Law firm Shoosmiths expands at Leeds city centre's Platform building

The Leeds office of national law firm, Shoosmiths is set to expand at the Platform building by taking up an additional 5,000 sq ft on top of the full floor it is already occupying.

The announcement came as the law firm officially moved into its new premises at Bruntwood’s flagship Platform building in Leeds city centre.

Having originally agreed a ten-year lease to occupy the whole of Platform’s ninth floor, taking a total of 10,000 sq ft of space, Shoosmiths has now signed up for an additional wing of the building located on the tenth floor.

Shoosmiths’ workspace on the ninth floor features both shared and private office space for up to 80 people. The tenth floor space, which will launch this summer, will be designed in the same manner, with all staff across the two floors using laptops or tablet/hybrids to enable mobile working.

The law firm has been operating in Leeds since December 2016, where it started with just seven members of staff. Shoosmiths has since grown organically and appointed several partners across a range of specialisms.

Shoosmiths’ new Leeds headquarters will support recruitment and ensure the office can continue to grow.

Paul Stokey, head of Shoosmiths Leeds, said: “We’re very happy to be in our new home at Platform, which marks the start of an exciting new chapter for the Leeds office. Platform has set a new standard for workspace in the Leeds city region and is the ideal location for us to base our operations.

“We have already taken the decision to expand our footprint at Platform, as we have a need to grow our team in response to our increasing presence in the regional market, which has seen us achieve some significant client wins of late.

“We also recognise that, as part of the wider community of innovative, collaborative businesses that Platform is so effectively nurturing, we can benefit from shared ideas, on-site networking and new business opportunities.

Paul added: “Our investment in a modern, agile office space enables our team to work together effectively and continue to deliver high-quality client services. The health and wellbeing of our employees is a priority and our new office will allow our staff to benefit from a spacious, open environment with greater levels of interaction with colleagues.

“Shoosmiths Leeds is continuing to grow from strength to strength and Platform offers a fantastic space for our team to develop as we look to reinforce our position as the UK’s leading law firm.”

Craig Burrow, Bruntwood’s director for Leeds, commented: “Shoosmiths was the first customer we secured at Platform and we are thrilled they are already extending their space with us.

“The announcement is a perfect example of how collaboration and connectivity are at the heart of Platform’s offer and demonstrates our vision of creating a hub where the region’s businesses can grow.

“There continues to be a real buzz around the building and we look forward to seeing the Platform community continue to flourish as more businesses move in.”