Specialist insurer Markel UK is set to occupy two floors at upcoming Leeds-based office development City Square House in 2024.
Markel UK, which was born in Leeds in 1990, signed a 20,000 sq ft, 15-year pre-let agreement with developer MRP, ahead of the planned end-2023 completion of the 140,000 sq ft property. The insurance company’s claims, underwriting, human resources, and information technology teams will be occupying floors 9 and 10.
Neil Galjaard, Markel UK’s divisional managing director, said: “Markel remains committed to Leeds and growing our business; this is demonstrated in our investments in both the office and our people. We are pleased to take on such a prestigious building in a prime, central location.
“The office will be the perfect setting to achieve our growth ambitions and demonstrates our commitment to investing in our current and future workforce. Leeds has an extensive pool of talent, and with a bigger space to grow into we hope to support the local economy.”
Poised to be a flagship site for Markel UK, City Square House is next to Leeds Station. It will be the biggest of the firm’s regional offices outside of London.
“We are delighted to welcome a company with such an excellent reputation as Markel to City Square House,” commented MRP development director Angus Monteith. “This is a resounding endorsement of our development, which is a bold £85 million investment in Leeds and which will provide a high specification, flexible Grade A workspace in the heart of the city centre.”
Serving regional brokers and small- and medium-sized enterprises, Markel UK consists of Markel Law and Markel Tax. The business became part of Markel’s global brand in 2000 and is among the country’s first integrated insurance, tax, and legal services that cater to SMEs.
