Isio, formerly KPMG’s UK Pensions Advisory Practice, was created in March 2020 as a leading independent UK pensions advisory firm. As a newly independent business, they wanted to create offices to reflect their new identity across the seven new locations around the UK and be a welcoming home to more than 550 employees.

Following a comprehensive tender process conducted by Cushman & Wakefield, DENTON was assigned the Framework Agreement in June 2020 to design and fit out their regional offices.

Through DENTON’s creative workshops with the local client teams, it was clear that Isio wanted all the locations to have a strong and consistent brand identity that worked within the individual buildings and to create a variety of familiar but unique spaces.

Starting the project at the beginning of the pandemic, Isio recognised that a new way of working was needed for the offices to encourage collaboration and innovative thinking. Flexible desking solution means that the Isio team has the autonomy to choose where they work, with various working environments available, including private meeting rooms, a mix of AV-connected high and low tables, booth seating and café style seating.

The acoustic solutions designed for each area were intended to help divide the space and provide semi-private spaces with the open-plan space. The need for lockers while in and out of the office also made sense to ensure people had a safe and secure place to put their belongings. At each location, branded lockers were also installed.

The project focused on cohesion, which made sure the regional offices all offered the same amenities and aesthetics. Naturally, the strong branding and colour scheme help support this. Providing a welcoming reception area with a tea station and a well-being room for each site also helped maintain consistency.

“From their initial proposal, it was clear DENTON had taken the time to understand our needs and respond with ideas that reflected our desire for a different office space but kept within our agreed budgets.

As a newly independent business, we wanted our offices to reflect our new identity. All the locations have a strong and consistent brand look and feel but work with the individual building, so we have a network of familiar but unique spaces across the country.

“The pandemic has probably changed the way we use office space forever. DENTON has shown real creativity in using the spaces effectively and making innovative choices with furniture and equipment. Given the fast-moving nature of this project, they’ve been collaborative, agile and helped us manage a complex multi-site project in very challenging circumstances.”