They recruit for a wide range of roles, from IT candidates to marketing, social media, design and cyber security. They also work in business intelligence and gaming – areas where companies look for intricate and very specific skill sets.

When the company needed a fresh start in a new workspace, they turned to LEVEL. We had previously worked with Nextech’s finance manager, Jon Askew, at another of the group’s companies, be:technology, so continuing that partnership made sense for everyone involved.

Once appointed, everything fell into place quickly.

Looking for a fresh start

Nextech were in an unusual position where they hadn’t technically outgrown their old space, but it still didn’t feel quite right for where the company was going. They wanted something fresher, more modern and more cost-effective.

Tom Craig, Managing Director at Nextech, said: “Our current office is in a very old, listed building that has been fully renovated inside. While the renovations have been well done, there have been a few issues along the way.

“Ultimately, we wanted a brand new, modern space where we could continue growing our team and settle in as soon as possible.”

Flexibility and privacy were key features

A modern, attractive space is one thing – but it’s equally important to consider how the space functions and how you want to use it from day to day. Nextech came with a list of must haves.

Firstly, it had to be flexible to suit the company’s hybrid working model where employees are working from home one day a week. They also needed different kinds of spaces for people in the office for when they needed a change of surroundings.

Privacy was the second main area of need. Nextech had previously struggled to find places for private calls, so the new space needed meeting rooms and private spaces the team could use whenever they needed to.

Tom said: “Ultimately, we wanted a space where people actually want to come into the office. A place that’s inviting, comfortable and enjoyable to work in.”

Time and budget constraints to consider

Along with the physical office space itself, there were time and budget constraints to take into account.

Nextech needed to secure a new space before the end of their lease in May to avoid paying double rent – a common concern for businesses and one of the potential hidden costs of leasing an office.

Together with the need to find a more cost-effective space in general, that financial constraint meant that LEVEL needed to move fast.

Creating a shortlist and arranging viewings

Sam Harris, Workspace Advisor at LEVEL, took over and created an initial list of potential spaces for the Nextech team immediately.

Tom said: “The search process was smooth and moved very quickly. Sam sent me over a deck with a list of spaces, cost, location etc. I went through and I picked the ones I wanted to see, basing my choice on mostly price first. We started with 10, narrowed it down to eight, and managed to stay within budget, which was great.”

The next step was arranging eight viewings in a single day so that Nextech could see and compare all the options instantly. By the end of the day, the list had been narrowed down to three potential workspaces based on price and suitability.

Cubo Manchester soon emerged asthe front runner once the details were scrutinised. From there, the focus moved onto sorting out how quickly Nextech could move in, and how LEVEL could negotiate with the landlord to secure the most favourable terms possible.

Tom said: “In the end, we found the perfect space, Sam was brilliant and proper on it from the start, he knew exactly what we were looking for, and made sure everything lined up with how we needed it. The negotiation process went smoothly, including securing us a grace period.”

A great deal secured with added extras

LEVEL’s work paid off for Nextech who were able to secure a great deal with Cubo. Most importantly for Nextech, Sam was able to negotiate a grace period which will allow Nextech to move in after Easter while the contract officially starts in May.

That means they don’t have to worry about overrunning their existing lease, and also means they will have time to return their current office to its original state before moving out. That sort of smooth transition is priceless.

The new workspace itself includes everything the Nextech team need. It’s well located with easy access to Deansgate and St. Peter’s Square, and it also suits the company’s flexible working model.

Employees can choose how and where they work within the office for maximum comfort and productivity. That flexibility of space also takes into account the meeting rooms and private spaces that Nextech needed.

Tom said: “One feature that stood out was the meeting space credits. We get around 20 free hours per month which can be used across the country.

“This is particularly useful since we’ve struggled in the past to find private rooms for calls without additional charges. Even though we probably won’t use all 20 hours, it’s great to have that flexibility when needed.”

Extra amenities which seal the deal with employees

They can also use the free amenities that come as part of life at Cubo. This includes a gym which is comparable to a David Lloyd fitness club and is open 24/7 so employees can use it on evenings and weekends outside work hours if they wish.

The building also includes a bar with free prosecco and beer which is a great fit for Nextech’s sociable team. Both of these amenities will also help Nextech attract the best new employees in the future as the company grows.

Sam Harris, Workspace Advisor at LEVEL, said: “It was a pleasure helping Tom and the Nextech team find a space that fit their needs. By focusing on modern amenities and flexibility, we secured the perfect office at Cubo to support their growth and hybrid working model.”

Want to rent office space in Manchester? Book a discovery call with our team of expert workspace advisors today to find a space that will help your business grow in 2025!

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