With a passion for people and unique workspaces, Evolution Advisers has set up an outpost office in Newcastle, which is much different than the Warners Bay headquarters.
The Newcastle site is a shared space in McHugh Chambers, opposite the new courthouse. The 1920s building in Hunter Street houses Evolution Advisers along with barristers, the Alibi room barber shop and well-known café bar, Coal & Cedar.
Evolution Advisers director Jane Beverley said the company had expanded into Newcastle for client convenience and to be a part of the city’s revitalization.
“It is about presence; having face-to–face relationships with our inner-city clients and the wider business community as well as being part of the evolving central business district and law precinct,” Jane said.
Not wanting a mini version of its modern warehouse purpose-built fit-out at Warners Bay, Evolution Advisers decided on a traditional first-floor shared office with décor reflecting the building’s historic roots.
For the past two months, Jane has trialed the Newcastle site, splitting her time between the two offices.
“Our clients are excited to see us in Newcastle and are impressed by the position and the office’s old-world charm with a modern twist.”
“I love being in the Newcastle office. The space has a quiet confidential calmness with a buzz and hive of activity out on the street – it is incredible to be part of the city’s growing vibrancy.”
Since the start of the month more of the company’s business advisers and financial planners have been using the space, depending on clients’ needs and city events.
Jane Beverley, Darren Glover, Craig Bartlett and former director Warren Hodgson established Evolution Advisers in 2004, from the merger of two chartered accounting firms Sefton & Loudon and O’Shea Glover and have evolved it into a business that takes a holistic approach to the provision of business, taxation and wealth advice.
For several years, the business functioned from three sites – Toronto, Belmont and Cardiff – until the 2007 Pasha Bulker storm when premises were flooded and the team was brought under one roof at the Hillsborough Road industrial and commercial hub office in 2009.
In a unique twist, both of the original firms started in the Newcastle CBD more than 100 years ago and have finally returned to their inner-city roots.
“Changing technology has enhanced the way we do business. It allows us to streamline processes to become more efficient but it also enables us to open a satellite space to be closer to our city-based clients and continue to build personal relationships with them. Meeting our clients face-to-face is paramount to the way we do business,” Jane continued.
“The new space also allows us to continue to grow and gives us the opportunity to build relationships with new clients.”
Image | Darren Glover, Jane Beverley and Craig Bartlett, directors of Evolution Advisers in the Newcastle office.