A north-east business centre has welcomed a new tenant to its premises as businesses prepare to return to the office following the latest period of lockdown.

Burnett & Reid LLP, one of the oldest law firms in the area, has relocated eight members of staff to Banchory Business Centre as the business adjusts to a new style of working.

The professional services company has also moved to new premises within Aberdeen, relocating to 9 Queen’s Road.

Occupying 1,147 square feet of modern, open plan office space in Banchory Business Centre, the move will allow the firm to both build on its historic local connections and to better serve its many clients in the Royal Deeside area.

William Robertson, Partner for Burnett & Reid LLP, said; “As with many other businesses, the pandemic allowed us time to reflect on our operations and the way our teams work. We have an incredibly long history of adapting to change, and by moving our operations to Banchory Business Centre and 9 Queen’s Road, we have given our teams and clients the best of both worlds. We now have a convenient city centre location as well as a flexible base in Aberdeenshire which benefits from strong transport links and free parking for both staff and visitors.

“Our team in Banchory will be providing a full service offering from the new office, including corporate, commercial, property, employment, residential, rural and private client lawyers, covering each of the legal sectors we operate in.”

David Smart, Leys Estate Group Chief Executive, welcomed Burnett & Reid to the Banchory Business Centre’s diverse range of tenants.

He said: “The addition of Burnett & Reid to the Banchory Business Centre highlights the continued need for flexible office space out with Aberdeen City but within easy commuting distance of not just the city but also key areas such as Westhill, Inverurie and Stonehaven.

“It is well documented that the pandemic has had a significant impact on the way that many businesses will operate in the future, with a hybrid model of part home working and part office life becoming popular.

“As a result, we are already seeing a growth in enquiries from those looking for small offices, to escape the spare room or dining room table, up to medium sized companies who no longer see the need to commute into the city centre on a daily basis.

“The team at Burnett & Reid are a prime example of how having a base in Aberdeenshire can work equally as well as the city centre. We wish the team every success at Banchory Business Centre.”

Burnett & Reid was established in 1754 and is one of the oldest businesses in the North East of Scotland. The company has strong links with the Banchory area, as founder William Burnett was the youngest brother of Lord Monboddo, judge, writer and evolutionist, who spent his youth at Crathes Castle. Monboddo, The Musical tells of Monboddo’s life from Crathes Castle, through his legal career and family life and was first performed at The Barn, Banchory in 2013.

Banchory Business Centre is situated in the Hill of Banchory area, just 17 miles from Aberdeen, and a short drive from the AWPR. It comprises around 16,000 square feet of office space and currently provides office accommodation for a range of businesses from oil companies and financial services to beauticians and the media.