Newsteer has been recognised at the 2026 Insider North West Property Awards 2026, winning Property Deal of the Year for advising on Autotrader’s pre-let of No.3 Circle Square in Manchester.
The transaction is a strong example of what can be achieved when an ambitious occupier, an exceptional building and a collaborative advisory team come together with a shared focus on long-term value and business performance.
Acting on behalf of Autotrader, the Newsteer team, led by Stephen Downey, provided strategic occupier advice to secure a headquarters that supports the company’s future growth and workplace ambitions. The deal reflects our approach of going beyond individual transactions to help clients make property decisions that align with wider commercial objectives. With thanks to Alison Ross MBE and the wider Autotrader team for their trust throughout the process.
A collaborative team effort
The award recognises the contribution of an outstanding project team:
- Occupier: Autotrader
- Landlord: Bruntwood SciTech
- Tenant adviser: Newsteer
- Architect: Jon Matthews Architects
- Landlord agent: Knight Frank
- Project manager: AECOM
- Fit-out contractor: Oktra
#BeyondAdvice
At Newsteer, we combine strategic insight, technical expertise and commercial thinking to help occupiers make better real estate decisions. This award-winning project demonstrates how the right property strategy can support talent, culture and long-term business success.
