Verastar prepares for growth at new Sale headquarters

Utilities and telecoms provider Verastar has signed a 15-year lease with Pin Property on a 61,000 sq ft headquarters at No.1 Dovecote, Sale.

The fully refurbished property, which will be home to more than 700 staff, will relocate colleagues from four existing sites across South Manchester in Sharston, Northenden and Sale in late Summer 2019.

Located just off the M60, the facilities at No.1 Dovecote will include a free on-site gym and subsidised café and the extensive landscaped grounds will provide superb recreational space.

The site will also provide extensive on-site car parking.

Winner of Business of the Year at the Greater Manchester Business Awards 2019, Verastar offers telecoms, broadband, mobile, gas, electricity and water on a one bill solution to more than 160,000 small business customers through brands kinex and Clear Business.

Sister company The Insurance Octopus will also be moving to the new site.

The SME specialist has experienced strong year-on-year growth, generating a record turnover of £148m in 2018.

With scope for a further 200 jobs, the size of the premises supports Verastar’s ongoing recruitment in Manchester.

Current job opportunities include a range of contact centre roles in addition to 12-month graduate management programme and newly-launched technology placement in conjunction with North West universities Salford, University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan and Bolton.

chief executive Chris Earle said: “The move to No.1 Dovecote comes at the perfect time as we continue our growth plans. We are a proud Manchester born and bred company and we were always going to keep our roots here.

“We’ve worked closely with Pin Property to ensure that we can offer our employees fantastic facilities at No.1 Dovecote along with great transport links and, most importantly, room for expansion.

“The whole Verastar team is looking forward to the move and the next stage of our journey.”

Pin Property asset manage for the landlord who took on No.1 Dovecote in 2015, undertaking a complete refurbishment and remodelling.

The building is one of two that make up Dovecote Business Park, the other being occupied by GE Capital.

Phil Meakin, leasing and development manager at PIN Property, said: “The onsite amenities coupled with a Grade A refurbishment, generous car parking and excellent transport connectivity have all contributed to the success of the building.

“PIN Property are delighted to welcome Verastar to No.1 Dovecote.”