AI developer signs at Portland House
Ezoic is to base its UK headquarters at the Newcastle office building, having signed a 12-year lease for 8,000 sq ft as it relocates from Gateshead.
Formerly the home of Newcastle Building Society, Portland House was relaunched to the market in autumn 2022 and has secured a string of deals in recent months.
Ezoic UK, which develops AI technology for digital publishers seeking improvements in usability and content discovery while improving online advertising, will take space on the first floor.
In committing to Portland House, the firm follows the likes of property consultancy Eddisons, maritime and international trade law firm Mills & Co, barrister chambers Parklane Plowden, recruitment firm Central Employment and the latest in, wealth manager Raymond James, Monument.
Ezoic is moving from the Northern Design Centre in Gateshead. The tech provider was founded in 2010 in California, and has five global offices, the others being London, Mainz and Edmonton, Canada.
Mike McGuire, UK managing director at Ezoic, said: “Ezoic UK Ltd is thrilled to have secured space in this amazing building, from which we can continue to grow and develop our AI technology, while retaining and attracting the very best talent.
“The whole city is buzzing, but with its ongoing and further planned developments, this particular area is the perfect choice. The building’s heritage and history, blended with the sensitive, eco-conscious and efficient restoration, along with its central location, make this an incredible space for Ezoic team members to work and socialise, with gyms, culture, retail and dining opportunities literally on the doorstep.
“Newcastle is a truly vibrant city, becoming increasingly important as a UK tech hub, and we’re delighted to be a part of that buzz!”
Portland House sits in the East Pilgrim Street regeneration area.
Features of the building’s redevelopment include carbon-neutral flooring, motion-sensor LED lighting, a cooling system using only fresh rather than recycled air, and walls manufactured by Earthborn, the UK’s first license holder of the EU EcoLabel for environmental excellence. The sinks are made from 100% waterproof solid wood composite.
James Keegan said: “It is great feedback for us that the investment made into the building’s environmental and efficiency credentials are a big part of its attraction for firms of all kinds.
“We firmly believe in taking environmental responsibility through refurbishing outdated buildings. In taking this approach, we avoid releasing significant embodied carbon whilst still creating an exceptional office environment, as demonstrated at Portland House.”
