The Derby office of national law firm Freeths, is to adopt a new hybrid working strategy moving forward, realigning its space to move into newly designed 2271 sq ft offices at Cardinal Square.
The forward-thinking law firm has reviewed its office portfolio, taking into account the efficiency of agile working, the preferences of employees and clients, as well as accommodating the firm’s progressive and ongoing growth.
The review has concluded that, while remote working is likely to remain a core element in the future, the ability for clients and staff alike to physically come together and collaborate, as well as have meeting space, will always remain important to the Freeths offering.
Landlord Nurton Developments is delighted that Freeths has renewed its commitment to the building and believe their move will be adopted by many more in the business community, who are embracing a new way of working and feedback received from their employees and clients.
David Dyas, asset manager at Nurton Developments said: “Freeths has been a long-standing occupier and we’re pleased to accommodate them and work closely to enable them to create a modern, new creative and collaborative space for their employees.
‘The fact they’ve signed up again to the building says a lot for its layout and location as one of the most recognisable landmark offices in Derby, which is reflected by a number of long-term occupiers secured at Cardinal Square during its lifetime.”
Freeths is the second occupier to renew their lease at the building in recent months, with Cityfibre also increasing their requirement and taking a five-year commitment, having originally secured a short term serviced office agreement at Cardinal Square.
Sitting on the junction of the A61 and A52 alongside the Inner Ring Road, Cardinal Square offers excellent connectivity to the M1 and East Midlands Airport.
Dyas added: “We have always been flexible and more lateral in our thinking as landlords, and this philosophy has allowed us to retain and continue to improve our occupancy levels during the pandemic.
“Thankfully Cardinal Square is configured to cater for both start-ups and major corporates with our Flexibase serviced offices providing anything from a desk to an office suite. We also have floors from 7,000 sq ft which are dedicated to organisations like Freeths who want to stamp their own mark on them and can go up to 30,000 sq ft.
“As landlords we have to adapt to accommodate new requirements and work with occupiers in what has been a very uncertain market, to help nurture their business and ensure its long-term prosperity.
“What does come over loud and clear,” said David. “Is that occupiers still feel the office is important and there’s no substitute for face-to-face contact at times and for younger team members it’s an important element of the learning experience to develop their skills.”
Janet Rhodes, managing partner of Freeths Derby office added: “The pandemic has proven we can still offer excellent and immediate service, while working remotely and our lawyers are enjoying the benefits of a more flexible working environment.
“Moving to a more modern and progressive office platform will ensure benefits for both clients and our people, which is why we feel it is important to move forward and continue to embrace the office and all the benefits which technology offers.”
Cardinal Square is a five-story office building based around a central landscaped courtyard designed for the modern occupiers, easily accessed by public transport with onsite amenities including a serviced breakout area, ready-installed fast broadband into the building, on-site parking, receptionist and cycle storage.
For further information about taking space at Cardinal Square, contact Tim Richardson at FHP on 01332 224857 or timr@fhp.co.uk or Russell Rigby at Rigby & Co on 01332 203377 or russellrigby@rigbyandco.com.
To find out more about the Cardinal Business Centre managed workspace scheme, contact Phil Stone on 0121 222 5000 or email philip@flexibase.com.
