Flexible Business Interiors reveals first phase of £5.5m Protector Insurance fit-out.

Flexible Business Interiors (FBI) has completed the first phase of a major £5.5m workplace transformation for Protector Insurance at its Manchester headquarters in Spinningfields.

The completion marks a significant milestone in Protector Insurance's expansion at 3 Hardman Street, where the insurer has increased its footprint to support continued business growth. FBI was appointed earlier in the year to deliver the Cat A and Cat B fit-out works, alongside a full furniture package, as part of the wider project team.

Phase one has delivered 25,000 sq ft of high-quality workspace designed to support collaboration, flexibility and employee wellbeing for Protector Insurance's growing workforce.

The newly completed space provides open-plan accommodation for 156 employees and includes three flexible meeting rooms that can be opened up to create a larger seminar and events space. A central kitchen breakout area featuring video games, pool and darts facilities has been created to encourage informal interaction and provide opportunities for colleagues to connect away from their desks.

The fit-out also incorporates a variety of smaller sitting and standing meeting rooms, focus pods, lockers and storage facilities, alongside a range of collaborative work settings that give employees greater choice in how and where they work throughout the day.

The design has been carefully developed by BlueSky Design to balance social interaction, focused work and team collaboration, creating an adaptable environment that can evolve alongside the needs of the business.

David Leah, director at Flexible Business Interiors, said: "The completion of phase one represents an important milestone in this landmark project for Protector Insurance. Working closely with the wider project team, we have delivered a workplace that combines flexibility, functionality and employee experience in equal measure.

"From the adaptable seminar space and collaborative work settings through to the social breakout facilities, every aspect has been designed to support the way people work today while providing the flexibility to accommodate future growth.

"The completion of phase one and immediate progression into phase two demonstrates the pace and ambition of this project. We're proud to be supporting Protector Insurance in creating a working environment that not only meets its current needs but provides the flexibility and capacity to support future growth."

Melissa Haigh, director for UK Finance and HR at Protector Insurance added: "We are delighted to see phase one completed and to welcome our colleagues into an office that reflects our culture and ambitions. The new environment provides an excellent mix of collaborative, social and focused spaces that will support our team now and as we continue to grow."

FBI was appointed to the project following a successful previous collaboration with Protector Insurance. The wider project team includes BlueSky Design, BWP and Crookes Walker Consulting.

Following the completion of phase one, work has now commenced on phase two of the transformation programme. Scheduled for completion later this month, this stage of the development will further enhance Protector Insurance's Manchester headquarters, supporting the company's continued growth and evolving workplace requirements.