Michelmores has advised BLOCK, the South West-founded flexible workspace operator, on its £6m investment led by the Gent Family Investment Company and supported by Isca Ventures.
Founded in Devon in 2021, BLOCK launched its first workspace at Plymouth’s historic Royal William Yard. Since then, the business has grown rapidly across the region, opening successful sites in Exeter, Taunton and Bristol and establishing itself as one of the South West’s fastest-growing flexible workspace providers. The business is now a multi award-winning operator, recognised for both its innovative and flexible way of working, design-led spaces, and strong commercial performance.
In 2022, BLOCK was also one of the first businesses to secure investment from MAINstream, Michelmores’ UKBAA registered angel investor network, securing significant backing from several investors.
This new £6 million investment enables BLOCK to fund its national expansion plans. In 2026, the business will open new flagship sites in Manchester and Birmingham, taking the brand into two of the UK’s most dynamic regional cities. The new locations will be housed in landmark buildings including Sunlight House in Manchester and One Colmore Square in Birmingham, with openings planned for spring and summer. There is also a strong pipeline of other sites BLOCK will be looking to expand into as it rolls out its national growth plan.
The Michelmores team was led by Harry Trick, with support from Ben Adams, Harry Jones, Philippa Kean (all Corporate), Cathy Bryant (Tax), Karen Williams (Banking) and Stephen Newson (Real Estate).
Ben Cheriton, Founder and CEO of BLOCK Workspace, commented:
“This is an incredibly exciting moment for BLOCK. We have found the right funding partners to support the next phase of our journey, and this investment allows us to take a business that was born in the South West and scale it nationally.
Michelmores have been an integral part of the BLOCK journey to date. Their support on this transaction was both professional and highly responsive. We set an ambitious completion timetable and the key parties involved, led by Harry, went above and beyond to ensure it was achieved. The fact that the Michelmores’ Mainstream Network also supported BLOCK’s first fundraise further reinforces our appreciation for the firm and underpins our continued trust and loyalty.”
Harry Trick, Partner at Michelmores, commented:
“We are delighted to have supported BLOCK on this significant transaction, and are looking forward to seeing how Ben and the team are able to grow the business with the support of the Gent Family and Isca Ventures.
It is particularly satisfying given that BLOCK was one of the first businesses to secure investment from MAINstream – it is a great example of how our network is able to help provide exciting SW businesses such as BLOCK with a platform from which to grow.”
Tim Gent, CEO of Gent Family Investment Company added:
“BLOCK presents an opportunity to be involved with a driven and committed board that take pride in delivering innovative and dynamic solutions in a fast developing market. We have been impressed with the level of knowledge and expertise within the team and look forward to a healthy and exciting growth cycle.”
Other advisors on the deal were Bishop Fleming (tax advisors to BLOCK), Isca Ventures (lead corporate finance advice to the Gent Family Investment Company) and Ashfords (legal advisor to the investors).
