OBI Acquires BE Group: A New Chapter for Manchester’s Commercial Real Estate Scene

In a city that thrives on bold moves, OBI’s acquisition of BE Group isn’t just another merger; it’s a strategic evolution designed to meet the demands of a more creative, content-driven property market.

The integration couldn't have come at a better time for Simon Roddam, now part of the OBI team in Transactions & Asset Management.

Simon Roddam - OBI, Transactions & Asset Management

“We’re now part of OBI, and there’s a lot they do that others don’t: videography, animators, a studio team,” he explains. “It’s an exciting time to be part of something that’s pushing the boundaries.”

Why It Happened — and Why It Works

At its core, the acquisition is about alignment. OBI’s reputation for blending consultancy with high-quality creative content set the stage.

BE Group brought complementary strengths, agency, tenant advisory, and an established network.

Together, the result is more than the sum of its parts.

But it wasn’t just the synergy of service lines that made BE Group an ideal fit. It was their reach.

“The appeal of BE wasn’t just their strong reputation — it was their geographical reach and specialist offering that complemented OBI’s core business,” Simon explains. “We’ve now got loads more resource, a real good team around us.”

As OBI looked to scale and strengthen its presence beyond its Manchester base, out-of-town BE Group brought the right coverage and expertise to make it happen.

Content as a Competitive Edge

While most property firms still rely on traditional brochures and press releases, OBI is leaning into a full-fledged media approach.

From short-form video to branded features like Through the Keyfob, their content strategy is built for modern attention spans — and Manchester’s media-savvy occupiers.

“We’re already producing some really good content that’s unlike anything else in the industry… but very relevant,” Simon adds.

For clients, this means storytelling becomes part of the strategy. Developments are no longer just spaces; they’re platforms for brand expression.

For Clients, It’s Simpler — and Smarter

With the acquisition, clients now benefit from a full-service advisory model that includes:

• Strategic advice backed by deep market knowledge

• Branded marketing assets from an in-house creative team

• Content and media support to drive visibility and influence

This speaks to a broader shift in how value is perceived in the industry. It’s no longer just about leasing space — it’s about shaping perception.

“Everyone's either an occupier or a potential client… and content is the bridge,” Simon says.

What’s Next

The integration is still fresh, but the tone is clear: this isn’t business as usual.

With the right people and tools in place, the OBI x BE team is positioned to lead on more than just deals; they’re setting the bar for how the industry communicates, competes, and grows.

For Simon, the vision is simple: keep creating, keep evolving, and help clients stand out in a market that rewards boldness.

“We’ve got the structure now to do something really different. That’s the exciting bit.”