Leasing Director Rhys Owen explains how resilient businesses are already playing a part in delivering a resurgent town centre.
“With Stockport town centre seeing a flurry of commercial property lettings in the last few months, 2020 will go down as a year of surprisingly steady activity in the sector, which has delivered at least 100 new jobs.
“As the town’s leading commercial property company Orbit Developments has seen continued strong demand for office space, and we start 2021 on a bright, positive note for the business community.
“It’s a picture which will also cheer local retailers who can expect a warm welcome back from employee communities when lockdown restrictions are lifted.
“Companies expanding their presence in the town centre include Oyster Marketing, Cheshire Property Advisors and The Consultancy People, actively recruiting talent in the area.
“Also in growth are residential conveyancers Hart Ford and Beyond Bea Charity and Judah’s Cloud.
“All have taken sizable new premises in preparation for expansion in the next 12 months.
“Oyster has grown within the Orbit portfolio of offices moving from 500sq ft in Beckwith House to over 1,300 sq ft in the same building – all in less than a year,
“Our conversation with them was one of many relating to changing needs, but demand for space has remained strong. Working with customers on their growth plans is at the heart of what we do at Orbit.
“Town centre office space is also being snapped up quickly once it comes available. Service Power Business Solutions Ltd moved across the A6 into 2,700 sq ft on the 10th floor of Regent House. The leading field service management software provider – which names Electrolux, AIG and GE Appliances among its global customer base – took swift advantage of space freed up only a couple of months earlier.
“Software engineers Pecometer have carried out not one, but two expansions within the Orbit portfolio during the last 12 months and commercial contact centre provider, Bright Outsourcing Solutions, has recently taken over 1,500sqft at Mansion House.
“There has been great resilience shown by these companies. Good solid businesses who have been able to flourish in difficult times. Helping them with the next stage of their growth journeys brings a real sense of satisfaction as does hearing of new jobs being created after 12months of turmoil for many employees and employers.
“We know Stockport – we have over 50 years’ experience of providing commercial space here – and we have long understood what the office means to customers. We will continue to work with them to shape a new future post-pandemic and enjoy watching the town itself develop – it’s exciting to see.
“All the recent arrivals are joining established names in Stockport, attracted not least by the benefits of a visionary investment programme to improve its infrastructure. This all helps tell a very positive story about basing a business here. It is a location going places.”
