A Testing Search

System Group is looking to combine its head office functions with its training and testing facilities so it can improve the quality of its facilities for both customers and staff.

System Group is one of the leading Transport and Logistics learning specialists in the UK. The business delivers driver training and testing for HGV’s, LGV’s and fork lift trucks. 

Key to System Group’s requirements is a 1 acre concreted yard where it can train HGV lorry drivers. It also needs a warehouse where it can train fork lift truck drivers. The third major component is the office accommodation. This needs to be flexible enough to cater for classrooms and general administration functions.

Over the next few weeks, TAG will be conducting an extensive search across the North West region to locate viable sites before viewings are undertaken.

If you would like advice on an industrial relocation either in the North West or elsewhere in the UK, please call Martyn Markland on 0161 457 1422 or email him at mm@tenantag.co.uk.

Moving Towns

Towns Needham’s 1,700 sq.ft. Grade A suite in Colwyn Chambers on York Street in Manchester.

Boutique law firm Towns Needham has now formally instructed TAG to market its space in Colwyn Chambers which sits in the heart of Manchester’s traditional CBD.

Towns Needham’s lease was granted for a term of 5 years from 18 September 2018 and therefore expires on 17 September 2023. The lease also incorporates a tenant only break option which is exercisable on 17 September 2021.  

The suite is situated on the first floor of Colwyn Chambers and benefits from air conditioning and raised floors. It can accommodate 12-18 staff and features an excellent fit-out which includes a client waiting area, a large Boardroom and two large private offices/additional meeting rooms. There is a fitted kitchen and extensive built-in storage.

The flexibility offered by the existing lease combined with the financial terms available, means this “plug and play” suite would be ideal for a business moving out of serviced offices for the first time or alternatively, a firm looking to “test the water” with its first Manchester office.

If you would like more information on this tenant space, please call Martyn Markland on 0161 457 1422 or email him at mm@tenantag.co.uk.

Breaking Bad

Grade II Listed Colwyn Chambers on York Street in Manchester.

SCP has in effect, decided to surrender its break option which means it will continue to be based at Colwyn Chambers for at least another five years.

SCP are a specialist transportation planning, highway and drainage design consultancy. TAG has acted for them in Manchester and elsewhere for several years.  

TAG acquired the suite in Colwyn Chambers on behalf of SCP early in 2016. The lease incorporates a break option at the end of the fifth year (i.e. February 2021). The deadline for service of the break notice was 14 May 2020.

The current pandemic meant that SCP felt compelled to explore alternative options ahead of its break notice deadline. TAG was therefore appointed to undertake a space assessment and a property search for suitable alternatives.

Despite several attractive options being identified and SCP serving its break notice, the business decided not to move after all. In the end, the proposal submitted by its current landlord made staying put the most sensible option. The terms negotiated by TAG included significant financial and legal concessions.

If you would like advice on what your options might be as you get close to a lease expiry or break option, please contact Martyn Markland on 0161 457 1422 or email him at mm@tenantag.co.uk.

30 Year Move

Grade II Listed Mansfield Chambers in St Ann’s Square, Manchester.

The Covid pandemic has caused many businesses to re-think their office strategy none more so than Manchester accountants, Alexander & Co LLP. 

Alexander & Co was established in 1976. It has been based in Mansfield Chambers for thirty years. Over that time the firm has grown organically by acquiring additional space within the building, as and when required. It now occupies just under 5,000 sq.ft. arranged over 3 floors. 

Built in 1906, Mansfield Chambers stands on the corner of St. Ann's Square and St. Ann Street. It is a fine example of the Italian palazzo style of architecture, with semi-circular headed arches and Venetian windows. Designed by the architect J. E. Gregan, it was originally Benjamin Heywood's Bank.  

Unfortunately, the restrictions imposed by its Listed status have made it difficult to adapt the building to the needs of the modern office occupier. The largely cellular layout limits collaboration and communication between teams.

TAG has been appointed to identify suitable relocation options so the partners can decide whether to operate break options contained within the firm’s existing leases.

If you would like advice on what your options might be when it comes to your existing lease and what alternative office accommodation is currently available in the market, please call Martyn Markland on 0161 457 1422 or email him at mm@tenantag.co.uk.