WPP Unites Agencies at New Manchester Campus

WPP has opened its first UK campus outside London, bringing together staff from its agencies in Manchester - including EssenceMediacom, formed from the merger of data and measurement-driven media agency Essence and media network MediaCom; and its consumer data specialist Wavemaker.

The firm's new campus, its 36th globally, is built on the former Granada Studios site at Enterprise City, and will be occupied by 550 employees from eight WPP agencies: EssenceMediacom, Cheetham Bell, Code Computerlove, Wavemaker, Cloud Commerce Group, Kinetic, Ogilvy Health and VMLY&R Health. The 67,000-sq ft office space, designed by WPP company BDG architecture + design, is split over eight floors to provide collaborative co-working areas. It will feature flexible workspaces, and boasts three double-height 'social hubs', a roof terrace with views across the city, a café, bar, and business event space.

Additionally, through partnerships with organisations like The ScaleUp Institute, WPP plans to support and foster small businesses in Manchester, providing them with opportunities to collaborate and grow alongside its agencies. The campus will also partner with local community groups such as food waste prevention organisation The Trussell Trust; and Mustard Tree, which fights against homelessness and poverty.

WPP CEO Mark Read comments: 'Our Manchester agencies have achieved significant growth and success, driven by the extraordinary talent and dedication of our people. It is their accomplishments that have paved the way for the creation of this new state-of-the-art campus. Manchester is a thriving creative hub and it has always been our intention to invest in a campus that would bring our agencies together in the city'.

Web site: www.wpp.com .