The Manchester Tech Deal You Can't Afford To Underestimate

Is Manchester's tech sector permanently reshaping the city's office property market? Some landlords think it is. To join the conversation register for MOST: Manchester Office Sustainability and Technology event on 6 November.

These days, a 12K SF office deal in Manchester is barely worth mentioning. It is just the small change of a multimillion SF annual office scene.

But one 12K SF deal could be worth a second glance. Business advisory firm KPMG has signed up for floorspace for a 100-strong tech team, which could grow by up to 80% on current plans, and act as a magnet for other tech occupiers.

From September 2019 specialist data scientists, designers, software engineers, project managers and analysts from KPMG's digital practise will transfer from St Peter’s Square to Circle Square on Manchester’s Oxford Road Corridor.

The new outpost at Bruntwood SciTech's Manchester Technology Centre has the capacity to house more than 180 staff and has been designed around collaboration and development, with access to the local technology and university communities.

KPMG’s UK Solutions & Digital practice provides core technology and managed services to support the digital transformation of clients. It is able to deploy its experts to help solve specific client challenges in cloud computing, digital learning, responses to regulatory change, automation and the use of technology to improve performance across front, middle and back-office functions.  

“Manchester is already home to one of our largest offices in the country and we’re committed to investing in the city," KPMG Manchester Senior Partner Nicola Quayle said. "The decision to move to Circle Square also recognises Manchester’s status as a growing centre for the international tech economy. Quite simply, our solutions and digital practice needs great connections, access to incredible talent and to be plugged into a vibrant tech community."

Knight Frank acted for KPMG.