St John’s, Manchester, is fast becoming a leading new destination for the media industry, according to the bosses of Department, which is leading the charge as the flexible workspace operator of choice for top global agencies, .
Department’s Bonded Warehouse is already home to leading global agencies including Dentsu, Weber Shandwick and Grayling as these companies expand their Manchester operations. This influx of international media talent demonstrates St John’s transformation into a dynamic media and creative district. This month, Department will welcome its latest high profile signing – globally renowned advertising agency, McCann.
The area is also home to the recently opened new Campfield development, Factory International’s Aviva Studios, and the soon-to-open Soho House Manchester, private members’ club, which is certainly attracting attention, and opinions, across a city that has mixed views on such London-inspired media luviness.
Open Partners, one of the UK’s biggest and fastest-growing fully independent agencies, is now in its fourth year at Bonded Warehouse, a tenure that reflects the long-term value creative businesses find in the St John’s neighbourhood. The agency’s sustained growth at Department, where they’ve built their operations while expanding to over 140 employees, demonstrates how the flexible workspace model supports businesses through different stages of development.
Jon Greenhalgh, managing director at Open Partners said: “Bonded Warehouse has been the perfect home for our growing team. It’s a creative, collaborative space that gives our people the flexibility to meet, connect and share ideas in a modern environment designed to inspire. The facilities here really support our remote-first working approach – from high-quality meeting rooms to casual breakout areas and on-site café, which make it a fantastic setting for both internal collaboration, client meetings, and pitches. We’ve really enjoyed our time here and look forward to continuing our journey at Bonded Warehouse.”
Clare Shutt, head of marketing at Department added: “St John’s is quickly becoming Manchester’s media capital and we are proud to be at the heart of it. Seeing agencies like Open Partners thrive here, demonstrates the strength of this creative hub. Now welcoming globally recognised names such as McCann shows the continued momentum of Manchester’s creative economy and the role Department plays in providing flexible, design-led spaces where businesses can grow, collaborate and innovate.”
