We’re halfway there – H1 2026 is a wrap. Here are some of June’s highlights.

Corporate deal of the month:
Top sportswear brand and OBI client Castore go from strength to strength, this month acquiring GRENSON SHOES. As Castore’s Thomas Beahon says, authenticity is incredibly powerful and this is a true British heritage brand. A brilliant fit.

Property deal of the month:
A pleasure to welcome consulting powerhouse Arcadis to HBD‘s, Island, setting a new headline rent for Manchester at £48 per sq ft, and taking 10,000 sq ft for 10 years. A great space befitting the business.
One to watch:
With Andy Burnham seemingly a cert for 10 Downing Street, Manchester City Council leader Bev Craig is Labour’s choice to succeed him in the GM Mayoral election. Bev is the natural successor who can build on the great work done, having worked closely with the mayor over 5 years – no hesitation in saying she is the best choice for GM’s future.

Business of the month:
Seneca Property have pledged to invest £100m in offices across UK cities, adding to Queens Court (which we recently sold on behalf of Jo Sellick) and 55 Princess St, among other strategic acquisitions. Plenty of life in offices with strong fundamentals.

One for the future:
Manchester’s CyanLines is coming together. It’s all about increasing liveability, investing in 100 miles of active travel routes through and along parks, canals and riversides. The board was appointed this month, and it’s a project OBI is proud to support.

Eyecatcher of the month:
Oval Real Estate aren’t hanging around – having acquired One Tony Wilson Place in April, a repositioning is in the works for 160,000 sq ft of workspace, with completion due Q3 2027.

What we’ve liked this month:
Lots! An honour to be involved with a 24-hour football game to celebrate Andrew Cohen and support Hannah Cohen and Save a Child’s Heart. Some of our team also took part in a game for The Christie Charity Karen Casper. No.1 St Michael’s Manchester’s winning the regional BCO award was richly deserved recognition, Louise Kilbride, Nicky B., Anthony Kilbride, Gary Neville & Joe Rigby. The Green at St John’s is now open in record time – Manchester’s best new outdoor social space. Nice work Jack Ingall.