Dote has developed a unique series of baby products that incorporate advanced technology to provide peace of mind for parents. All of the company’s products are equipped with AI cameras and offer interchangeable features, allowing them to be seamlessly attached to car seats and strollers. Everything is controlled via a mobile app which offers a full 360 degree view of your baby to keep them safe, support child development and monitor their health.

The company staff are spread out across Manchester and Birmingham, and their only previous office space was a hotdesking arrangement at Clockwise in Manchester. As the company’s headcount and ambitions grew, it was obvious they needed more than just a desk.

They wanted a proper space that reflected their brand, and at the same time enabled them to showcase their productsand hold meetings with clients.

More than a workspace was needed

Dote needed more than just a workspace, so they got in touch with Joe at Level to start the search. The first important consideration was transport links. Some of Dote’s staff live in Birmingham, so it was important that their trip to the office was as easy as possible on the days they came to Manchester.

The environment was also an important factor. The new office had to have enough space to comfortably accommodate the company’s growth as they continue to expand. Additionally, having a podcast room for their social media activities was crucial for growing the company’s online presence.

Finally, budget was a key factor for a company which is in the first stages of scaling up.They didn’t want to tie up too much capital in monthly rent payments and accidentally put a brake on the company’s growth.

For similar reasons, the company specifically wanted an 18 month lease. Their growth ambitions meant that they might need to move again in the future to a larger space. With that in mind, it was important that Dote wasn’t tied down to an office for the long term - an effective way that scaling tech businesses can align their workspace with their growth targets.

Those requirements combined to create a precise brief for the Level team to start working on.

A managed office with a difference

Following a comprehensive search process, we presented a large managed office at Bridge Street Studios to Dote as the ideal option for them. The chosen space has plenty of room, great lease terms and the podcast set up that the company needs to help boost its social media output.

We negotiated an 18-month lease so that Dote could get to work without being tied down in the future. We also secured a month’s free rent to help keep the space budget friendly.

Ste Senior, founder of Dote,said: “Working with Level was really straightforward. Joe and Sam know the area inside and out and quickly figured out what I needed. Within a couple of days, we’d already checked out some great spaces. I went out with Joe first, then with Sam, and both of them really knew their stuff. Even though I wasn’t in a rush, when the right place came up everything fell into place fast.

“The whole process was smooth, and the move was done in just two weeks. It was a huge relief to have everything go so easily, especially with how busy I am. The Level team’s deep knowledge and seamless service turned what could have been a stressful experience for a business owner into a stress free one.”

Finding the right environment for Dote’s employees

Not only was Bridge Street Studios ideal from a work perspective, but it also met all of the company’s other criteria too.

It’s right in the heart of Manchester, making it easy for the team to get around and enjoy the city's amenities. Being close to transport links means the employees who come in from Birmingham have a smooth journey.

Plus, having nearby food spots and places to grab a drink adds to the overall appeal and makes the office feel even more like a home base for the team.

It also puts Dote in the same building as other scaling tech businesses like GigPig which have been on a scaling up and fundraising path which Dote hopes to follow. Having that expertise nearby is a big advantage for the company and made Bridge Street Studios even more appealing.

Ste Senior said: “Time is something I don’t have a lot of, and Level made sure everything was handled without bothering me with the details. They managed the entire process seamlessly, and I couldn’t be happier with how it went.

“The process was incredibly smooth from start to finish, and the space we’ve moved into meets all our needs perfectly. Level took care of everything, letting us focus on growing the business instead of stressing over logistics. I’d highly recommend them to anyone looking for office space.”

Joe Averill, founder of Level, said: “It’s brilliant to be able to help such an innovative company secure its first office and assist their plans for scaling up. Dote is a great business and we can’t wait to see how it grows in the future.”

Is your scale up company in need of a new office space like Dote or the other companies we have helped? Book a discovery call today for a free consultation!

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