BOOK NOW | Take the temperature of the region’s office market
Years of uncertainty have made it difficult to know where the North West’s office market stands. Offices + Workspace Update will provide a health check on the sector and explore the issues we should all be paying attention to.
We’re bringing together agents, landlords, occupiers, and operators to give us the latest insight into the sector and answer some important questions such as:
- Is the North West office market thriving or flailing?
- Has the work-from-home bubble burst?
- Are we building too many offices or not enough?
- What role do offices play in shaping our towns and cities, both now and in the future?
Place North West’s Offices + Workspace Update will be held at Innside by Melia, in Manchester. The event will start at 8am on Wednesday 11 October and end at midday.
The conference is sponsored by Telcom, MediaCity, HBD, andMorgan Sindall Construction.
Expect a mixture of engaging presentations and dynamic panel discussions – as well as the networking opportunities we know are important for your business.
In addition to the pre-panel breakfast, you can also expect breaks in between sessions and a post-panel lunch.
What you’ll take away from the conference
- An understanding of how the office sector is performing across key markets across the North West
- Knowledge of the key challenges facing landlords and asset managers when it comes to upgrading assets
- Insight into the flexible workspace model and what is driving its continued rise
- What investors are looking for when it comes to splashing millions on offices
Confirmed speakers
Alex Duckett, managing director, Gilbanks
Gilbanks opened its first Manchester office earlier this year as part of a flexible working boom sweeping the city. Duckett’s company is one of several operators active in the city and cashing in from market uncertainty and a desire for flexibility. He will talk about the role of flex in the wider workspace ecosystem and answer questions on whether the concept is here to stay or just a fad.
Stephen Kirk, head of asset management, MediaCity
Under new ownership, the next steps for MediaCity are being closely monitored. Kirk will discuss how the complex is managing its existing estate and what the future has in store for one of the region’s most high-profile, office-led regeneration schemes.
Fergus Evans, office portfolio director, Grosvenor
Grosvenor has just kicked off a £35m regional office refurbishment drive with a focus on transforming older buildings and upgrading their sustainability credentials. Evans will delve deeper into how Grosvenor’s attitude towards offices has been shaped by recent global events and share his thoughts on where the investment market is heading in key regional cities.
Frankie Isherwood, associate director, CBRE
Frankie Isherwood will provide an overview of the Manchester office market and explore why are some buildings more popular than others, what exactly occupiers are looking for, and when deals in excess of 100,000 sq ft will return to Manchester.
Chris Acton, chief executive, Clancy Consulting
As the chief executive of a firm that has recently chosen to relocate from the suburbs to the city centre, Acton is well-placed to talk about the decision-making process that many occupiers are going through when it comes to selecting where and how to work. He will run us through the thinking behind his firm’s move from Altrincham to Manchester city centre.
Jazzmine Barrett, interior design project lead, EPR Architects
The way offices look and function has never been under so much scrutiny. Tenants are demanding the very best in design as the focus on wellbeing and flexibility intensifies. We have all heard about the flight to quality, Jazzmine Barrett will tell us what EPR is doing to ensure its clients remain competitive in a red-hot war on talent.
Stephanie Mullenger, strategic asset management consultant, Salford City Council
Tasked with filling stubborn vacant space in council-owned office buildings, Mullinger has been at the coal face during one of the toughest markets in recent times. She will share how she managed to secure some of the largest lettings of the last few years – including Deloitte at 100 Embankment and Matillion at Two New Bailey – and discuss the role of local authorities when it comes to office development.
Richard Shepherd-Cross, managing director, Custodian Capital
With a portfolio of offices across the country, Custodian is well-placed to paint a detailed picture of the market and predict its possible direction of travel. Shepherd-Cross will explain his company’s strategy in a volatile and uncertain market and shine a light on the challenges of refurbishing old stock.
Book your ticket today by using the form below.
If you cannot see the form, please contact events@placenorthwest.co.uk.
