TalkTalk have announced that they are moving their headquarters to Salford to join a lengthening list of tech and media companies basing themselves in the area.
The telecoms firm says in 2019 it will move the “vast majority” of its 500 jobs in London to the Soapworks building, where many staff from Birchwood and Irlam were transferred to in 2017.
It’s more good news for Salford, and a move that will benefit the property and housing markets in Salford itself as well as in Manchester.
Big players already based in Salford
The BBC and ITV already have large operations at Media City, a short distance away from the Soapworks, which overlooks the River Irwell and is close to where a new spur of the Metrolink tram network is currently under construction.
Healthcare provider Bupa, already based in Salford Quays, has moved into a brand-new building to consolidate staff from two older offices under one roof. Amazon, GCHQ and Moonpig have also announced moves to Greater Manchester in recent months.
‘Exciting times’
“It is an exciting new chapter in Salford’s success story as the fastest growing economy in Greater Manchester,” said Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett. “Salford is already home to the second largest cluster of digital businesses outside London and the city is working hard to grow the digital skills and talent for the future.
“TalkTalk relocating their headquarters and executive team here and creating hundreds of new, high quality, technical, digital jobs speaks volumes for the success of our investment in a digital future.”
Salford and Manchester outpace rest of UK
Research from estate agency Cushman & Wakefield earlier in 2018 showed that Salford, along with Manchester, was outperforming the rest of the country when it came to house prices. In the seven years to July 2017, house prices in Salford were up by 38%, compared to a national average of 30%.
“Nearly two years ago, we created a single home in Salford for our colleagues in the North West. It has improved efficiency, strengthened collaboration and enabled us to attract and retain talent,” said a TalkTalk statement.
“As we further simplify the business, and focus on fewer priorities, we no longer need to be split across two main sites. Now is the right time to consolidate, making Salford the single main campus for the business. The move builds upon our heritage as a North West brand and creates a simpler, more efficient structure that better aligns with our future plans.”
