Blackfish nets new HQ

A science fiction publisher on a mission to expand has found anew home in the city.

Blackfish Publishing, which launched monthly sci-fi title DeathRay in May last year, has moved into newly-refurbished offices in Monmouth Place.

The company started life in offices in Walcot Street, butBlackfish is now looking to launch new magazines in the next 12months.

The search for more space led the firm to the first-floor, open-plan offices in Monmouth Place.

Blackfish has now taken on a six-year lease of the 1,195sq ftunit, which was let by Bath property agent HPH Commercial Property.

The business was formed by Future Publishing veteran Matt Bielby,who was responsible for launching some of that firm's mostsuccessful titles, including Total Film, PC Gamer and SFX.

Mr Bielby said: "Due to the nature of publishing and how we work together, we really needed to find good quality open-plan offices,which can be very tricky in Bath due to the historic nature of thebuildings.

"This office is a fantastic space for us and will help ourambitious expansion plans as we look to increase the portfolio oftitles we produce."

Blackfish will be neighbours with long-established specialistsports retailer John Moore Sports, which began trading from theground floor earlier this year.

HPH managing director Lindsay Holdoway said: "I am delighted thatsuch a young and vibrant company as Blackfish has taken up thisoffice.

"We invested considerable time and resources in therefurbishment to ensure that we could offer first- class officespace in the heart of Bath.

"I wish Matt and his team great success with the next stage inthe development of their business."

City agents King Sturge and Crisp Cowley were joint lettingagents on both the ground- and first-floor units.