Meet the people of Professional & business services

“We were searching for a new base and had certain criteria,” recalls Simon. “They not only had to be cost-effective but the premises themselves had to be like a business card: clients would pull in the car park and be immediately impressed. That ‘wow factor’ was important to us.

I knew before I stepped into the building that we’d become tenants.

“We also wanted somewhere with a buzz – an ideas hub if you like – the possibility for cross-pollination between businesses.”

Simon had already been in the recruitment industry for eight years before he set up Salisi Human Capital from his back bedroom. Within a year he had taken on three staff and moved to a small office in Prestwich which they soon outgrew.

“I knew before I stepped into the building that we’d become tenants. The reception area itself is stunning, and this was before I understood about the encouraging philosophy that the University of Manchester Incubator Company and One Central Park both have towards their tenants.”

In Filipino Salisi means ‘a surprise encounter with someone you had not anticipated meeting,’ and its niche in the recruitment market is in the growth of SMEs across Europe. “What we do particularly well is help embryonic US businesses grow in Europe.” Since relocating to One Central Park in April 2007, Simon has also set up a sister company, Cherry Path, that specialises in bespoke IT solutions and it is the growth of this fledging company that he puts down to the connections he has made with other businesses in the building.

“Many of our neighbours are in similar areas of technology or emerging growth and there are lots of opportunities for networking. We would certainly recommend One Central Park to other companies.”

Why choose One Central Park?

“If you come here you’re signing up not just for great premises but for a philosophy about the cross-pollination of ideas, about the growth and resurgence of East Manchester, about access to world-class facilities, a good talent pool and enormous networking opportunities through well-connected supporters.”

http://www.salisi.com
www.umic.co.uk

“Our business is about encouraging high growth, progression and ambition. It’s about doing things bigger and better,” says Winning Pitch’s founder, John Leach. “I’m passionate about regeneration, but not just bricks and mortar – which are crucial – but the regeneration that takes place when businesses get moving, individuals take risks and entrepreneurs grow their businesses.”

John trained as a chemist but didn’t see himself in a white lab coat for the rest of his career. After he sold his stake in a previous venture he decided to follow his dream and started Winning Pitch back in 2006 when One Central Park first opened.

“I saw the building first at the end of 2005 and was completely bowled over by it... it’s one of those hidden gems. I really liked the brand and its location is perfect. I live north of the city and I really didn’t want to have to go into the city centre. It takes me 20 minutes to get here. Job done.”

Given what we’re about One Central Park has been instrumental in our success.

John’s business is one of dozens that have set up as part of the University of Manchester Incubator Company where fledgling enterprises can grow within the same location. “I started on my own with a little office the size of a toilet cubicle,” recalls John, “and since then we’ve moved four or five times within the same building.” Winning Pitch now employs nearly 30 people and has recently announced an annual turnover of over £4.5 million.

“We now have a fantastic network of consultants who have all ‘been there and done it’. You can’t have empathy with your clients unless you’ve experienced some of the same challenges.”

Why choose One Central Park?

“Given what we’re about One Central Park has been instrumental in our success. It’s a bit like baking a cake… it has been one of the ingredients. This place has given us access to the universities, the science parks, to the hotbeds of entrepreneurial activity. They’ve become great partners of ours. To be honest, I don’t think we’d have had the same levels of connectivity and personal relationships had we not been in this building.”

www.winning-pitch.co.uk
www.umic.co.uk

Solicitors Neil Millar & Company has been in business since 1998. Comprising four staff (full and part-time), the company works mainly with SMEs and individuals in relation to personal injury and employment.

They moved to Ardwick in 2009 after a client suggested the modern office campus of Universal Square, just outside the city centre.

A bit more publicity about the reasonableness of the costs of business accommodation and the good road links could make a real difference.

One of the best things about their new home, says Neil, is the accessibility: “It’s easy to get to, particularly for clients as there are parking facilities available.”

But there is still work to be done in Ardwick. Says Neil, “Really the general area needs smartening up. It still has quite a few run-down buildings and empty buildings.”

And there’s a perception problem too, Neil thinks. “Nobody actually says their business is in Ardwick yet as it still carries a lot of baggage.”

The provision of a reasonable train service to Ardwick Station would be a great asset to the area, says Neil, “If I come into work by tram then I will walk to and from Piccadilly Station. I go into the centre of Manchester by car usually about once to three times a week to go to the bank and that’s one of the main drawbacks, that there are no easily accessible banks so banking has to be done elsewhere.”

However, he adds, “I know that New East Manchester are doing work on this and a bit more publicity about the reasonableness of the costs of business accommodation and the good road links could make a real difference.”

Why choose Ardwick?

Neil Millar chose Ardwick after their city-centre lease came to an end. “As a result of the recession we needed to find cheaper accommodation,” says Neil, adding, “The atmosphere at Universal Square is good and there is quite a mix of businesses of various sizes.”

www.neil-millar.co.uk

Salford-based Laura Harper is a partner in the creative industries team at law firm Ward Hadaway, which moved its Manchester office to the Sharp Project in June 2010.
The team in Manchester is focused on providing legal advice to clients in the creative industries and its clients include international artists, advertising and design agencies, technology companies, games developers musicians and film companies.

"At the Sharp Project the environment changes on a weekly basis."

It moved, says Laura, as The Sharp Project looked poised to become “a real hothouse for the best in creative, media and digital enterprises.” She adds,  “Moving here was a great opportunity for our Creative Industries team to be in on the ground and right in the heart of the action as the project develops. We pride ourselves on delivering a legal service which really talks the language of the creative community and addresses the issues which matter most to them. Being here gives us an excellent chance to be able to demonstrate that.”

Laura describes the atmosphere in the Sharp Project as vibrant: “There is always something new happening here and we really like the environment it’s creating.”

The transport links are good too. Says Laura: “We regularly attend meetings in the centre of Manchester. Oldham Road provides a direct link and takes 10 minutes by car. Buses are frequent during working hours and the tram link should be in operation early next year.”

Laura says she loves how developments like the Sharp Project are improving areas like Newton Heath. “The Sharp Project is doing a lot to encourage new businesses by providing, though each phase, different kinds of space to suit the requirements of different businesses,” she says. 

Why choose The Sharp Project?

 “Moving here was a great opportunity for our Creative Industries team to be in on the ground and right in the heart of the action as the Sharp Project develops.”


For the external Ward Hadaway website please click here

Wirral-born Hedley Carter started Chariot in 1977 and moved to Clayton in 1984. The premises were perfect, says Hedley. “It was an old shop with a high-profile main-road site, so we could create a shop and sales office.” The company expanded into a rented warehouse in nearby Wilsons Park and now operates with 12 staff from two sites in East Manchester.

Initially, says Hedley, “the area was great for business when we first arrived because there was a lot of industry. Unfortunately, that died away until the Commonwealth Games, which was a bit of a reawakening for the area.”

Now, says Hedley, the area is prospering far more than ever and he can only see that continuing. “The tram will be a huge boost and the new Asda means a steady improvement.”

Deliveries into the city centre are easy because of the location and there are good links with the local community, as evidenced by Hedley’s appearance on the Beacons For A Brighter Future Partnership board, as a business representative. “It’s really important to be involved,” he says.

I have grown my business from nothing to one with a £1750,000 turnover and I feel I owe much of that to East Manchester.

Since Chariot arrived, says Hedley, “We’ve seen a lot of change. It’s a really pleasant area to have a business in now, whereas before it could be a bit difficult.” Crime has reduced massively, he thinks, and aspirations have changed.

The only thing that could be improved, says Hedley, is “continued investment. But, as far as I can see it’s happening at a pace that’s affordable.”

Why choose Clayton?

Says Hedley, “Continued investment, excellent transport links and a pleasant working environment make it ideal for new businesses.”

 
www.chariot.uk.com

“The business was growing and we wanted room for growth,” says Fiona. “Impact had helped launched the MM2 building in Ancoats for one of its property clients, and it made us realise the future potential of the area.”

Impact moved into one of MM2’s live/work spaces, impressed by how the area had improved over the years, with investment in the local environment such as improved street lighting and public realm.

Ancoats has all the natural attributes to make it a fantastic hub of business, creativity and community.

As a member of Ancoats Business Forum, Fiona feels that Ancoats reputation as an urban village is on the increase. “It’s great to feel part of something positive, sharing experiences and supporting each other.” she says. “It is easy to close yourself behind the office door and not interact with your business neighbours and the local residents who live here, but once you make the effort it’s easy to see why we all want to invest in the area.”

Why choose Ancoats?

“Ancoats close proximity to the city was appealing but so too was its accessibility, says Fiona. “It’s great for car users and the tram and trains are within close proximity. The MM2 development was a good investment too, providing the business with lower overhead costs.”

www.ancoatsbusinessforum