Law firm Spearing Waite held a series of parties to mark the official opening of their new offices in 34 Pocklingtons Walk, Leicester.

Clients, contacts and friends of the firm enjoyed Champagne, canapes and a tour of the 20,000 sq ft offices in a former bank, which opened at the end of last year following a £2 million refurbishment.

Guests included Leicester’s mayor Sir Peter Soulsby and Leicester College provided the canapes which were prepared and served by Leicester College students.

Spearing Waite senior partner Tom Bower, said: “The premises have a wow factor especially the 43ft diameter dome and the 9 x 3m photograph of the Tour de France racing down the Mall, both of which are in reception. I think our guests really liked them.
“The response has been really positive. We were always saying what a great firm Spearing Waite is but there was a bit of a credibility issue with that statement when we were in our Victorian offices at the bottom of Friar Lane.

“I don’t think we have that problem now.”

Mr Bower said the key reason they wanted to remain in central Leicester was to stay at the heart of the city.

He said: “We did consider leaving very carefully because when we outgrew our old offices on Friar Lane the best available office space with on-site parking for our people and our clients was out of town.

“However, we were reluctant to commit to anything and probably stayed put for longer than we should have as a result.

“Ultimately, we came across the wonderful building we are now in on Pocklingtons Walk.

“We felt it was important that we remain in the city not just to retain our staff, some of whom could not easily commute out of town, but also from the perspective of the recruitment of new staff.

“The city has vastly improved over the last six or seven years and is a greater lure for new talent than an out-of-town office park away from the train station, shops, restaurants and theatre, for instance.

“The regeneration continues around the city and Mattioli Woods are on site building their new 50,000 sq ft offices opposite us on the former council offices site and IBM will shortly be moving onto New Walk a few more yards away.

“All of this can only help to fuel the city economy and I anticipate seeing more improvements to our environment as a result.