Leading legal business DWF has advised the UK’s largest high street insurance broker, Swinton Group, on the relocation of its Greater Manchester headquarters and contact centre. The insurer has agreed the lease of a 165,000sq ft space across ten floors in Salford’s landmark Embankment development.
DWF advised on the deal which exchanged today and negotiated all lease agreements for the client. DWF real estate partner Anita Gupta and director Christina Suddes led the team with support from real estate senior associate Robin Sharp and construction director Chris Henshaw, alongside tax expertise from corporate partner John Toon.
Anita comments: “We were delighted to support Swinton in securing their relocation to one of the city’s pre-eminent developments. This deal had a number of complexities to it to determine the best arrangements for Swinton to ensure a smooth transition from one headquarters to another. It demonstrates DWF’s ability to advise on every aspect of a transaction, utilising people across a number of teams to see the deal across the line.”
Justine Thompson at Swinton Group says: “ The team at DWF has been meticulous in its advice to help ensure our move runs as smoothly as possible for both our people and our business.”
Swinton Group is expecting to start the fit-out of the property later this month with a view to commencing its relocation into the building early next year.
The circa 200-strong national real estate team at DWF has been involved in a number of high-profile property transactions across the UK recently, including advising Whitbread on an £85m hotel deal in London’s Kings Cross, advising Arch Northumberland on its largest North East deal this year and recently secured an appointment to the West Midlands Combined Authority panel to advise on upcoming property and major infrastructure projects.