MotoNovo Finance commits to 71,000 sq ft at Central Square

More than 580 new jobs to be created over next three to five years

15 March 2016

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Cooke & Arkwright has confirmed that MotoNovo Finance has committed to moving its headquarters to One Central Square in Cardiff. The financial services company is to lease 71,000 sq ft at the new development alongside Blake Morgan, which has already committed to 30,000 sq ft on the top two floors of the nine-storey building. Cooke & Arkwright advised both firms in the deals.

MotoNovo currently occupies 27,000 sq ft at its headquarters in Llanishen, and is now expected to create more than 580 new jobs in Cardiff over the next three to five years.

Ben Bolton, director of office and industrial agency at Cooke & Arkwright, who acted as the acquiring agent for MotoNovo Finance, said: “MotoNovo is an innovative and forward-looking company with great potential for growth, so we knew that location would be key when they told us they were aspiring to expand. Central Square was a great fit as it reflects the growth and rising profile of the business both now and going forward.

“Crucially, central locations in a modern development can improve staff retention rates, and we have seen other similar businesses such as Admiral recognise this fact and opt to move to city centre spaces.

“We hope that MotoNovo Finance’s commitment to Central Square will contribute to Cardiff’s drive to establish itself as a financial and professional services centre.”

Reflecting upon the business’ plans, MotoNovo Finance CEO noted; “We have a long and proud history within Cardiff and are delighted to finalise our new headquarters within the city. We are indebted to Cooke & Arkwright for its service and speed in securing our new headquarters, which will soon be home for our current and future team members as we deliver on our growth plans.”  

Read more on this story in the Western Mail

Cooke & Arkwright have been providing rating valuation advice to The Welsh Rugby Union Limited (“WRU”) and Millennium Stadium plc for many years. They were recently successful in achieving substantial reductions in the assessments of the Millennium Stadium, covering both the 2005 and 2010 rating list. These negotiated reductions yielded savings of c.£3.5m which, crucially, allows the WRU to re-invest in rugby throughout Wales. They advise the WRU across the group portfolio including the National Centre of Excellence in the Vale of Glamorgan. The valuation issues across the WRU portfolio are complex requiring a high level of understanding of the funding and finances of professional sport in Wales. Cooke & Arkwright’s experience and understanding of these issues and application to the rating valuation have yielded these substantial negotiated reductions. The WRU and the Millennium Stadium entrust our work to organisations with the required levels in experience and expertise in dealing with these complex issues. I am glad to say we have this expertise in Wales. I would have no hesitation in recommending ratepayers making use of this Welsh based expertise.

The Welsh Rugby Union Limited, Welsh Rugby Union Group