With an office on the Wirral, not far from Liverpool city centre and a showroom in Manchester (just a stone’s throw from Chinatown), we like to think we know the North West pretty well. We’ve completed interior design, fit out and refurbishment projects across the region, covering areas such as Chester, Bolton and Warrington, so it’s safe to say the North West is our neck of the woods. With this mind, we wanted to offer our twopence on why Liverpool and Manchester are both fabulous cities for an office if you’re looking to relocate or open an additional workspace.
When considering the essential factor of employee wellbeing, both interior and exterior elements of the workplace are vital. As experts in our field, we’re concerned with the look and feel of the space itself through design, furniture and technology. However, if you’re going to foster a well-rounded, holistic staff experience and create a place people enjoy coming to and feel motivated being in, you need to consider external features too. That’s why locating your office in a culturally-rich city such as Liverpool or Manchester can prove so beneficial to morale and motivation.
Considering an office space in Liverpool?
Not only is Liverpool easily accessed by various means of transport, from various other parts of the country – Lime Street Station is only 2 hours from Euston and 30 minutes from Manchester Piccadilly – it is also a hotspot for cultural activity and rich in history. From the landmark Liver Building at the Pier Head, to the Anglican and Metropolitan Cathedrals bookending Hope Street, there is inspiration in every corner of the city. Whether it’s science, sport, finance, the arts or education, Liverpool is a breeding ground for new business ideas.
Plus, the cost of occupying and running an office in Liverpool is far more affordable than in other parts of the country. Keeping your overheads down in this way is an effective means by which to maximise your business profit. Additionally, Liverpool is also home to multiple major colleges and universities, including Liverpool John Moores, Liverpool Hope and the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts (LIPA) so your business will be in close proximity to a pretty impressive talent pool.
Thinking about an office space in Manchester?
Similarly, to Liverpool, Manchester is a great place for travel links and a diverse talent pool, as well as more affordable office occupation. Office prices in the capital are reportedly more than £10,000 above the UK average so if you’re looking to manage a relocation on a budget, Manchester is a far more cost-savvy option. In fact, according to the BCA, the average office space in the capital is around £25,000 whilst in Manchester, you’re looking at a figure of about £7,000.
Major companies have set down roots in Manchester as its such as burgeoning business hub, some of which we are proud to have worked with as a fit out, refurb or design partner, including Jaguar Land Rover and Handelsbanken. Salford’s MediaCityUK – just outside the city centre – is also an epicentre for economic development, leading the way for tech innovation up North. Virgin Media is currently in the process of investing a whopping £75 million to bring superfast broadband to Manchester, which makes the city a desirable location for a diverse range of businesses, in all shapes and sizes.
Penketh Group recommends:
Our Interior Designer, Shelley is always on the lookout for design inspiration, spotting trends and getting fresh ideas from all kinds of places. She recommends a trip to the Whitworth Art Gallery on Oxford Road in Manchester to catch some great exhibitions, and HOME arts centre on Tony Wilson Place for all things contemporary and creative. You can even catch a film and grab drink at the bar here too.
Looking for an office design and fit out company in the North West
Penketh Group is proud to have been the chosen office fit out, refurbishment and workplace interior design partner for hundreds of businesses across the North West, spanning Liverpool, Manchester, Chester, Warrington, the Wirral and beyond. If you’re embarking on a relocation and looking for the perfect partner, get in touch today so we can chat about how our award-winning services can be of support.
Alternatively, keep scrolling below to see just a few of our most recent case studies of completed projects across the North West. Or stay on our blog for some advice on how to decide between and office relocation and refurb.