Northern unicorn – a company valued at over $1bn – The Hut Group (THG) is adding 16,040 sq ft to its offices at MediaCityUK in Manchester.

One of the world’s largest online beauty and wellbeing companies, THG is set to take additional office space on the 10th floor of Orange, which will bring the high-profile office development to full occupancy.

Having recently announced plans to open additional offices at Voyager and 4M at Manchester Airport, an additional 200 colleagues will form part of its highly skilled technology team from September 2018.

“We are delighted to establish this additional base for The Hut Group in the North,” said The Hut Group chief executive officer Matthew Moulding.

“The space and facilities at Orange are ideal for our expanding technology team. The concentration of highly creative and innovative businesses working in MediaCityUK, together with the lively business community, means we can tap into the talent pool there.”

THG has grown rapidly since its inception in 2004. It now employs colleagues representing 66 nationalities in offices located in 11 cities around the globe, in the UK, USA, Europe and Australia.

It also doubled its workforce in 2017 to over 4,000 and expects to create an additional 2,000 jobs in 2018.

Stephen Wild, managing director for MediaCityUK said: “The Hut Group is one of the most dynamic eCommerce operators who work at the cutting edge of FMCG retailing in the UK and we’re delighted that they have earmarked MediaCityUK to base their research and development function.

“Their neighbours will include international brands such as Ericsson, Kelloggs and ITV and their commitment to the site means that Orange is now fully let.

“They are exactly the kind of business we wanted to attract to this premium office space.”

Richard Lace, transactions and asset management for OBI, who represented The Hut Group said: “MediaCityUK is home to a thriving community of digital, media and creative businesses and will provide THG with the ideal workspace and amenities for them to develop and grow their team and continue to attract best in class talent.

“We were delighted to assist them with the search and look forward to seeing the new workspace when it opens in September.”