Portman Finance Group

Portman required more than a standard office fit out. The ambition was to create a workplace that reflected the pace, scale and confidence of the business.

The project needed to support rapid recruitment through phased delivery, ensuring new space was available as the team expanded. At the same time, the environment had to create a strong first impression for both clients and prospective talent, while establishing a clear and consistent brand identity across the building. A further challenge sat in upgrading shared areas, particularly a dated reception, so that the quality of the arrival experience matched the workspace itself.

Balancing speed, practicality and an evolving design ambition was central to the brief.

The project began with a Cat B fit out of half of the second floor, enabling Portman to relocate quickly. As the business expanded, we delivered additional quarters of the floor in sequence, ensuring that space came online exactly when required.

This phased approach allowed the business to scale without disruption, while maintaining a consistent design language across each stage.

The workspace was shaped around functionality first, with desking, training rooms and meeting spaces supporting rapid onboarding and day-to-day operations. Leadership offices were positioned along the perimeter using glazed partitions, maintaining visibility across the floor and reinforcing a sense of openness.

Alongside this, a more expressive layer of design has been introduced. A high-spec boardroom with switchable glass and premium finishes will create a focal point for client interaction, while dedicated entertainment spaces, including a fully operational bar and games areas, add a social dimension to the workplace.

The existing reception was dated and no longer aligned with Portman’s ambitions. We reimagined the arrival experience through a considered refurbishment, introducing new flooring, upgraded lighting and refined finishes throughout. Branded elements and improved wayfinding helped establish a clear identity, while the introduction of biophilic features softened the space and brought a more contemporary feel.

The transformation repositioned the building as Portman House, creating a destination that reflects the company’s growth and ownership of the site.

The phased delivery model has enabled the business to grow without disruption, while the evolving design language has ensured consistency across each stage. The completed spaces support both performance and experience, and the transformation of shared areas has repositioned the building as a destination within the business park.

The project continues to evolve, with future plans to extend the transformation across the remaining areas of the building, further cementing Portman House as a flagship workplace.