New Birmingham base for MK2 Real Estate

Birmingham property consultancy MK2 Real Estate has relocated to larger premises in the city centre.

The company has acquired 57 Cornwall Street, part of the new Lightwell development, from developer Adapt. Creative Retail advised Adapt on the sale.

MK2 bought the 4,100 sq ft ground floor corner office in April this year and has recently moved in following a full grade A specification fit-out, complete with exposed services and a mezzanine level.

The fit-out was managed by MK2’s own building consultancy team, headed by Ian Wilton. City Office Interiors were the fit-out contractor.

Previously based at 172 Edmund Street, the move to 57 Cornwall Street has more than doubled MK2’s office space, where it can now accommodate up to 30 people. It currently employs 19 following the recent appointment of senior surveyor Simrun Kaur and facilities manager Daniel Blakeman.

Mark Johnson, co-founder and director of MK2 Real Estate, said: “We had outgrown our previous office and needed more room to accommodate our expansion.

“Three years ago, we set ourselves the target of being a £4.5 million turnover business, with 30 staff, within five years. We’re currently about half-way, both in terms of headcount and turnover, and the new office will help achieve our goal.

“Having our own office is a significant investment in the long-term future of the business, as well as a commitment to having a physical presence in the city centre, which is important to us and our clients.”

MK2 Real Estate specialises in investment, property management, building consultancy and lease advisory.

In the last 12 months, the company has completed 18 investment deals, with a further ten deals in the pipeline. MK2’s property management team currently manages a portfolio in excess of 3.4 million sq ft, with a rent roll of more than £10.5 million.

Mark Johnson said: “While investment transactions were down on previous years, our consultancy teams have been busy, particularly lease advisory with rent reviews and lease renewals, and building consultancy.

“This contributed to the overall positive performance of the business over the last year, despite the challenges of Covid-19.”