A leading Staffordshire accountancy practice has moved home for the first time in almost 140 years.
Geens Chartered Accountants say the relocation is essential for staff and clients and allows room for further growth.
The firm has transformed Graphic House, undertaking a comprehensive internal refit. Total investment, including buying the former print works comes in at more than £600,000.
The new offices, off City Road, Fenton, are only around a mile away from the old premises in Liverpool Road, Stoke, but the facilities offer a major step forward for Geens.
Director Karen Staley said: “This is a major investment in our future. It’s bittersweet, as our former base was built for Geens by our founder Frederick Geen and opened in 1884, but the current management team knew it was time to change, primarily for the wellbeing of our staff.
“We’ve gutted Graphic House and rebuilt it into a modern office space. Our team now works together across two spacious offices and there’s excellent facilities, such as a kitchen, with sitting area, a shower room, and a welcoming, purpose-built reception areas.
“Following lockdowns, everyone wanted to come back to the offices and work together. The new offices offer an excellent work environment and there’s space to grow.”
Karen said Geens had a policy of organic growth and are always willing to give young people a start in accountancy. That policy has paid off over the years as Geens have several long-serving members of staff, including the Directors, Karen, Chris Beeston, Carl France, and Dean Clacher, who all joined the company at the start of, or early, in their careers.
Graphic House has around 4,000 square feet of space over two floors. It can be seen from City Road and is close to Fenton Manor Leisure Centre, with Stoke Station in easy walking distance. Geens bought the building and have project managed the refurbishment, bringing in valuable support from experienced property expert, Paul Staley, Karen’s husband.
Geens was founded by Frederick Geen, an Alderman and Mayor of the former borough of Stoke from 1887 to 1889 and Mayor of the County Borough of Stoke-on-Trent in 1913. Geen instigated the building of the King’s Hall and Stoke Town Hall and there are similarities in the design of these buildings and the Liverpool Road office.
Tragically, Geen collapsed and died during a debate in the council chamber in 1915, two years after he entertained King George V for lunch at his home, known as Cliff Ville, Hartshill Road, on the occasion of the King officially opening the King’s Hall.
