Markel Group’s insurance division Markel has strengthened its commitment to Leeds by relocating to the new City Square House (pictured), marking 34 years since the commercial insurer’s initial establishment in the city.
With the move, Markel is more than doubling its office space in Leeds, occupying 20,000 square feet across the new building’s ninth and 10th floors. The expansion is a significant step for the firm, which currently serves more than one million customers across the UK.
Since setting up in Leeds in 1990, Markel UK has experienced substantial growth, both organically and through acquisitions, with its Leeds-based workforce increasing from just three colleagues to approximately 160 today.
“Leeds has been a fantastic base for the business, fuelling our growth over the past three decades, and we’re pleased to be increasing our investment in the city for the long term with a new office,” said Neil Galjaard, Markel’s divisional managing director for the UK.
“Over our time in Leeds we’ve grown from a small operation to being a major employer and consider our people our greatest strength. As a people-first business, we’re excited to welcome employees, partners, and customers to our new office.
“With continued projected growth, our new Leeds base will support our growing teams as they continue their award-winning work championing customers and creating bespoke solutions that provide meaningful support to businesses across the country.”
Reflecting on the company’s journey, Sarah Collings, business process lead at Markel and one of the first Leeds-based hires, stated: “Over the past 35 years I’ve seen many positive changes in both Markel and Leeds. The move to City Square House demonstrates the business’s commitment to the city but also provides a modern workspace for all our team members.”
City Square House is among the latest office buildings in Leeds, offering 138,859 square feet of premium office space within the commercial business district.
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