Dovetail & Slate place highly skilled leaders, teachers, support staff and public sector professionals into schools, colleges, training providers and vital services, such as housing and government, across the UK.

As a fast growing company, their existing headquarters no longer worked. The space was too small, the facilities limited, and the design didn’t reflect their culture or ambitions. Leadership also knew they had to protect their finances from the hidden costs often tied to traditional leases.

That’s when they began the search for a new headquarters.

Reassessing what they really needed.

At first, the team explored leased options. On the surface, some looked ideal. But when the numbers were broken down, the risks became clear: dilapidations, deposits, and limited rent-free incentives would eat into budgets and restrict flexibility.
Dovetail & Slate needed a solution that could deliver more, a space that matched their people-first culture, gave them room to grow, and made financial sense.

Making the process easier for a busy team.

As a fast-growing recruitment business, the leadership team had little time to spare for endless viewings and admin-heavy searches. They wanted clarity, not complexity. Instead of sifting through options themselves, they received detailed reports, financial breakdowns, and side-by-side comparisons that made it easy to see which spaces really worked. This approach saved them time and gave them confidence that they were only considering the right options.

Protecting cash flow and securing savings

Budget discipline was critical. Dovetail & Slate wanted to invest in people and growth, not be tied down by hidden costs.

Through careful financial modelling and tough negotiation, they secured:
‍· A modern, flexible HQ in Bristol that reflects their brand and culture
‍· Over £250,000 in savings, combining avoided dilapidations, a rent-free period, and reduced rent
‍· A deal structure that protected cash flow and reduced upfront risk

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Joe Averill, Co-Founder at LEVEL Workspace, said:

“This project demonstrates what we mean by delivering more than office space. By understanding the client’s growth plans and culture, we were able to secure a headquarters that supports both strategy and people. At the same time, our negotiations saved them significant costs, proving that the right office move can deliver both cultural and financial value.”

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Guy Walker, Director at LEVEL Workspace, added:

“The numbers tell their own story. By saving on dilapidations and securing a generous rent-free period, we delivered over a quarter of a million pounds in savings. For us, this is what makes LEVEL different, we didn’t just find space, we protected balance sheets and ensured the move was completed on the strongest possible terms.”

Overcoming setbacks to find the right fit

Not every option worked out. A building that initially looked perfect was taken by a larger occupier, and several shortlisted spaces fell short on flexibility. Instead of compromising, the team pushed on until the right solution was found, one that delivered both the cultural and financial fit they were looking for.

A headquarters to be proud of

The new Bristol headquarters gives Dovetail & Slate everything they were looking for:

‍· A modern workspace that reflects their people-first culture
‍· Flexibility for future growth
‍· More than £250,000 saved in avoided costs and negotiated incentives

For the team, the result is more than just a new office. It’s a headquarters they can be proud of, one that reflects their values and supports their next stage of growth.

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