Irish HR firm opens UK headquarters at The Southside Building

The Southside Building on Birmingham’s Hurst Street has welcomed a new tenant and café operator.

Irish HR technology specialist HR Duo is set to create 20 new jobs as it takes 1,615 sq ft on the eight floor for its UK headquarters.

Braska Coffee House has launched in the 644 sq ft ground floor café and will sell Fairtrade coffee and Pan Asian-inspired food to both occupiers and the public.

The 11 storey building recently completed a £2.5m refurbishment as the owners Paloma Capital aimed to offer contemporary workspace with occupier benefits.

These include The Studio, a co-working hub with boardroom and tele- conferencing facilities, as well as cycle storage, shower and changing facilities and lockers.

Joe Cox, country manager for the UK at HR Duo said: “We are a disruptor in the HR technology market and wanted a UK HQ that reflected our brand personality.

“The building itself, with its modern design has impressed our UK team and the proximity to public transport has really made their lives much easier, especially since implementing our hybrid working practices.”

Rory May of Braska Coffee House said: “I’m very excited to be serving up our freshly made pan-Asian inspired dishes and coffee made from organic Peruvian coffee beans while providing a new meeting place.

“The Southside Building offers a creative, unique environment and I was already a regular user of The Studio, the brilliant collaboration space overlooking Hippodrome Square.”

Alex Tross, commercial director at Centrick Commercial, brokered the HR Duo deal on behalf of building owner Paloma Capital. He said: “What makes The Southside Building stand out is its stylish design and focus on modern occupier lifestyles and community feel.

“The onside concierge, tenant events and discounts, on-site parking and cycle storage, changing facilities and incredible city views make it a very special place to work.

“I’m pleased that HR Duo have found a space that suits the profile of their new UK arm and look forward to seeing them grow. They join a hotbed of burgeoning businesses in the fintech, professional services and healthcare sectors.”