Burnham opens global insurer’s new Manchester office in prestige location
Aon has moved into new premises at 11 York Street in Manchester city centre, also home of TheBusinessDesk.com.
Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham cut the ribbon today and welcomed Aon’s 200 Manchester-based staff to their new home.
He was joined by representatives from across all of Aon’s teams, along with current and recent graduates of the firm’s apprenticeship programme.
Aon employs around 200 insurance and risk management specialists at its Manchester office.
Burnham said: “It’s an honour to officially welcome the Aon team to their new Manchester office. Insurance is a major employer for this city and helps to grow the local economy. It’s great to see a business such as Aon committing its future to the city and to supporting clients right across the North West.
“It has been a pleasure to meet the team and hear about Aon’s initiatives to attract young people into the industry through professional apprenticeships and work experience programmes. It’s clear to see from the work the team does and the clients they work with, that Aon is providing the exciting career opportunities needed to help retain talent in the city, thereby strengthening Manchester’s position as the Insurance Powerhouse of the North. This fantastic new office is a really impressive space and somewhere I’m sure the Aon team will enjoy working.”
Aon which employs around 50,000 people worldwide, has taken the full 17,282 sq ft fifth floor of 11 York Street which allows the company to bring the whole Manchester-based team together in one space in a flexible, collaborative, open, working environment for all colleagues.
Michael Barber, Aon Manchester Branch Director, Commercial Risk Solutions, said: “Manchester is the UK’s second insurance city and one of Aon’s most prominent locations. Investing in this new city centre base is a key part of our growth ambition for the North West.
“This high quality and inspiring working environment, with its state-of-the-art amenities and strong ESG benefits, reflects a deep-seated commitment to our colleagues and clients.”
An environmentally-conscious choice for Aon, 11 York Street is BREEAM Excellent and EPC A rated and incorporates state-of-the-art lighting, heating and cooling systems to reduce carbon emissions and improve internal air quality. Public and sustainable transport options are encouraged for employees as the building is located five minutes from the Market Street and Piccadilly tram stops, and is close to the city’s bus terminals. Cyclists are also well catered for with 58 bike storage lockers, showers and drying facilities on site.
As well as being home to TheBusinessDesk.com, the 80,000 sq ft 11 York Street office is also the Manchester base for Rolls-Royce, Avison Young, and Teneo. It is owned by Aviva Investors, the global asset management business of Aviva Plc.
Aon was advised on their deal by CBRE.
Picture: Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham (centre) cutting the ribbon at the new 11 York Street office with members of the Aon team including Debbie Peters (Regional Managing Director, North & Central), Michael Barber (Aon Manchester Branch Director, Commercial Risk Solutions), Beverley Stones (Client Management Director), Jonathan Craven (Partner in Aon’s Wealth Solutions business), and representatives from the firm’s apprenticeship programme.
