Patent and trade mark attorneys Forresters have relocated their Birmingham office in a milestone move for the business.
Located on the ninth floor of 45 Church Street, the new location reflects a modern approach to the workplace, offering a unique balance of open-plan collaborative areas and dedicated private offices for individual focus.
The move also represents a significant update for the firm, which was founded in Birmingham in 1884, and recently celebrated its 140th anniversary. To honour this rich heritage, décor in the new office features books with an original signature and a historical stamp from founders Charles Ketley and Harold Forrester.
Oktra, a renowned workplace design company, was appointed to lead the fit-out. Oktra worked closely with Forresters' Business and Projects executive Chrissy McKenzie, who coordinated the project internally alongside a working group.
Andy Burke, project director at Oktra, said: “This project has been a total collaboration from start to finish, with our design and commercial teams working closely with Forresters and their working group, to understand how their new workplace needed to perform to support Forresters as they continue to grow and succeed into the future. This collaborative process has been a key factor in the success of the project, and we are delighted to have worked with Forresters to create their workplace for the future.”
An important factor in the design was actively promoting employee wellbeing within the workspace. With features such as live plants, natural timber finishes, and a soothing interior palette of neutral colours, including terracotta, charcoal, and aubergine, the scheme creates a positive, calm and comfortable space for employees and visiting clients.
Included in this is the new Wellbeing Room - a quiet, comfortable place for private conversations, or for Forresters' Mental Health First Aiders to offer support to colleagues facing challenges.
Sustainability and community support played a major role in the transition from Forresters’ previous home at Rutland House. In addition to recycling furniture and equipment, the firm donated various pieces of office furniture to local charities and organisations, including Mencap, Girl Guides, and Reynalds Cross School in Solihull - a special school for pupils aged three to 19 with severe learning difficulties and life-limiting conditions.
Managing partner at Forresters Matt Shaw said: “The way we work has changed drastically over the last few years, and we are eager to embrace a forward-thinking approach. The new office design strikes the perfect balance, delivering stunning open-plan areas for team collaboration and relaxation, alongside private offices that support the deep focus and high concentration tasks typical of an IP law firm.
"It’s a space that invites people in, which is crucial in an era where flexible working has become the norm. We’re really excited to have moved into this new space. We look forward to welcoming clients and associates and we’re sure our colleagues will love working here."
Picture credit: Edward Moss Photography
