Wealth management firm doubles office space with move to flagship scheme

Investec Wealth & Investment, one of the UK’s largest private client wealth management firms, is to relocate to larger premises in Leeds to cater for strong client growth and accommodate more staff.

The firm is taking 20,500 sq ft of space at MEPC’s 3 Wellington Place, 60% larger than the size of its previous office at Quayside House at Canal Wharf in Leeds’ South Bank.

The move is expected to take place in Q4 this year.

The Leeds office is one of 15 that IW&I has around the UK and, along with its Sheffield office, one of two serving private clients and financial advisers across Yorkshire and the surrounding region.

The office is targeting additional hires going forward to manage increased private client and financial planning activity as well as fulfilling the strong demand IW&I says it is seeing from financial advisers for the firm’s discretionary fund management service.

Rowena Houston, divisional director and head of the Leeds office, said: “The move to Wellington Place reflects the success of the Leeds business and our need to expand.

“We have seen increased activity from across our regional client base, from private clients and intermediaries, and we are responding by investing in resources and talent.”

Knight Frank advised on the deal.

Eamon Fox, partner and head of department at Knight Frank in Leeds, said:“This is one of the more significant office deals in the city so far this year. It is both a ringing endorsement of the Wellington Place development and another example of the renaissance of the western side of the city centre.”

JLL is joint marketing agent with Knight Frank.