Young entrepreneur transforms £11m Manchester office block into ‘thriving hub’

A multi-million-pound Manchester office building which was recently bought by a young entrepreneur, has been transformed into a business hub providing office space to startups while nurturing their growth.

George Jones, founder of Sensible Properties, has breathed new life into the heart of Manchester’s business district with the establishment of ‘Sensible Space’ at Cardinal House, a project aimed at helping businesses in need of a supportive environment. The renovation followed the company’s acquisition of the 55,739 sq ft office building for £11m in August.

The eight-story structure which was previously owned by Derwent Group, is now bustling with new activity as businesses make Cardinal House their new home. Among these include financial tech firm, Monefi, Manchester recruitment business, The City Recruiter, tech-based hair grooming company, Barberoo and breakthrough mobile network provider, Boshhh.

27-year-old George, who once walked the path of entrepreneurship himself, envisioned a space that would give back to aspiring entrepreneurs of all ages, providing them with the same mentoring he received during his early days in business.

He commented: “Sensible Space is more than just bricks and mortar; it’s about fostering a community of business leaders who support each other’s growth. My own journey into business was filled with challenges, and I want Sensible Space to be the launchpad that others need to overcome those hurdles.”

On offer to tenants, whether they’re an established company or start-up, is the chance to rent office space and be part of a thriving community.

Also available is an opportunity to join the startup scheme where tenants can benefit from a business mentoring programme and tap into an array of support services including marketing, compliance, recruitment, and even financial aid to assist their growth plans.

The meticulously designed office spaces offer full-service amenities and unique flexibility, accommodating anywhere from 2 to 120 individuals. Tenants also have the option to rent single desks as needed, enhancing convenience and adaptability.

The new hub currently resides on the first floor of Cardinal House, with plans in motion to replicate the model across two more floors within the building and even bring the project to other UK cities.

One of the standout features of Sensible Space is its commitment to removing traditional barriers to entry for firms, which is why instead of relying on credit checks, there is more focus on evaluating the potential of tenants, their innovative ideas, and passion for growth.

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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