Just weeks into the firm’s new tenancy at the Victorian-era Printworks building in Belfast, ‘collegiality’ is the new buzz word at law firm Millar McCall Wylie.
“It’s the best move we’ve ever made. Everyone bought into the change from day one - and nobody wants to go back,” managing partner Jan Cunningham says.
Founded in 1997 and with a team of specialists across all aspects of law, MMW is the first company to move into the imposing 32,000 sq ft Printworks office development on Queen Street.
The five-storey Victorian-era red brick warehouse has undergone extensive restoration by Angus Properties (it is owned by Pete Boyle, the businessman behind the Argento jewellery chain) costing around £8 million.
“It’s the modern way to go. Have we done the right thing? Absolutely,” Jan adds.
“Previously we were operating in dribs and drabs, stuck away in various corners, two or three people to one office.
“But this gives us a different dynamic altogether, and one which I see as propelling the firm to new levels.”
Millar McCall Wylie has relocated 45 of its staff to the Printworks (it still retains a smaller office in east Belfast).
“We want to get our numbers at the Printworks to 60 fairly quickly, and this move makes a real statement,” says Jan.
“It gives us the platform for being collegiate, and a way of selling the firm.
“Ensuring all our people - from the year one paralegals through to the managing partners - are motivated and fulfilled is our absolute focus, and this building will provide the perfect backdrop for them to keep delivering for our clients.
“Collegiality needs to be embedded - and it is here already.”
The late Victoria warehouse was built in 1895 for R Carswell & Son’s printworks, bookbinders and stationers, constructed with wrought iron columns and beams, allowing for generous floor to ceiling height and large windows which flood the interior with natural light.
Angus Properties is redeveloping the building to provide retail on the ground floor and offices on the upper floors.
A Belfast-based PR company is due to move into the building within weeks, while other prospective corporate tenants include an overseas consultancy company.
“We’re really looking forward to getting some company in here and welcoming our new neighbours,” Jan says.
“This relocation has represented a massive investment by our company, but we know we’ve picked the right place, fitted it out correctly, and the Printworks makes a statement, giving us a strong foothold which we’re prepared to build on.
“I genuinely believe it can also win us clients and ensure the recruitment and retention of staff. It shows we’re going places.”
The firm’s chief operating officer Christopher McCandless, who helped lead the project, added: “We wanted to find a city centre location that was easily accessed, but importantly also reflected that we are a progressive firm with long established roots in Belfast.
“The Printworks couldn’t be more a perfect choice for us. It is an iconic building steeped in heritage which has been restored beautifully to combine the original industrial aesthetic with striking modern design.
“The open plan office space is filled with natural light and we have created several soundproof pods and breakout areas for privacy. Other stand-out features include the cast iron columns, original exposed ceiling joints, a glass fronted elevator and an outdoor terrace.
“We believe it will make the perfect setting for our team to grow and I would like to thank our design team and all our contractors and suppliers who have worked tirelessly to bring our vision for The Printworks to life.”
