Global law firm heads to No1
INTERNATIONAL law firm Squire Patton Boggs is to move its Manchester office to No.1 Spinningfields, the new 260,000 sq ft centrepiece of the city’s business district.
The firm, which is moving from Trinity Court on John Dalton Street, which has been its home for more than 20 years, is taking 27,500 sq ft in the Allied London building, which is under construction.
From 2017 it will occupy three levels on the tower floors of the development, and becomes the second major professional services firm to take space there, joining accountants PwC as tenants.
Rob Elvin, office managing partner at Squire Patton Boggs, said the move is a “real statement of intent” by the firm, which has 44 offices in 21 countries.
He told TheBusinessDesk.com: “Five years after our Trans-Atlantic merger, we have never been more committed to Manchester and the North West. We’re very excited to be moving to what I am sure will be an outstanding space which will foster collaboration among our teams.
“Spinningfields has an amazing energy and vibrancy and we are looking forward to being a part of this community.”
Elvin said Manchester is firnly on the map of the Washington DC -headquartered firm. Six of its global practice group leaders and a member of the board are based in the city.
He said the firm is looking to grow its Manchester office head count, which currently stands at 123.
Chris Reay, Spinningfields Estate Director at Allied London said: “Squire Patton Boggs is a global business with a clear ambition in Manchester. Only No.1 Spinningfields could accommodate their requirements, being the highest specification building outside of London and offering the unrivalled environment of Spinningfields.
“We are developing a world-class building and it will provide the perfect opportunity for Squire Patton Boggs to attract the best talent in the legal sector.
Michael Ingall, Allied London’s chief executive added: “We have been working with Squire Patton Boggs for some time and have been able to fully understand what they do and looked carefully at how they work in London, New York and other cities.
“We are delighted that this process has led to Squire Patton Boggs securing the best real estate solution available to them: a world-class solution for a world-class business. So many organisations get this process wrong, and fail to understand the differences between taking a lease on some office space, and creating an appropriate and special workplace for their business.”
Manchester-based OBI Property advised Squire Patton Boggs. Shoosmiths acted as Allied London’s legal adviser.
