Business & Economy
Womble Bond Dickinson sets sights on next chapter after Newcastle Helix move
July 13, 2022
A law firm has switched to new city centre offices in a move it says “signals confidence in the North East”.
Womble Bond Dickinson has relocated its 420-strong Newcastle workforce into The Spark, on the city’s Helix development.
Spanning four storeys, bosses say the office has been designed to deliver an “activity-based working concept”, with soundproof booths, open group areas and quiet zones complementing traditional desks and audio-visual kits for hybrid and flexible working.
The move is the latest chapter in the transatlantic firm’s Newcastle story, which dates back to 1786 and latterly saw the business operate from the city’s Quayside.
Nigel Emmerson, partner and head of office [pictured below], said: “Newcastle Helix is already renowned as a hub of innovation in Europe and, as a firm dedicated to embracing and driving innovation in the legal sector, its values aligned perfectly with ours making it an obvious choice for our new office.
“It’s fantastic to have moved into The Spark – we first made this commitment during the pandemic, to play our part in the economic recovery of the region.”
And Nigel says the business has also played a major part in the design of the office space, with materials and products chosen for their environmental benefits.
He added: “It was incredibly important we created a space with green credentials that will evolve with us over time.
“Companies are under increasing pressure to meet sustainability quotas, and energy transition is a key area for us as part of our re:build Britain campaign too.
“So it’s only right our new office fully incorporates the green agenda.
“But it isn’t just about the quality of the design and build, it’s unique eco-systems that foster collaboration and support healthy workplace culture.
“The Spark provides a fantastic space for flexible, activity-based working and a city centre location that will benefit our people and clients.”
Newcastle Helix is a partnership between Newcastle City Council, Legal & General and Newcastle University.
It includes The Catalyst, which is home – among other operators – to the National Innovation Centre for Ageing and the National Innovation Centre for Data.
