Law firms make Leeds moves
Two legal firms, Switalskis and Thompsons Solicitors, have moved into grade A office space this week, upgrading their working environments in a bid to attract and retain talent.
Following the building’s £20m refurbishment, law firm Switalskis has moved into Bruntwood SciTech’s West Village after 15 years at nearby St James House.
Having previously had its staff split across two floors, the firm has leased 3,300 sq ft of office space on one floor, citing the need to support its growth, and enhance its working practices and staff wellbeing.
Julie Guest, head of people at Switalskis, said: “One of our core goals is to be a great place to work, and creating the right office environment is key to achieving that. The Leeds office is the first step in a wider review of all our locations and we’re excited to see the positive impact it’s already having.
“A great workplace is more than having a decent desk and chair to work at. This new space encourages interaction and movement, with break out areas and a coffee bar, yoga classes, and a bike store. The feedback from our Leeds team has been hugely positive so far, which we’re delighted with.”
John Durkan, managing director at Switalskis, added: “Finding a space that would provide a dynamic and stimulating working environment while providing space to grow were crucial to the move. We feel we’ve found this at West Village.”
The firm employs 41 people in Leeds and has offices in Barnsley, Wakefield, Bradford, Doncaster, Huddersfield, Knaresborough, Pontefract, Sheffield, York, and London.
Thompsons has taken a 10-year lease. Credit: via Space PR
Meanwhile, 10 South Parade in the city is now fully let following Thompsons Solicitors move into 3,600 sq ft.
CBRE’s office agency team in Leeds secured the latest tenant, acting for Wilton Developments, who develop and manage the building for the owner East Parade Ltd.
The firm is relocating its 64-strong Leeds team from Coverdale House on East Parade to the high-quality offices at South Parade, stating its commitment to attracting and retaining the best legal talent.
This latest occupier follows a deal with marketing agency IDHL earlier this month, which snapped up the largest floor within the building. Existing tenants include Armstrong Watson, Odgers Berndston, SCP and DB3 Architecture.
Nicola Harrison, managing partner in Leeds for Thompsons Solicitors said: “This move supports our firm’s continued growth and ensures we can better serve the thousands of clients we represent across West and North Yorkshire from our Leeds office. Additionally, it will provide an enhanced working environment for our dedicated Leeds office team.”
Clair McGowan, director, CBRE Leeds, said: “10 South Parade has continually evolved to meet the needs of modern occupiers, thanks to an extensive redevelopment of the original building by Wilton Developments.
“It is prominently positioned in the heart of the professional and financial business core with a range of services on the doorstep and excellent transport connectivity. The building has attracted high-profile businesses, and this deal now sees it fully occupied.”
