BLM Offices – Manchester
TSK Group was tasked with giving BLM an adaptable and dynamic workspace for their law firm in Manchester, England.
Introduction
Leading insurance risk and commercial law firm, partnered with interior design specialists TSK to design and build their new Manchester HQ.Body
BLM, needed a more agile, collaborative and wellbeing focussed environment for their 600+ Manchester-based team. Their team was disseminated across two buildings and fourteen floors which restricted collaboration and a true sense of belonging. Their siloed teams needed an environment that would encourage a greater sense of community.The new 71,000 sq ft workplace at Two New Bailey building in Salford is spread across just four floors. Instead of assigning each employee a fixed desk, the new office has a much more versatile and flexible layout that is tailored to the needs of their people. The new space encourages employees and clients to get together, share ideas and feel connected.
The way in which individuals could connect and collaborate was carefully considered, and the workplace has been designed so that employees could utilise technology to work effectively in smaller teams, and across larger teams. The office is designed to house a series of neighbourhoods that allow agile teams to do their best work and move forward with a digital-first strategy
The design puts a greater focus on the health and wellbeing of their staff, with integrated wellbeing rooms on each floor, and the flexible town hall space gives the workplace a central location that encourages social interaction between the different teams. These spaces can be used for yoga, support sessions, multi-faith rooms and employees can retreat to these areas for reflection and refreshment at any time during the day.
The biophilic design principles incorporate natural materials, natural light and nature itself with plants adorning the space to restore calm, aid focus, and generate a willingness and excitement that allows their people to flourish in the space. With seating near windows it gives employees greater access to natural light, and the exterior city views encourage creativity and sense of place.
Every last detail of BLM’s new Manchester workspace has been carefully considered, from the layout to the final finishes.The flexible workplace offers an amazing setting that supports hybrid working and boosts productivity. It’s been built with agility and flexibility in mind, so the space can adapt and evolve over the years to come.
Design: TSK Group
Photography: Midi Photography