National employment and training firm Seetec has relocated its Bristol base to a refurbished office block on the edge of the city centre – the latest in a series of moves triggered by the economic recovery.
Bristol property agents say good quality office accommodation is being snapped up as firms start expanding again – and many are looking for flexible space to accommodate further growth. 
In Seetec’s case, the group – which has dozens of offices across the country – has moved from Southey House on Wine Street to take a new lease on just over 4,000 sq ft at The Quorum, a distinctive five-storey office building on Bond Street close to the Old Market roundabout.
The building, owned by Aviva Investors, has recently been refurbished to provide quality office accommodation at what its agent Colliers International says is a highly-competitive rent.
James Preece, a director at Colliers’ Bristol office, said: “The Quorum is continuing to see a good level of inquiries by offering flexible space in suites from 1,500 sq ft. The faster-than-anticipated recovery has triggered a rush of moves since the beginning of the year and we have a number of deals under offer.”
Formerly occupied by several departments of Bristol City Council, Quorum is now home to several major firms including the regional offices of national specialist outsourcing firm Echo Managed Services and international travel group Hogg Robinson, the European office of Australian communications and networks group Clarity OSS, the UK office of US bar code specialists Camcode, and Bristol-headquartered eco packaging and labelling firm Planglow.
Aviva Investors Asset Manager Julian Cobourne said: “Having remodelled the main reception and progressively refurbished the suites, The Quorum now offers modern office space with excellent natural light, as well as efficient floor plates to allow for partitioning. Our flexible leasing policy and willingness to sub-divide to suit occupiers has resulted in good demand.”
Chris Meredith, director with The Quorum’s joint agent Savills, added: “First quarter take-up highlighted increased activity, especially in the sub-3,000 sq ft bracket.
“Clear demand for top-grade and refurbished accommodation is going hand in hand with the drop in supply of older, poor quality stock – some of which is being taken out of the market for conversion into residential accommodation.”
