Allied London has announced the second tenant to occupy the XYZ building in Spinningfields, Manchester.
In a move that sees a departure from a traditional solution national law firm Shoosmiths is to occupy two floors of the XYZ Building, in excess of 32,000 sq. ft. of customisable shell space to create a state-of-the-art workspace that will transform the way a legal company operates.
The law firm has enjoyed rapid organic growth in the past five years and has built a reputation for offering superb client service, developing a strong foothold in the Manchester market.
Shoosmiths are one of the early adopters of the XYZ concept and are shaping a varied workspace solution that will set a precedent for other forward-thinking professional services companies.
Shoosmiths Partner Vaqas Farooq said: “We love being in Spinningfields and we now need to move forward in Manchester. We were looking for a work environment that is efficient but fits with our culture as a modern, professional service business embodying new work practice principles.
“We have some of the best lawyers in the region and they need a great workspace. We want them to share the values of our business and the best way to do that is invest in an environment where they can see and own values and adopt them in their workplace every day.”
Michael Ingall, Chief Executive of Allied London, said: “Shoosmiths are an intelligent legal business, and have recognised the need for a new type of workspace culture that will embrace amenity, ethics and culture and therefore what we are creating at XYZ is a perfect fit.
“We have been accommodating Shoosmiths for over 3 years in various Allied London locations within Spinningfields and having reached a medium-sized business, Shoosmiths have a real opportunity to shape that business through their workspace.
“We are really looking forward to working with them to achieve their vision in Spinningfields creating and delivering a precedent for a new type of workspace for a professional firm.
“I am confident Shoosmiths will fully embrace the concept of XYZ and gain significant benefit in doing so.”
Harold Brako, Shoosmiths partner and Manchester office head, added: “This move encapsulates Shoosmiths’ North West growth story which began with our move to Manchester in 2009. From a start-up of six people, we now have more than 150 staff and are growing in response to clients and market opportunities. We look forward to moving in to XYZ next year.”
Patrick Joynson of Savills and Claire Quinn of Irwin Mitchell Solicitors acted for Shoosmiths and Will Lewis of OBI Property and Brian Green of Ward Hadaway acted for Allied London.
