Amid the rising popularity of Salford as a destination for digitally capable businesses, Deloitte has announced it will shift its Manchester hub to the neighbouring city. The new office will help the firm accommodate a planned headcount boost of some 70%.
Salford has fast become one of Britain’s leading technology hubs in recent years. One of the leading municipalities of the Northern Powerhouse initiative, the city’s Home of Skills & Technology innovation cluster, and the famous MediaCityUK are just some of the examples of the locale’s growing stature.
With businesses flocking to make use of the city’s workforce, and connect to other firms within the burgeoning hub, consulting firms are also being attracted to the city. CGI and Mason Advisory have already taken up residency there – and now, Deloitte has made the announcement that it will be relocating its Manchester office to Salford’s Greengate Square, beside Manchester’s historic Medieval Quarter.
Deloitte has agreed a 10-year lease for a 43,000 square foot space at 100 Embankment. Currently based in a flexible office space, the news will allow for major expansion of Deloitte’s 1,050 headcount in Manchester, once it moves to the new Grade A space in autumn 2023. Total people numbers have grown by more than 150 in Manchester in the past year alone and plans are in place for Deloitte to increase its Manchester headcount to 1,800 by 2025.
Andy Westbrook, practice senior partner for Deloitte in the North West, said, “We want to substantially grow our practice in the North West and Embankment is the perfect place for us to set down roots as we further commit to Manchester and the wider region… We will create an inspiring and flexible workplace where our people and clients can connect and collaborate. Its central location makes the office easily accessible via a variety of viable transport options and I am looking forward to designing and shaping our new home with our people.”
Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennett, meanwhile greeted the announcement as “great news”, emphasising the “growing opportunities available in Salford for both businesses and individuals.” Noting the location’s access to key transport links such as the Exchange Square tram stop and Victoria station, he suggested that the location would help the firm build bridges with other businesses and the community.
Dennett added, “Embankment is one of the city’s flagship developments and we’re extremely proud of its success in attracting major companies. I’m delighted that Deloitte is choosing to relocate here. They are coming to Salford at a very exciting time, with our strong strategic vision for the city’s future, built on growth and opportunity.”
