Shoosmiths spreads its wings at Platform

The Leeds office of national law firm, Shoosmiths has marked its move into brand new workspace at the Platform building by announcing it will take up an additional 5,000 sq ft at the landmark development, on top of the full floor it is already occupying.

The announcement came as the law firm officially moved into its new, state-of-the -art premises at Bruntwood’s flagship Platform building in Leeds city centre, transferring its entire 65 strong team into an agile working environment. The move represents a major milestone in Shoosmiths’ vision to create a ‘Northern hub’ of legal expertise.

Having originally agreed a ten-year lease to occupy the whole of Platform’s ninth floor, taking approximately 10,000 sq ft of space, Shoosmiths has now signed up for an additional wing of the building – located on the tenth floor, which will enable it to grow its team and service additional clients.

Shoosmiths’ agile workspace on the ninth floor has been designed to foster collaboration and innovation, and features both shared and private office space for up to 80 people. The tenth floor space – which will launch this summer, will be designed in the same manner, with all staff across the two floors using laptops or tablet/hybrids to enable easy mobile working.

The move to Platform and the take-up of additional office space there has been spurred by Shoosmiths Leeds’ growing client base and marks a significant step forward in the firm’s long-term plan to strengthen its presence across the North.

The law firm has been operating in Leeds since December 2016, where it started with just seven members of staff. It has since grown organically and appointed several partners across a range of specialisms.

A strategic investment for the firm, Shoosmiths’ new Leeds headquarters will support recruitment and ensure the office can continue to pursue its growth ambitions.

Paul Stokey, head of Shoosmiths Leeds, said: “We’re very happy to be in our new home at Platform, which marks the start of an exciting new chapter for the Leeds office. Platform has set a new standard for workspace in the Leeds city region and is the ideal location for us to base our operations.

“We have already taken the decision to expand our footprint at Platform, as we have a need to grow our team in response to our increasing presence in the regional market, which has seen us achieve some significant client wins of late. We also recognise that, as part of the wider community of innovative, collaborative businesses that Platform is so effectively nurturing, we can benefit from shared ideas, on-site networking and new business opportunities.

“Our investment in a modern, agile office space enables our team to work together effectively and continue to deliver high-quality client services. The health and wellbeing of our employees is a priority and our new office will allow our staff to benefit from a spacious, open environment with greater levels of interaction with colleagues.

“Shoosmiths Leeds is continuing to grow from strength to strength and Platform offers a fantastic space for our team to develop as we look to reinforce our position as the UK’s leading law firm.”

Craig Burrow, Bruntwood’s director for Leeds, said: “Shoosmiths was the first customer we secured at Platform and we are thrilled they are already extending their space with us.

“The announcement is a perfect example of how collaboration and connectivity are at the heart of Platform’s offer and demonstrates our vision of creating a hub where the region’s businesses can grow.

“There continues to be a real buzz around the building and we look forward to seeing the Platform community continue to flourish as more businesses move in.”

Bruntwood’s flagship 13-storey Platform building provides a collaborative co-working environment alongside an array of amenities, including an open-air roof terrace, lounge and meeting rooms, plus shower facilities, changing rooms and secure bike racks.