UrbanChain expands into Base at Manchester Science Park

Expansion at Bruntwood SciTech’s Manchester Science Park signals a new era with UrbanChain scaling rapidly and preparing for UK and international expansion.

The fast-growing renewable energy trading platform has relocated to the 91,000 sq ft Base at Manchester Science Park. The company signed a five-year lease for 4,000 sq ft at their new headquarters in Manchester’s knowledge quarter to support recruitment efforts aligned with expansion goals.

The move represents a sophisticated chapter for the business as it pursues further growth. Working closely with Bruntwood SciTech, they designed and fitted out their office space.

Backed by European investment group Eurazeo, UrbanChain operates the UK’s leading peer-to-peer energy exchange service. They “decouple renewable energy and consumers from the volatile wholesale market, create an alternative market with renewables to sell directly to people who want it.”

The regulated, blockchain-backed, AI-powered platform facilitates trading among office buildings, data centres, hospitals, universities, housing associations, energy suppliers, industrial sites, local authorities, and green energy generators.

Base features sustainability measures including Net Zero Carbon communal areas, an A-rated EPC, 704m2 of PV solar power, hybrid heating and cooling systems, and recycled material flooring.

Founder and CEO Somayeh Taheri stated: “With a team rapidly growing beyond 50 people we are delighted to call Base our new home.” She noted Ofgem recently granted an electricity supply licence, enabling expanded customer products and generator control. The company is undertaking a Series B fundraise.

Josh Whiteley, Commercial Director for Bruntwood SciTech, noted the company’s journey from a single desk in 2018 to their current milestone at Base.

Manchester Science Park hosts over 150 businesses in industry 4.0, software engineering, energy, diagnostics, and medical technology, with access to skilled talent through university partnerships.