EMQN latest to plump for Exchange Quay space

The business, which provides quality assurance services for laboratory settings, has signed a 10-year lease on 5,200 sq ft at the Salford complex having outgrown its office at Manchester Science Park.

EMQM will move into the third floor of the ICE Building at Exchange Quay, which is managed by Till Asset Management on behalf of Ekistics Property Advisors.

EMQN was spun out of the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust in June 2021 with nine staff and has since grown to a team of 26. The company has been based at Bruntwood’s Manchester Science Park for the last four years but needs more space.

The firm provides external quality assessment accredited schemes supporting genetic testing and molecular diagnostics.

Simon Patton, chief executive of EMQN, said “As we embark on this exciting new chapter at EMQN, we are proud to reflect on our growth and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to supporting laboratories in delivering the highest standards in molecular pathology and genetic testing.

“Our new space in Exchange Quay will significantly enhance our capacity to provide innovative solutions, ensuring the utmost accuracy and reliability in clinical diagnostics on a global scale.

The deal sees EMQN join occupiers including Voicescape in the recently refurbished ICE Building. The tech firm signed a 10-year lease on 5,000 sq ft at Exchange Quay earlier this year, relocating from Urban Splash’s Boat Shed a short distance away.

Les Lang, director at Till AM said: “EMQN is an internationally-respected, UKAS-accredited provider of EQA services which delivers the highest quality molecular genetics testing certification, a vital component of clinical governance for its members.

“We are thrilled to welcome EMQN and it is testament to the high-quality amenity offer we have at Exchange Quay, that has attracted such a market leading organisation to our growing business community.”

Agents on Exchange Quay are Canning O’Neill and Colliers. EMQN were represented by Stephen Woodall of Taylor Rose Solicitors.

James Dickinson, director at Canning O’Neill, extolled the virtues of Exchange Quay.

“[It] offers occupiers a prestigious, progressive office campus that not only provides a great location, with excellent road and public transport connections, it also provides further benefits in restaurant facilities, an on-site nursery, a post office, convenience store and gym.

“It is an exciting place to work which promotes a perfect work-life balance through its high-quality office space and wellbeing provision.”