UKFast doubles space in property deal
CLOUD and colocation business UKFast is doubling the size of its headquarters at Manchester Science Park.
The £40m company, which employs 300 staff, has bought the 40,000 sq ft neighbouring building, currently occupied by Laing O’Rourke, as part of ongoing expansion plans and says with the extra space it could house up to 800 staff.
The current UKFast Campus houses a gym, steam room, bar and networking area, an auditorium for up to 300 event attendees and a second-floor Japanese spa garden.
Chief executive Lawrence Jones said: “Moving to our current location was a game-changer for us. It was a bold move but the team here have never been happier, so it has worked out brilliantly. We’re right on the edge of the city and it gives us the added benefit of car parking and room to not only grow but to create an events area that is now proving an enormous benefit to our clients.
“We have outgrown it sooner than we’d planned. Our strategy to dedicate 30% of our space to relaxation and recreation has been incredibly important to the environment we’ve created at UKFast and I plan to continue that when we expand next door. This deal gives us the opportunity to complete the next stage of our growth. The cost and disruption of relocation would have caused a lot of pain.”
Jones has said that he is going to open up the building to other start-up tech businesses.
He said: “The building is too big for us on day one, so we may as well give the surplus floor space to others who need it more than us. All will be revealed in time. I am just happy that we have a home to grow into.”
Chartered surveyor OBI Property advised UKFast on the deal.
