Global insurance giant Howden started as a small London broker in 1994. Through a series of mergers and acquisitions, they’ve grown to 18,000 employees, making them the largest employee-owned insurance company in the world.
As a people-first organisation, Howden wanted to improve the workplace experience and create a cohesive, collaborative and distinctive hub that reflects their refreshed brand identity.
Together, we consolidated four offices into a flexible environment tailored to a modern workforce. This meant breaking away from traditional private offices, fixed desks and siloed departments to provide a space that promotes collaboration, well-being and sustainability.
Building on the principles of their recently completed London HQ – at a more pragmatic cost – we worked closely with Howden to design and deliver their new northern hub in Manchester.
This project was about driving meaningful change. Howden were not only refreshing their brand identity, but also uniting people from different organisations under one roof. To make the transition a success, we needed to ensure employees felt a part of the change journey.
Establishing a group of ‘Change Champions’ meant employees from across businesses had a voice in shaping the new workplace. These representatives, drawn from different departments, shared the practical needs and desires of those who would be using the space. Through interviews, focus groups and walkthroughs, Howden’s team of advocates became central to the project’s success – minimising resistance to change, contributing ideas, and communicating the transition throughout the organisation.
Collaborating with Howden’s Change Champions not only addressed immediate operational needs but also aligned with Howden’s vision for a flexible, future-ready environment and a unified brand experience.
From the moment they arrive, employees and visitors are made to feel welcome and energised. The ground floor serves as the social heart of the building, featuring an inviting coffee bar, a client lounge and spaces for informal gatherings. Throughout the building, there are work settings such as collaborative spaces, touchdown zones, workstations, focus rooms and a flexible meeting suite.
Every design decision has been made to improve the user experience, including ergonomic furniture, brew points, a well-being and faith room, shower facilities and a new heating and cooling system.
By repurposing elements from the existing building, we achieved a cost-effective and eco-friendly transformation. The project focused on sustainability and longevity, integrating energy-efficient LED lighting, new mechanical systems, and acoustic materials made from recycled plastics – an approach that earned Howden an SKA Silver Award for sustainable design.
“The space that’s been created for Howden House is unreal. The impact this will have on the business overall is that it will give Howden a place on the North West map. It’s a massive, massive transformation.”
– Jackie Bircham, Head of Projects at Howden (UK&I)
This Manchester hub aligns seamlessly with Howden’s global brand, serving as an extension of their new identity. The new office is bold, uplifting and dynamic, balanced with biophilic elements that offer a relaxed and calming atmosphere.
Designed with nods to Howden’s prestigious London workplace, it captures the informal nature of deals done in coffee shops while also reflecting the unique character of Manchester. Personal touches, such as local artwork, add a distinct sense of place, combining regional identity with Howden’s global brand.
By focusing on people, planet and place, we delivered a future-ready environment that will continue to support Howden’s growth. Key outcomes from this project include:
Integrating new technology systems for seamless hybrid working, allowing Howden employees to connect globally and deliver an elevated customer experience from anywhere.