By Ade Cheatham, Chief Executive Officer at PKF Cooper Parry
WHEN drawing up plans for our new offices, I knew we wanted a space that would show our forward-thinking, dynamic approach – and which would make us stand out from the crowd.
The design had to reflect our unique culture and energy and we wanted it to shout to both our clients and our team that we think and act differently to traditional accountancy firms. We are not like the others; we don’t do grey. And it was imperative that our new offices communicated those things clearly and boldly…
We got what we wanted. We’ve been at Sky View since May 2014. Previously, we were spread out over three offices in Nottingham, Derby and Leicester. Now all 200-plus team members and partners are based all together next to East Midlands Airport.
The creative design and feel of the new office has made a massive difference to our business. People walk in and just want to be part of it. In terms of attracting and retaining talent, it is setting us apart. It absolutely captures what we’re all about as soon as you walk in.
The office has also succeeded in making us stand out from the crowd. People who visit are returning to their workplaces saying PFK Cooper Parry has raised the bar. Many want to do something similar with their premises.
We are putting a huge emphasis on creative thinking. I walk around the office now and see our people collaborating in break-out areas, holding meetings in the Dream Room or the Tree House Room, and I see students studying for their accountancy exams in the office rather than at home, simply because they prefer being here.
Our thinking and productivity is better and more joined up. Higher quality ideas are being generated – issues that would have previously taken several days to sort out are now being fixed via swift one-to-ones in break-out areas.
I’m delighted with our new office and so is the whole team. I don’t think it is a coincidence that we’ve won 15 new clients already this year.
© All Rights Reserved, BDLN 2014
