Opening dores for firms seeking office space

COMPANIES from across England, Scotland and Wales have begun taking up co-working space in Belfast in an effort to Brexit-proof their businesses.

Glandore said nearly two-thirds of enquiries it has received this year have come from firms keen to have a footprint in Northern Ireland.

Meanwhile, the flexible working space provider’s branches in the Republic have reported an increase in companies here looking to open a satellite office in Dublin.

Managing Director Michael Kelly revealed the possibility of a no-deal is the biggest worry for businesses.

He said: “Uncertainty still looms as the Brexit deadline draws ever closer. We’re still no clearer as to what kind of deal will be agreed and there is the likelihood of a no-deal scenario.

“With that a possible outcome, we’re getting enquiries daily about availability at our nine offices across Ireland.

“The costs of doing business in Belfast are considerably lower than cities like London and businesses are waking up to that.” International companies which started their Irish operations in Glandore workspace include Worldpay, Rapid 7, Facebook, Twitter and Dropbox.

Overseas investors such as Tullet Prebon, Cayan, Bamboo Rose and Bazaarvoice are among the current or former residents of its Belfast offices.