BECTU Make New Home At MediacityUK

The Independent trade union has opened a base within The Pie Factory at MediaCityUK, joining the creative community at the heart of the £600million Peel Media development.
BECTU, which already has offices in London, Cardiff, Birmingham and Glasgow, represents staff and freelances working in broadcasting, film, theatre, entertainment, leisure, interactive media and allied areas. Organising Official, Jo Livesey and Assistant, Christine Yates, will be based at Salford Quays.
Whilst the union works closely with the BBC, who will be re-locating 2,300 employees to the MediaCityUK from 2011, the new base will be a key resource for the north-west region and for the union's members and prospective members across the creative sectors.
Andy Waters, Head of Studios, Peel Media, said: "We are delighted that BECTU has decided to join us here at The Pie Factory. We hope the union's team benefits from being part of the thriving hub we've built here at MediaCityUK and from the close proximity to our anchor tenant the BBC."
BECTU said: "We look forward to supporting workers based at MediaCityUK and across the North of England from our new base. This is an exciting time and we will be pleased to play our part in ensuring that good opportunities, for staff and freelances, are in evidence at MediaCityUK."
Formerly a food production line, The Pie Factory now accommodates three sound stages ranging from 3,000sq ft to 6,800 sq ft and a choice of office accommodation. It also incorporates a costume department, make-up rooms, dressing rooms and green rooms together with 24/7 security and parking.
Extra office accommodation was recently created within The Pie Factory to cope with the growing demand for space. To date, there are 25 businesses located in The Pie Factory including Take 2, Made in Manchester, Web Potential, TSL, Toasted Productions, Gallowglass, MK-V, Axon Birch, 24-7, Purple Crew.
Last month, Peel Media announced that Satellite Information Services (SIS) are set to expand their presence at MediaCityUK and relocate its London operation to the new studio facilities which are located at the heart of MediaCityUK.
(BMcN/KMcA)