Hugh James is rolling out a series of transformation plans to drive the business forward, introducing new ways of working and expanding its presence across the South of England.
The full-service firm, which is headquartered in Cardiff, is making moves to extend its office space in London, following a series of strategic hires and rising client demand. It’s also significantly expanding its specialist asbestos team and securing a base in Southampton, to support clients and staff located across the south – including Plymouth, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, and Suffolk.
Like many organisations, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated Hugh James’ digital transformation programme and heralded other changes. As the nation starts to emerge from lockdown restrictions, preparations are now underway to introduce a new ‘hybrid-working’ approach across the firm, facilitated by virtual technology which supports work/life balance, sustainability, and client responsiveness.
The move will give staff the flexibility and freedom to operate a blend of remote and in-office working each week, wherever possible – balancing the benefits of remote working with the collaboration that comes from office interaction.
Conversations are now taking place with colleagues to capture their views on how it will work in practice. The move will undoubtedly lead to some reduction in desk usage at the firm’s headquarters in Cardiff. In anticipation of this, two floors of the Two Central Square site will be released to new tenants later this year, to maximise the efficient use of space.
Commenting on the latest plans for Hugh James, Managing Partner, Alun Jones, said today:
“While we’ve always known it, COVID has brought into even sharper focus the importance of developing an agile business that is responsive to a changing environment and the shifting needs of our clients and workforce. We’re excited to be driving through a series of projects which puts Hugh James in the best possible shape for the next few years. The world has changed and naturally, we’re adapting our services, our people and our real estate to reflect the current and future needs of the firm and the businesses and individuals we’re here to support.”
