STANDARD Life has taken a 10-year lease on more than 7000 square feet of office space at Commercial Quay in Leith, which will soon be home to the mutual life company's direct sales office.

It accounts for more than 10% of the total 65,000 sq ft of office space available at the Forth Ports' waterfront development. Other tenants will include Northcross Limited, TPS Consult and architect Campbell & Arnott.

Standard Life's direct customer division, employing some 50 people, will move in in August after spending more than three years at Canning House, near Edinburgh's Exchange district.

The company's lease on that space was due to run out next August, at which point the owners are hoping to refurbish the property.

About 80% of Standard Life's financial planning products are sold through independent financial advisers. The mutual company hopes the remaining 20% of its direct sales business will grow, creating more jobs at Commercial Quay.