Six Months On, UBC Birmingham Passes 70% Occupancy Level

In July 2014, UBC officially launched its brand new Birmingham centre, 65 Church Street.

Although UBC has always been committed to Birmingham and the West Midlands, 65 Church Street represented a big step forward for the serviced office company. The centre was UBC's very first business location in the city centre and, with the possibility of more Birmingham locations in the pipeline, it was considered an important milestone.

So, having passed the six-month mark, has 65 Church Street lived up to expectations?

UBC - 65 Church Street, Birmingham

Currently sitting at 71% occupancy, 65 Church Street has made fantastic progress. The centre received significant interest before its official launch, and continued to do so throughout the year - particularly with the arrival of fast-growing military startup support group, X-Forces, in September.

The real turning point came at the end of the year. During the festive season, 65 Church Street saw a flurry of activity with no less than 36 workstations snapped up.

"It was a very busy time for the team, and an exciting one too," said Chris Price, UBC Area Sales Manager. "We had a lot of new businesses moving in along with internal expansions from existing clients.

"Following significant interest, we're now moving ahead with fitting-out the fourth and final floor, ready to welcome more clients to 65 Church Street."

Positive impact

65 Church Street has made a positive impact in the short time it has been open, by providing a flexible base for Birmingham's expanding startup and SME scene. Indeed, when Gary Cardin, Chair of Colmore Business District (CBD) officially opened 65 Church Street last year, he welcomed it as a venue that's "supporting the growth of SMEs in CBD" and across Birmingham.

It's also providing a supportive and professional base for the many firms that are looking to expand outside of London.

Barnes and Partners Solicitors, Birmingham

One of those firms is Barnes & Partners Solicitors. This successful practice currently has 10 offices in North London, with a head office in Enfield, and their arrival at 65 Church Street in January 2015 signifies growing regional demand for their services.