Caunce O'Hara: Manchester
Caunce O’Hara is a Chartered Insurance Broker that provides insurance products predominantly to corporate clients. Since its formation in 1995 the company has achieved excellent growth and has set ambitious expansion targets. A well-timed lease break allowed Caunce O’Hara to move to a higher profile location in Manchester’s city centre, accommodating both the organisation’s ambition to grow and a more appropriate workspace. Claremont Group Interiors was appointed to fulfil all elements of this project.
Location: Manchester
Sector: Insurance
Project Size: 5,000 sq ft
Scope of Works: Office Design > Office Fit-out > Office Furniture > Office Audio-visual
The Brief
The main reasons for Caunce O’Hara to move to 82 King Street in Manchester were to provide additional space for growth, the desire to have more appropriate client facilities and to offer a better working environment for the staff. The design scheme had to include the reception, meeting rooms, private office space for the directors, a flexible open plan environment for the staff and a number of breakout and informal meeting areas to encourage team work. The office space itself has terrific views across Manchester and it was important that the proposed scheme made the most of this feature. Claremont fulfilled all requirements of the brief with a striking design for Caunce O’Hara and was therefore appointed to provide all elements of this project to create a welcoming space for clients and a contemporary working environment for the business.
The Solution
Claremont used warm timber tones of walnut panelling and feature lighting in the reception and client suite to provide a welcoming touch for staff and visitors. The views across Manchester's skyline combined with the neutral colour palette and the use of glass bring a bright and contemporary feel to the office space. Claremont placed a number of bespoke graphics throughout the office that provide a reference to Caunce O’Hara’s own timeline, portraying their previous locations across the city. There is a well-designed refreshment area and a number of informal meeting spaces within the open plan area to support staff collaboration. The furniture selection is a combination of contemporary styles, including white bench style desking in the open plan space with walnut wall cladding and leather seating, bringing a more traditional feel to the boardroom and directors’ offices.
The Result
Claremont was responsible for completing the whole project, including the design and fit-out of the new office space for Caunce O’Hara’s 42 members of staff, the provision of all furniture, inclusive of desking, task chairs, storage, soft seating and cafe furniture, and a sophisticated audio-visual solution in the boardroom. Bespoke manifestations, featuring Manchester’s iconic buildings and land marks, emphasise the link of the company to the city. Minimised cellular spaces, an open plan office layout and the usage of glass partitioning, allows light to flood the space. This way Claremont’s design ensured to make the most of the office’s amazing view across the city, while at the same time creating a workspace that is more collaborative and enjoyed by all staff and clients. Claremont completed the project on time and in budget.
