Leading flexible workspace specialist x+why has opened the doors to 100 Embankment, on the former site of Manchester’s historic Exchange Station, on the Salford side of the river Irwell. The 33,000 sq ft space is aimed at Salford and Manchester’s rapidly growing Better Business movement, providing them with three floors of contemporary office space including co-working and breakout spaces, private offices, enterprise suites, bookable meeting rooms, mission rooms and phone booths.
The building is aimed at Better Businesses and as such sustainability is a key focus of the building with an EPC B rating, solar panel PV cells, a green travel plan and a BREEAM Excellent rating. Four EV charging parking spaces are available on-site, and there is a waste and recycling management strategy. Locally and environmentally sourced furniture and fit-out materials complete the picture, making this an office space that’s not simply good for business but good for the planet too.
The reception at 100 Embankment is home to a striking mural by local artist, Barney Ibbotson. Inspired by the building’s Salford surroundings, there’s a hundred stories woven into the piece that celebrate the site’s history and location.
Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett comments: “It’s an exciting time as we continue to attract more businesses to the city, and I’m pleased to see x+why joining that list of companies choosing Salford as the home for their Greater Manchester region base. With a clear ethos of delivering ‘Better Business’ and supporting the local business community, strong links to sustainability through their B Corp accreditation and a passion to support their staff as a living wage employer, they embody the type of business we want to be attracting to the city.”
Served by all forms of public transport, 100 Embankment is just a 4-minute walk from Victoria Station, which has recently been transformed into a major regional transport hub. For those who drive, there is a 442-space Q-Park car park underneath the building and cyclists can take advantage of one of the 62-cycle racks available.
Ahead of the opening, x+why have already hosted several events to support the community, including an evening of B Social talks and networking, and an evening organised by local consultancy, Pentameter, who hosted Professor Christopher Marquis on the topic ‘Stakeholder Capitalism’. Founder members of 100 Embankment include Better Business Network and B Lab (Manchester) – extending the membership that B Lab UK and B Lab Global have at x+why’s People’s Mission Hall in Whitechapel.
Hannah Cox, founder of Better Business Network comments: “I’m thrilled that after months of planning we are moving the Better Business Network Headquarters to x+why. We’ve experienced a huge growth in membership since the Better Business Summit in January and a real need for North-West leaders to have a place to connect and be inspired post pandemic. Having such a central location for our members to use their City Centre base, as well as potentially grow their own businesses in 2023 was crucial for us. As a fellow B Corp, we needed a space that aligned with our values as well as our commercial needs, and who doesn’t love a rooftop bar!”
Rupert Dean, Co-founder and CEO of x+why comments: “x+why are incredibly excited to see the partnership with Salford Council finally come to life at 100 Embankment. We are most looking forward to collaborating with many of the fantastic local businesses and enterprises in Salford and Manchester – and being able to give Better Business a place to call home in the North. The space is looking unbelievable, and having already attended an event on the roof terrace, I can proudly say it’s set to be another gem in Salford’s crown.”
As with all their spaces, x+why’s member benefits not only include lightning-fast internet and facilities such as showers, changing rooms, bike racks, kitchens and an honesty bar they extend to a cultural programme of purpose related events and workshops including the exclusive Why B Programme. The programme forms part of x+why’s mission to change the way the world works for good by supporting a community of purpose driven companies to advance people and the planet as well as making a profit. This mission gained certification as a B Corporation last year, joining a growing group of companies reinventing business by pursuing purpose as well as profit.
Phil Nevin, co-founder at COO of x+why, explains: “All our spaces are designed and operated as industry-leading green workspaces, with every element designed in collaboration with purpose-driven brands. The spaces are not just for charities or not-for-profits, they are aimed at any person or business who is committed to a more impactful and positive way of working.
