Coaching specialist signs up for city office base

A 10-year lease has been agreed for space within a prominent office development in Leeds.

UK Coaching, a UK-registered charity leading the development of coaching, has agreed terms to occupy part of 2 City Walk.

This is located in the South Bank area of Leeds, and is a landmark office development providing almost 64,000 sq ft of Grade A office space. UK Coaching has signed for 5,489 sq ft on the first floor.

The deal was secured by office agent Richard Dunn at property consultancy Sanderson Weatherall, which is currently marketing 2 City Walk alongside joint agent Knight Frank, on behalf of Aegon Asset Management.

UK Coaching CEO Mark Gannon said: “The pandemic has made us all question what is important to us and UK Coaching is no different.

“Our sector was already becoming more digitally centric and whilst we had started our own journey, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the process.

“The move will, ultimately, stand us in good stead for the future; allowing us to be agile in an ever changing economic and social climate and deliver on our promise of being here for the coach.

“The new environment will provide inspiration and promote innovation and will be a fantastic and vibrant new central Leeds base.”

The move also means the organisation has changed the name of its trading arm ‘Coachwise’ to ‘UK Coaching Solutions’.

Its 1st4sport Qualifications will continue to operate under the new name as an awarding organisation, recognised and regulated by Ofqual, Qualifications Wales and in Northern Ireland by the CCEA.

UK Coaching is the overarching parent company and will retain its charitable status.

Richard Dunn, head of agency at Sanderson Weatherall, added: “2 City Walk is a superb office building and will provide a great new home for UK Coaching.

“South Bank, one of the largest regeneration initiatives in the country, has transformed over recent years to become an exciting destination for business and leisure.

“It’s proximity to the railway station makes 2 City Walk a fantastic base for occupiers who need good connectivity to London and the UK’s major cities.”

Sanderson Weatherall acted on behalf of Aegon Asset Management and RA Real Estate on behalf of UK Coaching. Knight Frank is joint leasing agent on 2 City Walk.

UK Coaching has also invested in its workforce by hiring key personnel: Amy Doram, Hayley Khan and Jamila Juma-Ware.

Doram is the new head of people and culture. She brings with her over 20 years’ experience from global brands O2, AkzoNobel and BNP Paribas.

She said: “Great people are the backbone of any organisation. I enjoy championing curiosity and collaboration to tap into the passions of our employees, which in turn enables them to maximise their potential.

“I am excited about what we can achieve together through fairness, respect, honesty and trust, plus, of course, celebrating our success.”

Khan is a learning development professional and commercial leader who will head up learning and assessment at UK Coaching.

She said: “I am passionate about developing people, whether that is within an organisation or through fantastic learning solutions for coaches and partners.

“My speciality is digital learning transformation and learning technology projects, so I look forward to realising UK Coaching’s digital future.”

New head of marketing and communications Juma-Ware’s experience spans multi-channel marketing strategies to support several UK and international clients.

She said: “With over 14 years’ experience working in PR, events and marketing, I have helped many businesses in the UK and internationally grow their communications strategy to give them a strong voice in a noisy world.

“The sport and physical activity industry is incredibly dynamic, which means creating a robust yet flexible communication plan for UK Coaching that delivers on its mantra of being there for the coach, no matter what the world throws at us, economically, socially or politically.”