The Wrap: OBI’s Take April 2026

We’re a third of the way through 2026 – here’s what grabbed attention in April.

Corporate deal of the month
One of our long-standing client’s Clearwater has for a long time been one of Manchester’s biggest hitters in corporate finance advisory, and they’ve got their reward in being snapped up by US investment bank KeyCorp. ‘Business as usual’ is the message, you’d expect nothing less. Congrats to Mark Taylor Michael Reeves Michael Loudon and colleagues, exciting times ahead.

Property deal of the month
Salford’s biggest post-Covid deal landed this month, with audio branding agency PHMG taking 67,000 sq ft at Bankfoot APAM Soapworks, the landlord moving swiftly to fill space created by TalkTalk downsizing after demerging its business arm.  Congrats to Jason Daye James Devany Andy Cooke

One to watch
Peel L&P transformation of the old Lowry Outlet Mall into Quayside, a modern leisure destination is an under-appreciated part of how Salford Quays has matured, and 80,000 sq ft of deals this month shows they’re on the right track, with Hyperdrive Karting and Hollywood Bowl signing. Chapman Taylor

One for the future
Plans are now in for the first 1.6m sq ft at MIX MANCHESTER Manchester, the commercial offer that will raise the bar massively for Manchester Airport. The JV includes the Manchester City Council, GM Pension Fund, the airports group and Beijing Construction Engineering Group – exactly the kind of power partnership Manchester excels in. Gareth Jackson Jamie Bottomley Helen Ratcliffe

Eyecatcher
Growth transformation agency Gate One will open its first UK office outside London at Circle Square, following expansion into Paris and Bengaluru last year. Gate One works with international firms making high-impact decisions. Manchester is its sixth location. Brad Topps James Dickinson

What we’ve liked
It’s good to get views from outside the city, and Manchester’s Finest’s excellent interview with Tinie Tempah following the MOBOs (another Mcr win) is well worth a watch on Youtube link Try chips and gravy next time you’re in town though, Tinie, you might like it…

Well done to Ged Mason, OBE, HonDBA
I also attended the opening of the new Ged Mason building, the home for Seashell Trust’s Outstanding Royal College Manchester and a community sports facility. Ged does so much in the charity sector and this new facility will make a positive impact on many lives.