Deloitte opens first ‘future of work’ designed office in Newcastle

Deloitte has opened its first UK office specifically designed following the launch of the firm's new hybrid working approach. The new 11,150 sq ft office in Newcastle has this week opened its doors to Deloitte’s 285 people in the region, located in the newly renovated Trinity Gardens at the heart of the Quayside, Newcastle.

People

The Newcastle office has been designed in response to what Deloitte’s people have asked for.

A Deloitte people survey revealed that 81% of respondents anticipate working from a Deloitte office for up to two days a week. The research also showed that 96% of Deloitte’s people want to have the freedom to choose how flexibly they will work. In addition, 86% of respondents ranked ‘collaborating with team colleagues’ and ‘interacting with others’ within their top three ways they envisage using the office - all of which formed the main design principles.

Stephen Hall, office senior partner at Deloitte in Newcastle, said: “We recognise how important it is for our people to be able to connect and plan in-person collaboration, so we’ve purposely removed traditional desks to accommodate more informal collaboration and networking spaces as well as adding more flexible touch-down working areas.”

Future of work

Last year Richard Houston, senior partner and chief executive of Deloitte UK, announced the firm’s hybrid working model that allowed Deloitte people to choose where they need to be to do their best work, in balance with their professional and personal responsibilities.

Hall added: “It has been really exciting to completely rethink our office space based on how, when and where we all want to work. We ran sessions with our people in Newcastle to better understand their preferences to the new ways of working. This has paved the way for a working environment that is inclusive, hybrid, inspiring, and a space for now and the future."

Technology

The office is equipped with technology such as high-quality audio and video, including 360-degree cameras to create an inclusive meeting experience for all, regardless of location. The design makes it easier for Deloitte's people and clients to co-work, either in person or virtually, and provides better opportunities for networking and building relationships. In addition, the flexible office space can be easily adapted depending on the work need, with meeting rooms opened up to create room for large events when required.

Hall commented: “This is an office space that has been designed in line with the way we envisage working in our physical spaces, offering opportunities for our people and clients in the region to collaborate and connect. We’re also looking forward to seeing how other Deloitte offices across the UK can learn from our pioneering approach in Newcastle.”

Sustainable design

Creating sustainable offices that balance Deloitte’s WorldClimate commitments is a core part of Deloitte designing and fitting out its ‘future of work’ offices. In designing the Newcastle office, the firm’s in-house design team has ensured that the furnishings are made from recycled material where possible.

Julia Fox, tax director at Deloitte and Newcastle steering group member, said: “We are committed to our net zero targets and have used this opportunity to provide our Newcastle people with a sustainable and inspiring place to work.

“This office is fitted out with carpets and rugs made from recycled yarn that can be re-used over and over again to make new products. The yarn is made from old carpets that have reached their end of life, discarded fishing nets collected from oceans as well as domestic products, such as old clothing. The furniture has also been sourced from suppliers who use recycled materials, including recycled paint.”

Deloitte is committed to the North East, with offices in Leeds and Newcastle and employs over 880 people in the region. The new office in Newcastle is the latest indication of continued investment in the regions and follows a recent announcement of new jobs in the Tees Valley.

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Notes to editors

Deloitte is occupying 11,150 sq ft on the entire third floor of Trinity Gardens. The building is undergoing a major refurbishment and is multi-tenanted.

High resolution photos available on request. Thumbnail samples below:

About Deloitte

In this press release references to “Deloitte” are references to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”) a UK private company limited by guarantee, and its network of member firms, each of which is a legally separate and independent entity. Please see deloitte.com/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of DTTL and its member firms.

Deloitte LLP is a subsidiary of Deloitte NSE LLP, which is a member firm of DTTL, and is among the UK's leading professional services firms.

The information contained in this press release is correct at the time of going to press.

For more information, please visit www.deloitte.co.uk.