Cyber security firm takes space in City Tower

Global cyber security company Coalfire is to move its European and UK headquarters to 5,500 sq ft premises in Manchester's City Tower, under a deal with landlord Schroders Real Estate.

The move, which is scheduled to take place in early 2020, will see Coalfire occupy space on the 28th floor of the Piccadilly Plaza building.

A spokesperson for Coalfire said that the new office will undergo a "six-figure" refit, led by JLL with Denton Associates advising on design, which is set to start before Christmas.

The firm is currently located at Manchester One on nearby Portland Street, and is moving to a larger office to reflect its continued growth and a planned 50% increase in headcount that will see the firm take on 50 new employees over the next 18 months, Coalfire said in a statement.

The technology firm, which has its headquarters in Denver, opened its Manchester office in 2013 as a one-person operation but has since expanded to a team of 30. Coalfire employs more than 800 people across 11 sites, 10 of which are in the US.

Andy Barratt, Coalfire's managing director for UK and Europe, said: "Manchester's digital strengths and international connectivity make it the perfect home for a growing, tech-focused business. A fantastic new space in one of the city's most iconic buildings is the perfect move for us as we look to grow the size of our team and continue building the business here at pace."

Dan Whelan, Place North West