International home security company SimpliSafe has agreed terms with Orchard Street Investment Management to take in excess of 2,000 sq. ft. at its flagship Manchester scheme, Bauhaus.

The business, which provides whole home protection against intruders, fires, water damage and more , was founded in Boston, Massachusetts in 2006.

Following a rapid expansion, which included the backing of leading private equity investment firm, Hellman & Friedman, the business now operates in both the United States and the United Kingdom.

Bauhaus will be SimpliSafe’s UK HQ, with all staff relocating to the Grade A office space on Quay Street.

The two-year lease agreed will afford the company crucial flexibility in the post-COVID landscape, as an increased number of employers look to provide their teams with more fluid working set-ups.

Orchard Street will also be fitting out the unit on behalf of SimpliSafe, which sits on the building’s fourth floor and spans 2,401 sq. ft. in total.

Sarah O’Connell, asset manager at Orchard Street Investment, said: “The market has been turbulent of late due to COVID-19, and so we feel that this transaction is a true testament to the quality of Bauhaus – as well as the importance of offering occupiers much-needed flexibility.

“The building’s prime location – within the emerging St. John’s neighbourhood and next door to Spinningfields – means that our occupiers can offer their teams unbeatable amenity and connectivity. We also have a brilliant occupier engagement strategy in place which supports the lifestyles of our busy Bauhaus tenants.

“As a leading global home security firm, SimpliSafe’s arrival is a fantastic endorsement for the scheme and we’re really looking forward to welcoming them to the building.”

Jonathan Wall, UK general manager at SimpliSafe, added: “SimpliSafe launched in the US over a decade ago and landed in the UK last year. The obvious next step for us to take as a business was to find a new base that can accommodate the team’s needs and really showcase the brand. Bauhaus offers just that.

“The building will be home to our marketing, operations and customer service team, whilst also providing us with the opportunity to grow. The space gives us the flexibility to double the number of employees and when it does come to us recruiting new talent, Manchester is a great place to find it.

“Moving into a new office in the business’ second year is an exciting step. However during these uncertain times, returning to work safely is our number one priority – like it will be with all other businesses – and we are really impressed with the level of detail Bauhaus has gone to with their COVID-19 planning. We look forward to welcoming everyone to our new office later this year. ”

Bauhaus underwent a full refurbishment in 2019, with Orchard Street focusing its restoration strategy on making the building occupier-led and capable of supporting the demanding digital connectivity needs of tech businesses.

The end result saw global tech accreditor WiredScore award Bauhaus ‘Platinum’ status – the highest certification possible within its grading framework.

The accreditation is an endorsement for the building’s connectivity and digital infrastructure, meaning that Bauhaus occupiers can benefit from best-in-class tech capabilities and prospective tenants can benchmark the building during their office space searches.

Sarah added: “We wanted to ensure that businesses occupying the space could feel confident enough in the building’s capabilities to set out ambitious growth and development targets, supported by our unique wellness and sustainability offering.”

Facilities and services that have been incorporated into the relaunched nine-storey building include a full tenant concierge service, an exclusive business lounge, co-working spaces, a new cycling and shower hub, 29 secure basement parking spaces and electric vehicle charging points. We also need to mention the recently added roof terrace.

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