A Bristol-based technology company has secured a move to larger premises in the city to accommodate its rapid growth, reinforcing the city’s position as a major tech hub.
Ultrahaptics creates tactile sensations in mid-air using ultrasound, without the user having to wear or touch anything. The innovative technology can be used to create virtual buttons, switches and 3D shapes that can be felt in mid-air. Spun out from a University of Bristol PhD project in 2013, the company secured over £10m in its first major round of funding in October 2015, and a grant of €1.49m from the European Commission to help expand the applications for the technology. Ultrahaptics is engaged with worldwide automotive, computing and consumer appliance companies with a mission to change the way we interact with machines in our everyday lives.
Cushman & Wakefield and Alder King, who acted on behalf of the landlord, secured the letting of the 7,200 sq. ft. Grade A office suite in One Glass Wharf, located within the Bristol Enterprise Zone. Now only one suite of 6,800 sq ft (which has the potential to accommodate 50 – 80 staff) remains available in the landmark Grade A building which is home to Burges Salmon, EMO, Santander and now Ultrahaptics.
Ultrahaptics’ grew out of Engine Shed, a joint initiative between Bristol City Council, the University of Bristol and the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership, to support economic growth and inward investment.
Phil Moore, Associate Director at Cushman & Wakefield in Bristol, said: “Bristol is punching well above its weight when it comes to technology, securing Ultrahaptics as a tenant at One Glass Wharf is vitally important as it means that a growing business is staying in the region in which it began, helping to build on Bristol’s reputation in this sector.
“Retaining and attracting progressive, creative companies will ensure Bristol’s position as a hub for innovative businesses, laying the foundations for growth to continue. A key challenge for the region now is to ensure that there is sufficient high-quality office space to meet the continued demand.”
Steve Cliffe, Ultrahaptics CEO, added: “Glass Wharf is the perfect location for us. Having grown from 4 to 28 employees in little over a year, and expecting to be 40 by the end of the summer, we were keen to find somewhere we could continue to grow, whilst staying within reach of the train station and vibrant surrounding area. It’s a great place to work and attract new recruits.”