Mills & Reeve moves back home to next generation office

When Mills & Reeve decided 12 months ago to refurbish its office, it was because the firm wanted to send a strong signal to the market, clients and networks about its real commitment and confidence in Norwich and the eastern region more widely. 

James Hunter, partner and head of the Norwich office, said: “We wanted to create a first-class working environment which moves our business forward and demonstrates our belief and confidence in Norwich. We needed a next generation building for the next generation of lawyer and to promote better ways of working with each other and our clients. ” 

We have moved back into an environment which will ensure we attract and retain the best talent, combining a modern building with all the things that make us a unique law firm. By doing that, our entire focus can be on delivering great service to clients. ” 

The project began one year ago with a commitment to use local contractors wherever possible. Adri van der Colff, project manager said “We are proud that the main contractors, key sub-contractors and the design team were all Norfolk-based companies with everything from architects to heating engineers being sourced locally.” 

The building has also been transformed into a greener, more sustainable office. The infrastructure has been upgraded to futureproof it for the next 15-20 years by investing heavily in the latest mechanical and electrical equipment. The building now has LED lighting throughout and the latest technology. 12,000 metres of data cabling has been laid. 

The firm was also conscious that old office equipment could be given a new home, and made this available to local charities. 

James added: “We asked staff to suggest charities which would benefit from equipment we no longer needed and had the most amazing response.” 

Charities like The Benjamin Foundation, Leeway, Barnardo’s and Blue Smile have recycled office furniture. St Martin’s Housing and their Independent Living and Under One Roof arms were also able to put much of the equipment to good use. 

The firm donated all its redundant IT kit to the charity IT Schools Africa, which provides IT equipment to schools in four African countries. The charity aims to enhance young people’s education and job prospects, and ultimately help to transform the wider African economy.

The team also put together a video about what the moves means to them.