Microsoft opens northern office

Vendor claims the new office will bring it closer to partners in the north

Microsoft has opened an office in Manchester, in a move which it says will give it a "strong base" to work with partners in the north.

The office in Charlotte Street will be occupied by 100 Microsoft employees and used as a collaboration space for partners and customers, Microsoft said.

The vendor will be based on the seventh floor of the recently redeveloped NEO building.

"Manchester is really important to Microsoft and this is an exciting opportunity for us," said Derrick McCourt, general manager of Microsoft's UK customer success unit.

"We have a long-standing relationship built on common values, including industry, creativity and caring about people.

"We see the region as a core part of our strategy. This office is a commitment to the area and our customers, business partners here and in the north. It's also a commitment to the UK economy, and we are passionate about the role that technology plays in this country."

The new office becomes Microsoft's fourth in the UK, adding to its current bases in London, Edinburgh and its headquarters in Reading.