Member Article

Portal sees spike in Midlands commercial property enquiries

A PROPERTY company specialising in attracting and relocating major businesses to the Midlands says it has already seen a spike in interest from companies looking to move to the region following the Chancellor’s backing for a second ‘devolution deal’ last week.

Portal provides Managed Office Solutions (MOS) - a pioneering property, fit out, facilities management and supporting service – to companies moving to the region, and currently operates a prime office building in Coventry – Binley Court with space for up to 450 staff.

Amid heightened interest from large and SME businesses, Portal has also renewed calls for the establishment of a centrally funded Enterprise Zone in Coventry when extra local powers and funding are devolved into the hands of the first elected West Midlands Mayor next year.

Operations and Projects Director Phil Sugden now believes ensuring the city has both the space and best facilities to attract new businesses to the city must form a critical part of the ‘Midlands Engine strategy’.

‘With £392m allocated to grow the Midlands economy and create jobs as well as the Midlands Engine investment fund boosted by £130 million, it’s clear businesses already see the Midlands, and Coventry in particular, as an attractive proposition.

‘Next year’s mayoral election and devolution of power represents a defining moment for the Midlands. Given the outstanding scale of investment set to be entrusted to the region, this is a make or break moment for Coventry, which must be front and centre.

‘Even since the Autumn Statement we’ve seen increased interest from companies in our Coventry sites, and we’re committed to enabling the best businesses to move here. The city is already becoming an increasingly attractive option for occupiers seeking space and, as an MOS provider, we understand the need to be as intelligent and flexible as possible.

‘The region needs to be agile and that’s why we believe the concept of a dedicated enterprise zone, muted many times before, would be the right decision to ensure we have the guaranteed space and facilities to attract and meet the needs of incoming businesses.’

Portal is currently seeking tenants for the vacant Binley Court, which is located just off Binley Road on Brindle Avenue on the former Marconi site in Coventry and capable of catering for up to 450 staff. It was formerly occupied by Capita as part of its Transport for London contract.

Built in the 1980s it has been extensively refurbished and offers 32,000 sq ft of high quality office space over two floors. While it is currently configured as a managed office with work stations for up to 450 employees, Portal is prepared to offer it on a more conventional basis, either to a single tenant or multiple tenants.

The building has to date been used to provide a managed office solution to tenants, its flexibility provides considerable scope to deliver a conventional letting, either as a whole, on a floor-by-floor basis, or potentially by sub-dividing space into smaller suites of 7,000 sq ft upwards.

Formally named Leamington House, it features configurable offices in a range of styles, with meeting rooms, breakout areas and a staffed reception.

It also offers an on-site canteen and a landscaped courtyard in the centre of the building with

Binley Court is around ten minutes’ drive from Coventry city centre and train station and is close to both the M6 and M69.

For more information visit http://www.portalgroup.uk.com/ or email philip.sugden@portalgroup.uk.com

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Shaun Keeney .