Pictured: Elle Kirk, Divisional Manager for Swim in
Leicester, with the Swim Recruitment team
Specialist recruitment firm Swim has relocated its Midlands
office to Leicester's newest business and creative hub, Phoenix
Square, in the heart of the city's St George's cultural
quarter.
Founded in 2002, Swim is a national firm with a network of four
offices specialising in the recruitment of social workers, nurses
and care professionals. The Midlands office, which has been based
in Leicester since 2004, has grown to become one of Leicester City
Council's key suppliers of staff. It is also a supplier to more
than 100 Local Authorities, housing associations and charities,
together with the NHS, private healthcare providers and many other
national organisations.
Elle Kirk, Divisional Manager for Swim in Leicester, explained
why the firm has relocated from its previous base on Rutland Street
to the 953sq ft Unit 7 at Phoenix Square. Elle said: "One of the
major factors behind the move to Phoenix Square was the location of
the landmark building - in the heart of the Cultural Quarter. The
idea of being part of this new creative community was very
appealing to us and being just a short walk from the train station
means we are within easy reach for candidates and clients.
"Another key factor behind the move was the high standard of
office space at Phoenix Square. Moving to Unit 7 has provided us
with a professional work environment, which is not only beneficial
for the Swim team - it also makes a positive impression with
visitors. Upgrading to modern, flexible office space forms part of
our future plans to gain market share and continue to grow the
business in an environment that places professionals in frontline
roles within the public and private sector."
Only one office unit remains at Phoenix Square, providing around
1,661 sq ft. Each Grade A office has been designed with
sustainability in mind, giving occupiers all the benefits of energy
efficiency and a reduced carbon footprint.
The prominent on-street frontages provide fantastic
opportunities for branding, while a double height ground floor
space could be adapted to accommodate a mezzanine level for future
expansion. All occupiers have access to a central courtyard, and to
a range of facilities including conference space, meeting rooms,
cinema, and digital and media production facilities.
John Long from Blueprint, added: "The flexible office space at
Phoenix Square has been designed to a very high standard of design
and environmental performance, and to appeal to creatives and niche
firms. Swim will fit in well to the Phoenix Square business
community. We have secured a flurry of lettings since the beginning
of the year and as we speed towards the end of 2011, there is a
real sense of excitement building among these flourishing new
business arrivals."
Chris Page of Leicester commercial property agent Innes England
acted for Blueprint in the relocation deal. He said: "Being set so
close to the centre of Leicester and readily accessible by foot and
car, Phoenix Square was an ideal base for Swim to focus in on
during their property search. The modern and iconic offices proved
ideal and we were delighted to agree a lease for our client to this
high-calibre tenant. The deal should certainly suit both parties
and serve Swim well for the future with their continued business
growth."
The result of an innovative partnership between Blueprint,
Phoenix, and Leicester City Council in collaboration with De
Montfort University, Phoenix Square is an award-winning landmark
building. Offering the very best in modern living spaces, the
building also combines an independent arts cinema, stylish
café bar, and contemporary workspaces. The project has
quickly established a reputation as an example of 21st century
sustainable building design, coupled with leading-edge
architectural quality.