That’s the Wrap: OBI’s Take October 2026

Let’s do this thing! Big push to the end of 2026. Some Oct highlights:

Corporate deal of the month:

BGF exited Mission Mars, which since its initial investment in 2018 has grown from 2 sites to 44, with Rudy’s and Albert’s Schloss powerhouse brands. We’ve worked with BGF on their Marsden St move and see many more smart moves to come.

Property deal of the month:

Nice to support Robert Walters on a 5-year lease at No1 Spinningfields.

Business of the month:

Great to see here, a really inspirational piece on how the North West empowers everything DWF do globally, underlining the dealmaking talent in the region. “Whatever we do anywhere else in the world, we do it here in Manchester” – DWF partners on how North West underpins firm’s growth aspirations | Insider Media

Eyecatcher:

Oval’s massive Albert Bridge House replacement is signed off. With 17,37 and 49 storey towers, it will transform Manchester’s riverside.

One to watch:

Manchester business legend Steve Oliver has stepped down as CEO of Music Magpie, with Jonathan Miller taking the helm. A great business, now part of the AO empire. Good luck to all.

One for the future:

£7m has been approved to prep a pan-Northern Olympic bid. Far better to spread regen benefits, rather than lump venues into one city. And surely it will mean focus on transport links?

What we’ve liked this month:

Well done to the main man Alex Russell, who cracked the 4hr mark is his third marathon in Amsterdam. Lisa Morton was a richly deserved double winner with We Built This City at the Manchester Publicity Awards. And we’re proud to sponsor for the 3rd year running Northern Leaders.