Key Travel, the international travel management company dedicated to the travel needs of not-for-profit organisations, has moved its Manchester headquarters to St James’ Building on Oxford Street after strong business growth led to the expansion of the team.
The company, which works with clients in the humanitarian, faith and education sectors, has taken the entire ninth floor at St James’ which means that the operations and administration departments now share one 20,000 sq ft office – as opposed to being spread across four offices at its previous location in Lowry House.
Commercial property specialists Matthews & Goodman advised Key Travel in the search to find new space and advised on lease negotiations with Bruntwood, the landlord at St James’ Building.
The new office is designed to reflect Key Travel’s values of Impact, Simplicity and Compassion. The office has four zones named after the four continents where Key Travel does most business – Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania. There are also business lounges, meeting rooms and collaborative working areas named after some of the landmarks it sends groups to such as Everest, Mount Fuji and Lake Victoria. The theme of each zone also features displays of curiosities and object d’art sourced from local charities.
Meanwhile, the employees’ rest and kitchen area is named the Beehive, in recognition of the office’s Manchester location and all the furniture is either recycled from its previous office, or ethically sourced to be 100% renewable. Staff will also have access to an outside terrace.
Megan Cameron, Key Travel’s Property and Facilities Manager, who led the relocation project said: “Our success and subsequent growth in the last 12 months meant we had outgrown our previous offices. The space at St James’ gave us a blank canvas, albeit with challenges set by a building dating back to 1912 featuring low ceilings and no raised floors.
“Our new office co-locates our UK team in one space in an inspiring environment. This enables them to identify better with the travel needs of our unique customers and to demonstrate their compassion more effectively. Co-location also promotes better collaboration and simplifies work-flows, improving our efficiency in supporting clients who are making a positive impact on communities across the world.”
Matthews & Goodman Partner David Laws, who led the team’s search for the new office, as well as the lease negotiations, added: “The Key Travel team were very clear about the operational requirements for their new offices, as well as its need to reflect their brand and corporate values. I believe their new offices tick all those boxes.”
The interior design, build and delivery of the workspace was carried out by ADT Workplace. Stacey Charlesworth, Design Director at ADT Workplace, commented: “By working closely with the team at Key Travel, we were able to design an inspiring and unique environment which is tailored to the organisation’s needs and aspirations with nods to travel throughout, for example a distinctive Tuk Tuk and luggage tables, as well as reflecting the company’s strong brand personality.”
