AO says let’s go to Bruntwood SciTech’s 111 Piccadilly innovation hub

AO World, the Bolton-based online electrical retailer, has taken an entire floor at 111 Piccadilly.

The 15th floor of Bruntwood SciTech’s pioneering city centre innovation hub will act as a satellite site for AO’s creative department, including animators, production staff and graphic designers.

Bruntwood SciTech is a joint venture between Manchester-based developer Bruntwood, Legal & General and Greater Manchester Pension Fund, and is the UK’s largest property provider to innovation-led businesses particularly within the science and technology sectors.

AO’s creative team will support its plans to attract and retain the best talent. By relocating to 111 Piccadilly, AO will gain direct collaboration and networking opportunities with other like-minded tech businesses already based at the building, including the likes of national EV charging network Be.EV and payment solutions software provider, Total Processing.

AO will also benefit from Bruntwood SciTech’s ‘Made and Managed’ service, allowing for seamless integration into its new workspace and simplicity in its operations moving forward.

This will see AO receive a fully fitted and furnished workspace designed to fit its individual specification and ready to move into on day one.

Situated next to Manchester’s busiest train station, the cutting-edge workspace is part of Bruntwood SciTech’s network of 21 city centre innovation hubs in Manchester, including Bloc and Blackfriars House, and the £49m major redevelopments of Pall Mall, King’s House and 117-119 Portland Street, which are currently under way.

Its network also includes Circle Square, located at the heart of the city’s Oxford Road Corridor innovation district offering unrivalled access to some of the region’s fastest growing digital tech firms.

Joshua Hancock, Associate Commercial Director at Bruntwood SciTech, said: “Following a long standing and positive relationship with AO during their time as a customer at Baskerville House, we are incredibly excited to welcome them back into the Bruntwood SciTech portfolio as the firm looks to strengthen its creative offering.

“There is no better home for them to do so than in Manchester – recently named the UK’s ‘creative capital’ – and at 111 Piccadilly specifically, where the team will be surrounded by like-minded, forward-thinking tech and creative businesses.”

Vicky Monk, AO’s Group Marketing Director, said: “Being able to have a fully managed satellite office to support our continued growth and innovation is invaluable to us, and something that will set us apart from others in our field.

“We’re looking forward to rejoining the Bruntwood SciTech community and becoming part of the 111 Piccadilly ecosystem of forward-thinking, creative businesses.”

Bruntwood SciTech was advised by Knight Frank and Savills, while AO was advised by OBI.

AO reported a bullish set of annual results a fortnight ago, recording profit before tax of £34.3m, up £22.3m from last year, on top line sales of more than £1bn.