UNW bucks downsizing trend with office expansion

North East independent chartered accountancy and advisory firm UNW has significantly increased its office space in Newcastle’s prominent Citygate II building in a move that is set to provide the business with more space to grow.

The expansion, which comes as a result of continued success in the marketplace and a need to accommodate its growing team, sees the firm increase its office footprint at the site on St James’ Boulevard by over 35%.

Moving from its original 7,200sqft office space on the third floor, which it has occupied since 2008, UNW now occupies the entire 11,000sqft second floor. This is in addition to its existing 3,200sqft reception and client meeting suite on the ground floor.

In contrast with the post-pandemic downsizing trend in the market, the move to a larger office at Citygate II will accommodate UNW’s 185-strong team across one open plan space and allow for the creation of more jobs at the firm, including a further 15 graduate and apprentice roles in September 2024.

The newly acquired space has been transformed into a modern, open plan working environment and includes over a dozen internal meeting rooms and collaborative spaces, a state-of-the-art video conference room, as well as a large contemporary kitchen and social space.

Chris Wilson, Partner and Head of Corporate Finance at UNW, said: “This substantial investment in our facilities not only reflects our dedication to meeting the needs of our growing team but also ensures that we can continue to build on our success in recent years.”

“We’re creating a great place to work here at UNW. From the supportive, transparent, and inclusive culture that exists, right through to the high-quality training and development opportunities we provide. We know that providing our people, and those we plan to hire, with a first-class office environment where they can really thrive, will enable us to continue to recruit and retain some of the brightest and best talent in the region.

"We’re creating a great place to work here at UNW. From the supportive, transparent, and inclusive culture that exists, right through to the high-quality training and development opportunities we provide."

.