Brabners Kicks Off New Growth Cycle with Manchester & Preston Office Moves

Leading independent law firm Brabners is to relocate its Manchester and Preston offices this summer as it marks the start of the next phase of its strategic growth plan.

The 400-strong firm, which also has offices in Liverpool’s Exchange Flags, will see its Manchester team move to AEW’s 100 Barbirolli Square following the lifting of Covid-19 work-from-home guidance. Brabners has taken 20,000 sq. ft of Grade A space across the top two floors at the newly-refurbished development near St Peter’s Square.

Employees will have access to amenities including a coffee lounge and a fitness and yoga studio, as well as the square’s new £1m independent street food venue, Society, which is due to open this summer.

The move from Brabners’ existing Manchester office in King Street will enable it to embrace agile working more effectively, in a modern collaborative office environment.

In addition, the firm is also expected to move its Preston operations to a new location in the area later in the year.

The planned moves in both Manchester and Preston coincide with the start of the firm’s next growth cycle, and follow on from the 23% growth in turnover the firm has achieved since it started its strategic change programme in 2017.

Savills (joint agents alongside OBI) let 100 Barbirolli Square on behalf of AEW, with Knight Frank acting for Brabners.

Robert White, chief executive at Brabners, said: “Our planned office moves in both Manchester and Preston represent the latest major investment in Brabners’ future. The timing of both moves provides a real opportunity to re-define the purpose of our offices, based on what we have learnt over the past 12 months; while also capitalising on the opportunity to align our office environment with a move to agile working.

“Our new offices will provide a modern collaborative environment for our people and our clients, and I am sure that having this outstanding space available will be more important than ever as we emerge from the pandemic.

“Much of the success we have enjoyed as a firm over the past four years has been the result of a continued investment in our people and our culture. As Brabners continues to grow, we look forward to the role all three office locations will play as we continue to consolidate our status as a Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For business.”

Richard Lowe, office agency director at Savills Manchester, said: “The investment from AEW into Barbirolli Square has created a new, standout work and leisure destination in the city centre. We’re delighted to have completed this major letting to Brabners for its new Manchester office and expect to see continued good demand for the remaining space across the scheme.”