BLUEPRINT FOR SUCCESS
Over the past year, it has been relatively unusual to find a company seeking to double the size of its business space. At our Manchester International Office Centre, Highcross occupier Blueprint Partnership, has done just that, upsizing from 1,600 sq ft to 3,500 sq ft.
Blueprint Partnership specialises in designing and executing ad-hoc, tailor-made global market research studies for pharmaceutical and healthcare industries.
Having outgrown its existing space, Blueprint needed larger premises, but MIOC’s location next to the airport and the excellent range of facilities, meant that expanding on-site was a much more attractive option for the company than moving elsewhere. Highcross’ flexible approach enabled Blueprint to double the size of its accommodation, surrender the previous lease and agree a new five-year deal easily and without any of the additional work involved in moving location.
Director of Blueprint comments “We chose MIOC because of the excellent location, easy access and parking for staff, the good communal facilities in the building and the highly solutions focused support of the building manager”
Anna Main, asset manager responsible for MIOC, says Highcross’ success in retaining occupiers at the site also reflects recent investment in increasing the building’s appeal to businesses:
“We are very aware of the importance of facilities in attracting and keeping occupiers. At MIOC, this is evident in the success of our on-site cafe which serves Starbucks coffee and provides free wi-fi and large-screen TV, plus the networking events and business seminars run at our marketing suite. We also provide discounted gym membership, a postal delivery service to occupiers, ironing and dry cleaning services, as well as conference rooms and associated facilities.”
With costs also a primary consideration for businesses, Highcross has been able to deliver a reduction in service charge for occupiers since acquiring the building in late 2007, at the same time as improving services.
Located less than a mile from Manchester Airport, MIOC includes 93,177 sq ft of business space, and has just four suites remaining, starting at 1,300 sq ft. Highcross is currently looking at sub-dividing one of these into three separate units from 450 sq ft – 750 sq ft, recognising the demand for small office suites in the area.
Anna Main adds: “The Blueprint Partnership is an excellent example of Highcross’ flexible approach and the long-term relationships we like to build with our occupiers. MIOC is a great location for businesses, but we’re always looking at further improvements, including more refurbishment and possibly a new shuttle service to Manchester Airport. We’re even considering roof top advertising, so let us know if you think your business might want to reach out to potential customers as they come into land!
Contact: Anna Main on 0161 877 5499 email annamain@highcross.co.uk
