Manchester Office Design: Hybrid Hub with Skyline Views by Oktra

Where Innovation Meets Identity: CBTax’s New Manchester Space

Manchester M3 / Financial / 5,150 sq ft / 7 weeks

A new chapter for CBTax

CBTax, leading R&D tax specialists, decided to expand from their Northampton HQ into a high-profile building in the heart of Manchester. Attracted by the city’s rich educational and business environment, the move strengthens their local presence, enhances talent attraction, and supports economic growth. Drawn to our previous projects with clients DP World and Chrono24, they saw an opportunity to collaborate with us to create a workspace designed for future success.

Framing the Manchester skyline

The original layout consisted of small, enclosed offices and meeting rooms. We transformed it into a spacious, multifunctional workplace that showcases breathtaking views of the Manchester skyline.

By relocating meeting rooms to the perimeter and introducing focus pods and booths, we created natural divisions between desks and collaborative areas. What was once a traditional layout is now a dynamic, inspiring workspace designed to enhance productivity and connection for CBTax’s teams.

“The incredible views were one of the first things we wanted to highlight. We reimagined the space with open sightlines, ensuring that the Manchester skyline became a part of the office’s identity.”

Oktra

Jemma Harrison, Design Director

Hybrid-ready design

CBTax’s evolving work philosophy embraces hybrid working while maintaining a strong client-facing presence. From the outset, we knew the design needed to accommodate a wide range of interactions, from client meetings to informal networking. We introduced a central event space, informal meeting zones, and dedicated boardrooms to ensure flexibility for both day-to-day operations and larger gatherings.

A space that feels like home

Taking inspiration from their previous space in Northampton, we incorporated familiar materials and tones but refined them to reflect a more sophisticated aesthetic. Dark timber finishes and carefully considered detailing reflect CBTax’s brand identity, while an illuminated feature logo at the entrance offers a sense of belonging.

One of the defining features of the space is a continuous linear light detail that runs from the entrance through to the hybrid workspace, inspired by our previous work for DP World. This lighting element enhances the sense of flow, visually connecting different areas and reinforcing a cohesive design language.

Making mindful choices

Innovation was central to the design, paired with a strong commitment to sustainability. Instead of artificial greenery, we installed preserved natural elements, including a custom-designed tree made from sustainable materials—offering a botanical touch without the use of synthetic plastics. Additional planting was also introduced as a functional element, serving as a privacy screen between meeting rooms and open-plan areas, creating a refreshing atmosphere.

Designed to evolve with CBTax, this space is more than an office—it’s a dynamic hub where their team can thrive, collaborate, and grow. Built for flexibility, it adapts to their changing needs, supporting both their current ambitions and future success.

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