Property consultancy Vail Williams has successfully acquired premises in Birmingham and Sheffield for leading intellectual property law firm Withers & Rogers.

The firm is relocating from Warwick to brand new Grade A space in landmark 103 Colmore Row, the 26-storey tallest office building in Birmingham city core.

Withers & Rogers is also relocating within Sheffield to prime city centre grade A office space on the second floor of centrally located 1 St Paul’s Place. Withers & Rogers is one of Europe’s largest dedicated intellectual property law firms, with offices across the UK and in Paris and Munich.

Josh Laurence, Vail Williams Surveyor based in Birmingham, was tasked by long-term client Withers & Rogers to source premises best suited to their modern-day needs and commensurate with the firm’s standing in the business world.

After a comprehensive search he sourced and secured the offices off-market and worked closely with his client to negotiate a deal for the fifth floor space at 103 Colmore Row on an eight-year lease with terms undisclosed.

The state-of-the-art building with top ‘green’ credentials in Birmingham’s central business district, also occupied by the likes of Shoosmiths, Grant Thornton ,Arcadis, Knight Frank and Colliers includes an 18th floor terrace with exceptional views.

Josh said:

“We looked at all potential avenues and arrived at 103 Colmore Row, which is purpose-built, hugely efficient, has plenty of collaboration space and is currently being fitted out to their specifications."

“The move into Birmingham showcases how the city’s legal sector continues to thrive and expand as more businesses see the benefit of relocating into such a bustling hub to take advantage of extensive regeneration projects and good employment opportunities.”

In Sheffield, Vail Williams had to overcome a very tight supply situation in searching for suitable premises before 1 St Paul’s Place, which has been completely refurbished became the favoured location.

At the heart of Sheffield city centre’s thriving business hub that has attracted esteemed occupants like Freeths, TES Global, ARUP and Handelsbanken, St Paul’s Place has become one of Sheffield’s most coveted office addresses.

Vail Williams’ conducted a pre-acquisition survey through its Building Consultancy team, advised over business rates and is offering ongoing occupier advisory guidance during the office fit outs.

Will Lawther, Vail Williams Partner acted for Withers & Rogers, advising them on their corporate real estate strategy.

He said:

“They wanted to align the two relocations with the best of their new look offices – in good locations and very good buildings – especially Bristol and London. It was key that we took the firm, and particularly the regional partners, on an extensive journey to see all possible outcomes."

“They are a delightful client, loyal, detail orientated, welcoming of partner contact, happy to take on board professional advice and keen to work collaboratively.”

Diego Black, Withers & Rogers Partner, said:

“We are indebted to Vail Williams, not only for locating and acquiring properties for us in Birmingham and Sheffield, but also the ongoing specialist advice which enables us to make important property decisions with confidence.”

Vail Williams also acted for Withers & Rogers to provide strategic property advice ahead of a rent review and lease break clause at their offices at 2 London Bridge, central London, enabling lease terms to be regeared beneficially Vail Williams’ full-service property advice includes commercial agency, investment and development advice, building consultancy, property valuation, planning, lease advisory, property asset management, business rates and occupier consultancy

Photo: High Rise - Landmark Grade A 103 Colmore Row, the 26-storey tallest office building in Birmingham City Core where property consultancy Vail Williams has secured office space for intellectual property law firm Withers & Rogers