Dating back to 1807, Bibby is a famous name in the maritime sector and has diversified into retail, financial services, distribution and construction equipment hire. Tony McDonough reports

One of Liverpool’s oldest businesses – Bibby Line Group – is to relocate its city centre headquarters from Duke Street to Exchange Flags.

One of the most famous names in shipping, Bibby has in recent years diversified into retail, financial services, distribution and construction equipment hire. It turns over £1bn a year and employs 4,000 people in 16 countries.

It will move its 150 head office employees from Duke Street to 20,000 sq ft over two floors at Walker House in Exchange Flags, located behind Liverpool Town Hall. Bibby Financial Services will continue to serve clients out of its offices in Princes Parade.

John Cresswell, chief executive of Bibby Line Group, said: “Exchange Flags is a stunning building and represents an exciting opportunity to consolidate our long history in Liverpool city centre while providing the group with modern premises, better equipped for the needs of current and future colleagues and customers.

“Duke Street has served us well over the last 25 years but relocating to Exchange Flags brings us closer to the centre of the business community and provides our fantastic team with the best possible working environment and amenities, as we continue to invest for the future.”

Bibby was founded in Liverpool by John Bibby in 1807 and he’s established itself as a leading name in the global maritime sector. It claims to be the oldest independently owned deep sea shipping line in the world.

The Grade II-Listed Exchange Flags was acquired by Ashtrom Properties UK from Shelborn Asset Management in August 2019. It comprises 313,000 sq ft of offices over 10 floors, across Horton House and Walker House.

Guy Lewinsohn, chief executive at Ashtrom Properties UK, added: “Bibby Line Group is a prestigious tenant fitting for such an outstanding building and we’re proud that the business sees its future in Exchange Flags.”

Bibby was advised by Avison Young and DLA Piper. Ashtrom Properties UK was advised by Worthington Owen and Memery Crystal. It acquired the space within Walker House from Jackson Lees Group, who were advised by Weightmans and Worthington Owen.