said the ecosystem in Manchester was perfect for ambitious tech companies.
“It has a great support sector around it to thrive,” he said. “We’ve got three high class universities and an increased level of investment in the city.
“What’s really exciting for Manchester is the unicorns, both those that are emerging from the city and those that have moved here from international cities.
“We have Matillion, Booking.com, Moonpig, THG, amongst a number of others all on our doorstep.
“Manchester is very community-based. We’re seeing that talent and experience filter back into Manchester and that’s invaluable for tech founders to tap into who are looking to achieve similar heights.”