Pinsent Masons toast Spinningfields move

LAW firm Pinsent Masons celebrated its move to Manchester’s Spinningfields business district last night.

Office managing partner Helen Ridge said the relocation from two sites at Barbirolli Square and Peter House was a statement of the firm’s intent in the Manchester and North West market place.

She said: “The office is a symbol of our long term investment in Manchester, and I’m very proud. It’s the culmination of a two year project and it brings the team together in in one place in what I think is a great working environment – the best in the city.”

Guest of honour at the launch party was Sir Howard Bernstein, chief executive of Manchester City Council, who expressed hope for the city’s prospects, despite the recession.

He said Spinningfields was the “strongest manifestation of how Manchester does business”, and the culmination of a strategic plan by the council to elevate the city’s position as a major business location.

“We did a clear analysis which told us that while there were some good buildings in the city, Manchester was not punching its full weight in the market place.”

He said the city had been lucky to forge a relationship with Michael Ingall and his company, property developer Allied London, who at Spinningfields created a “fantastic place of awesome skill and quality.”

Turning to the wide economic picture he said: “Although times are hard, let’s hope we come out of it soon.

“There are still things happening in this city, and although they are moving at a slower than before, they are very important, and we hope soon to have cause to celebrate.

He praised the leadership of the business community  for its “commitment and ambition” and highlighted the Helping Hands initiative, which has been set up by the council and private sector as a partnership to help the city region weather the storm of the recession.

“Initiatives like this make Manchester unique, and it is a privilege for me to serve this city.”