Global home security brand takes space at Bauhaus

International home security company SimpliSafe has agreed terms with Orchard Street Investment Management to take in excess of 2,000 sq ft at its Manchester scheme, Bauhaus, making it the company’s UK headquarters.

The business, which provides whole home protection against intruders, fires, water damage and more, was founded in Boston, Massachusetts in 2006, with the goal of making home the safest place on earth for everyone.

Following a rapid expansion, which included the backing of private equity investment firm, Hellman & Friedman, the business now operates in both the US and the UK.

Bauhaus will be SimpliSafe’s UK headquarters with all staff relocating to the Grade A office space on Quay Street.

The two-year lease agreed will afford the company crucial flexibility in the post-COVID landscape, as an increased number of employers look to provide their teams with more fluid working set-ups.

Orchard Street will also be carrying out SimpliSafe’s office fit-out of the 2,401 sq ft suite.

Sarah O’Connell, asset manager at Orchard Street Investment, said: “The office market has inevitably been turbulent due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This transaction went under offer and completed during lockdown which we feel is true testament to the quality of the scheme.

“As a general trend we have seen a flight to quality for those occupiers who have been actively searching and committing to offices during lockdown and this transaction is no exception to that.

“The WELL-enabled refurbishment of the building – which focuses entirely on the comfort and efficiency of the occupants alongside additions such as the extensive roof terrace facility and business lounge – both enhance employee interaction and inspire creativity for its occupiers.”

She added: “The building’s prime location, within the emerging St John’s neighbourhood and next door to Spinningfields, means that our occupiers can offer their workforce unbeatable amenity and connectivity.

“We also have a brilliant occupier engagement strategy in place which supports the lifestyles of our busy Bauhaus tenants.

“As a leading global home security firm, SimpliSafe’s arrival is a fantastic endorsement for the scheme and we’re really looking forward to welcoming them to the building.”

Jonathan Wall, UK general manager at SimpliSafe, said: “SimpliSafe launched in the US over a decade ago and landed in the UK last year.

“The obvious next step for us to take as a business was to find a new base that can accommodate the teams’ needs and really showcase the brand. Bauhaus offers just that.

“The building will be home to our marketing, operations and customer service team, whilst also providing us with the opportunity to grow.

“The space gives us the flexibility to double the number of employees and when it does come to us recruiting new talent, Manchester is a great place to find it.”

He added: “Moving into a new office in the business’s second year is an exciting step.

“However, during these uncertain times, returning to work safely is our number one priority – like it will be with all other businesses – and we are really impressed with the level of detail Bauhaus has gone to with their COVID-19 planning. We look forward to welcoming everyone to our new office later this year.”

Bauhaus underwent a full refurbishment in 2019, focused on optimising the occupier experience and being capable of supporting the demanding digital connectivity needs of tech businesses.

The end result saw global tech accreditor WiredScore award Bauhaus ‘Platinum’ status, the highest certification possible within its grading framework.

The accreditation is an endorsement for the building’s connectivity and digital infrastructure, meaning that Bauhaus occupiers can benefit from best-in-class tech capabilities and prospective tenants can benchmark the building during their office space searches.

Sarah O’Connell said: “We wanted to ensure that businesses occupying the space could feel confident in the building’s capabilities to support ambitious growth and development targets, complemented by our unique wellness and sustainability offering.”

Facilities and services that have been incorporated into the relaunched nine-storey building include a full tenant concierge service, an exclusive business lounge with co-working spaces, roof terrace with covered exercise area, a new cycling and shower hub, 29 secure basement parking spaces and electric vehicle charging points.

CBRE, Colliers International and OBI Property are joint agents on the scheme, with CBRE advising on the transaction.