101 Soapworks

Cat A and Cat A+ Refurbishment: Choosing the Right Refurbishment Strategy for Your Asset

Cat A and Cat A+ both prepare a building for the market, but they do different jobs. Cat A delivers the lettable baseline: flooring, ceilings, lighting, M&E and basic finishes, ready for an incoming occupier to fit out. Cat A+ goes further and hands over a finished, move-in-ready space.

We’re Back on Site at Soapworks

We're pleased to announce that works are now underway at 101 Soapworks, where Vantage has been appointed to deliver a high-quality office suite refurbishment within this landmark Salford development.

We’re Looking for a Digital Content Creator

Mark leads the commercial side of the business at Vantage, overseeing pre-contract estimation and supply chain procurement across all projects.

EPC B by 2031 Confirmed by UK Government

The deadline is set. The standard is clear. For commercial landlords with larger assets, the only question now is how to get to EPC B in the most cost and time efficient way possible.

Meet our Project Director Mark Priestley

Mark leads the commercial side of the business at Vantage, overseeing pre-contract estimation and supply chain procurement across all projects.

This Week We Put Clarity To The Test

Clarity™ is our investment grade retrofit feasibility product and this week we hosted a diverse group of senior property professionals to pressure test the model ahead of launch.

The Workplace Has to Work Harder

Across our projects at Citygate, Optima, and Soapworks, we are transforming buildings into destinations that occupiers genuinely want to use.

Project Update from One Friary, Bristol

The main contract works at 1 Friary are due to complete in the coming weeks, with the project continuing to take shape ahead of the next phase of works which Vantage will be delivering.

Welcome to the team Sam!

We’re pleased to welcome Sam to Vantage as our newest Project Lead.

Site Update from Finsbury Circus

Last week marked the completion of programmed works on site at our Finsbury Circus metering upgrade project in London.

A 25% Energy Reduction. Without Major Works.

At Vantage, we model every viable pathway before capital is committed - from optimisation through to full EPC A delivery.

Is your Building Heading for a 20% Value Drop?

Sustainability is no longer just compliance - it’s becoming one of the strongest performance drivers in UK real estate.

Smarter Buildings Start Here

Works are now underway at our site in Finsbury Circus, with site set-up in full swing this week.

From Dead Space to 15% Rental Premiums

From dead space to 15% rental premiums.

Project Win at One Friary, Bristol

We’ve been appointed to deliver the reception works at 1 Friary in Bristol - a 60,000 sq ft Grade A office scheme completing this summer.

Behind the Scenes at Citygate

We’re currently behind the scenes filming new content in our newly refurbished space - and we couldn’t resist sharing a sneak peek!

Energy Project Secured in Central London

We’re pleased to have been instructed to deliver metering works at prestigious client building in central London. Our scope includes the installation of a replacement metering system, designed to enhance energy visibility and improve overall building performance.

Optima Transformation Underway

Great to see strong progress on site at our Optima project as works continue to move forward. The team has been making excellent headway, with multiple elements of the refurbishment now taking shape...

Design Stage Secured for Transformational 68,000sqft Refurbishment

We’re delighted to be appointed to deliver RIBA Stage 3 design for CAT A fit-out works to Block A at Soapworks in Salford, continuing our involvement in the building’s ongoing evolution and growing workspace offer.

Up to 50% Reduction in Energy Costs.. What Would That Do for Your NOI?

Watch our latest video to learn more about how Vantage can help you reduce your energy consumption. Most investors focus on rent to improve NOI. But a major income leak is often energy performance.

At MIPIM this year? Let’s catch up

We’re heading to MIPIM next week!

One Citygate, Newcastle – Project Completion

We’re proud to announce the successful completion of our 25,000 sq ft futureproofing refurbishment at One Citygate in Newcastle upon Tyne.

Meet our Site Manager – Henry Nwankwo

Meet Henry Nwankwo who is managing our Optima Project in Glasgow.

Does your building have an EPC rating of C or below?

EPC A space doesn’t just meet compliance — it drives performance. Across live schemes, we’re seeing a 46% rental uplift following EPC-led repositioning.

Vantage Welcomes Fiona Chatham

We’re delighted to welcome Fiona Chatham to Vantage as our new Business Support and Operations Coordinator.

Practial Completion Achieved 12 Greek Street

We’re pleased to announce the completion of our multi-floor refurbishment at 12 Greek Street, a landmark workspace in the heart of Leeds’ prime business district.

Make Every Pound of CapEx Work Harder

Your budget isn’t a constraint — it’s the number that makes the deal work. Too many projects waste months cycling through design and value-engineering that could’ve been avoided. Cost and time drift. Impact gets diluted.

Vantage Awarded Double Design Appointment at Soapworks

We’re delighted to be appointed to deliver RIBA Stage 4 design works across two suites at Soapworks, continuing our involvement in the building’s evolution and growing workspace portfolio. 

Vantage Welcomes Adrian Fairless as Contracts Manager

We’re pleased to welcome Adrian, who has joined the team as Contracts Manager. 

Project Update: Optima Building, Glasgow

Works are progressing well at the Optima Building (58 Robertson Street). Existing timber structures have been cleared to make way for the new Amenity Lounge, with M&E first fix and raised access floor installations now underway across the lounge and CAT A office spaces.

Project Throwback: Soapworks Solar Installation

Continuing our solar theme this week, we’re spotlighting one of Vantage’s standout 2024 projects at Soapworks - a great example of how the right feasibility insight and delivery team can unlock serious on-site energy potential.

Sue Smethurst joins the Vantage team

We’re delighted to welcome Sue Smethurst to the Vantage team as Finance Manager, based in our Manchester office.

Solar…Are you missing the bigger picture?

Solar isn’t just an ESG upgrade, it’s an NOI lever. Too often, solar is judged only on energy savings, whilst its real impact on rents, lease velocity, and capital value is overlooked.

Mark Priestley promoted to Project Director

We’re pleased to announce the promotion of Mark Priestley to Project Director. Mark has been an integral part of the Vantage team since joining the business in 2024, consistently demonstrating strong leadership, technical expertise, and a commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes for our clients.

Vantage Appointed to deliver a new Business Lounge at Optima Building

Vantage has been appointed to deliver a new Business Lounge at Optima Building on behalf of the Landlord. The new amenity will introduce a high-quality breakout environment, providing occupiers with a more comfortable and relaxed space to meet with colleagues and visitors in informal surroundings.

Vantage Appointed for Multi-Floor Refurbishment at 12 Greek Street, Leeds

Vantage has been appointed to deliver a major multi-floor refurbishment at 12 Greek Street - a landmark workspace in the heart of Leeds’ business district. The project will see three fully fitted Cat A+ suites transformed with a new brand-led design concept, bringing contemporary sophistication to one of the city’s most sought-after office locations.

The Cheapest Way to EPC A – Explained

Most landlords are being sold retrofit plans based on high-level estimates. The result? Strategies that look good on paper, but collapse once real install costs and supply chain realities kick in. Our latest video breaks down a smarter way forward.....

We’re Launching a Futureproof Video Series

We're launching a short video series all about our approach to futureproofing commercial real estate. See how Vantage solves the biggest issues facing UK real estate right now - from EPC compliance and decarbonisation, to unlocking value through retrofit.

The Futureproof Assessment. How Does Your Building Stack Up?

The Futureproof Assessment. A free 2-minute tool that benchmarks your buildings providing a clear, data-driven benchmark of asset performance - highlighting how individual buildings measure up against both current market requirements and evolving occupier demand. 

Vantage Awarded Major Futureproofing Scheme in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne

We're delighted to announce that Vantage has been awarded a major 25,000sqft futureproofing refurbishment across multiple floors of Newcastle's 'One Citygate' to provide fully electric EPC A spaces, wellness suites and roof level amenity areas.

Vantage Awarded Fit-Out of Midnight Club’s London HQ

We're delighted to announce that Vantage has been awarded the CAT B refurbishment of The Midnight Club's London HQ. TMC, who are the team behind well-known Adidas Orignals video productions for Leo Messi and Jude Bellingham to name just a few, are taking on additional space in Zetland House, Old Street.

Practical Completion achieved at Optima, Glasgow

We're delighted to announce practical completion was achieved for our Landlord WC refurbishment at Optima Glasgow yesterday, on behalf of client, Britannia Invest A/S.

Practical Completion achieved at Morgan Quarter, Cardiff

We’re pleased to announce that practical completion has been achieved on our 39-41 St Mary's Street refurbishment project in Cardiff, delivered on behalf of our client, APAM.

+91% capital value uplift confirmed for retrofitted properties | Part 3 of Knight Frank series

Knight Frank publish final report in their “Meeting the Commercial Property Retrofit Challenge” series with strong data supporting the business case for retrofit and refurbishment.

Practical Completion achieved at One City Square, Leeds

We're delighted to announce practical completion was achieved for our Landlord CAT A refurbishment at One City Square yesterday, on behalf of client, Britannia Invest A/S.

UK average office occupancy hits highest level since lockdown started

CoStar report that recent data from Remit Consulting indicates that UK office occupancy rates have reached their highest levels since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the week ending January 31, 2025, the average occupancy rate was 37.1%, surpassing the previous peak of 35.9% recorded in March 2024.

Practical Completion at Arlington Business Park, Reading

We're delighted to announce practical completion for our Solar installation at Arlington Business Park in Reading following a 4 week programme of works on site.

Works start on our Grade II Listed Building Refurbishment in Cardiff

Works are finally underway our Grade II listed building refurbishment in Cardiff, following successful planning and heritage applications in the later part of 2024. Working directly for landlords GMPF, we are undertaking a shell and core refurbishment in readiness for an incoming F&B tenant, with planned completion end of Q1 2025.

Second stage of Net Zero Consultancy Services awarded at 1CS

As part of our ongoing sustainability consultancy work with the landlord at 1CS, we have been commissioned to undertake a detailed review of the suitability of a centralised heat pump as potential zero carbon replacement for the in-situ gas fired boilers currently feeding a 4-pipe fan coil system to office floors.

Rhiannon Flynn joins Vantage as Management Accountant

We are delighted to announce that Rhiannon Flynn joins our growing team from 1st January from sister company APAM. Rhiannon will be based in our Manchester office and responsible for our financial management and accounting going forwards.

Practical Completion at Mander Shopping Centre

We're delighted to announce the early practical completion for our demise creation works at Mander Shopping Centre, Wolverhampton following a 10 week programme of works on site.

Vantage awarded major Fit-out in central Leeds

We're delighted to announce we have been awarded a 10,000sqft landlord CAT A refurbishment on the fourth floor of one of Leeds primary business addresses - One City Square.

Karl Watson joins Vantage as Head of Project Delivery

Karl joins the team with extensive experience in project and construction management and he will provide strategic direction and leadership for our construction division, setting objectives and policies to guide our project delivery and business growth.

Vantage awarded Sub-metering works at One City Square, Leeds

We are pleased to announce that we have been awarded sub-metering works at One City Square, Leeds. This is a one week project duration where the team will

Practical Completion at The Arches, Leicester

We are delighted to announce that our PV Installation project at The Arches in Leicester has achieved Practical Completion a week ahead of schedule and exactly on budget - huge thanks to all the project stakeholder group and our on-site delivery team for making this project a success, completing the site installation in just 4 weeks.

Knight Frank publish latest report in Retrofit Series

Knight Frank provided an in-depth exploration of the commercial property retrofit challenge, with an emphasis on the costs and benefits of improving energy efficiency and sustainability in UK office buildings.

Vantage awarded Office Refurbishment at Soapworks, Manchester

Vantage are delighted to have been awarded a further project at Soapworks in Salford, working with clients GMPF and our architectural partners at AXI to create a cutting edge 5000sqft plug & play office suite.

Vantage awarded Shell & Core Works at Morgan Quarter, Cardiff

Vantage awarded PV installation at The Arches, Leicester

We are delighted to to be awarded PV installation at The Arches, Leicester. This is a 5 week project working directly for the Asset Owners CRIM (Catella).

Vantage awarded PV Installation at Arlington Business Park

Planning approval received for our new solar scheme at Arlington Park in Reading. We shall be installing a new 190Wp PV system across the three 1400 building on behalf of overall client, Capitaland.

Sally Butler joins as Project Coordinator

We are thrilled to welcome Sally Butler to the Vantage team as Project Co-ordinator where she will be supporting the Manging Director and the Project Management team.

Mark Priestley joins as Associate Director

We are thrilled to welcome Mark Priestley to the Vantage team where he joins as Associate Director.

Vantage awarded Occupier Fit-out at Citygate, Newcastle

We are delighted to be awarded Occupier Fit-out at Citygate, Newcastle.

Building Analytics Report Commissioned for One City Square, Leeds

Commissioned report will detail current energy intensity baseline, plant and equipment condition reporting, operational energy review, fossil fuel removal strategy, costed asset enhancement strategy and green building certification suitability.

Vantage awarded 4500sqft Fit-Out Works at Mainpoint, Edinburgh

We were so pleased to work with Innov8 Property Solutions on our recent solar project at Soapworks in Salford. Soapworks now benefits from a 380kWp rooftop solar installation, making use of available flat roof space to provide clean on-site energy generation – and the best bit, it pays for itself in just four years!

Our Turn-Key Process for Delivering Net Zero Buildings

Vantage is seeking an enthusiastic Project Surveyorto join our team. We are specifically looking for an individual with pre-construction experience, able to efficiently price and tender construction works across M&E and Fit our disciplines throughout the UK...

Practical Completion
 at Chantry Place

Our PV installation project at Chantry Place Shopping Centre, Norwich achieved practical completion in November. The new 230kWp PV array was delivered on schedule despite the team having to contend with Storm Babet and Storm Ciaran during a busy five week delivery programme...

Vantage recruiting
 for Project Surveyor

Vantage is seeking an enthusiastic Project Surveyorto join our team. We are specifically looking for an individual with pre-construction experience, able to efficiently price and tender construction works across M&E and Fit our disciplines throughout the UK...

Client Testimonial for Soapworks PV Projects

We were so pleased to work with Innov8 Property Solutions on our recent solar project at Soapworks in Salford. Soapworks now benefits from a 380kWp rooftop solar installation, making use of available flat roof space to provide clean on-site energy generation – and the best bit, it pays for itself in just four years!

Vantage Awarded Solar Installation at Mander Centre

Vantage is seeking an enthusiastic Project Surveyorto join our team. We are specifically looking for an individual with pre-construction experience, able to efficiently price and tender construction works across M&E and Fit our disciplines throughout the UK...