Mark Elder Q&A – looking ahead in Birmingham

Following the recent news of our move to a new office in Birmingham, we caught up with Mark Elder, Head of Location in Birmingham, to reflect on the progress we’ve made and on what lies ahead for the location.   

Q: After more than two years in Birmingham, what are some of your main reflections on what we have achieved?  

A: “Since opening the doors (quite literally) in Birmingham, I have genuinely been amazed at the momentum we have been able to generate and the speed at which we have grown. We have experienced rapid growth, which has needed an office expansion at 2 Chamberlain Square, to accommodate an overall headcount of 55 colleagues (13 of which are partners) – a far cry from the three colleagues that started the office back in December 2023!  

“Whilst brand recognition, in a new location, takes time to develop, we have gone from having no brand presence in the city to now being the name on everyone lips as being the most successful legal brand entrant to the City in the last decade! We have achieved this through well-known lateral hires and having been involved in a number of high-profile mandates, including advising Birmingham City Council on procuring a joint delivery partner for the landmark Ladywood Estate Regeneration project; and successfully settling a claim for Kieron Dyer against British newspaper group MGN Limited in relation to voicemail interception and the misuse of private information. We capped-off a successful 2025 calendar-year by announcing our move our new office at 1 Centenary Way.  

“This is no “flash in the pan” and our momentum and headcount trajectory continues to be strong. Over the next year, we’ve ambitious recruitment goals and I have no doubt, whatsoever, we’ll achieve them. All of this is a testament to how important Birmingham is to our national strategy. The firm posted record breaking annual financial results for 2024/2025, with revenue rising to £187million, and Birmingham was a crucial contributor to this success. It is also a demonstration of our staying power and commitment to Birmingham – we are here for the long-term and to continue our outstanding journey to date.”

Q: What do you see as the next step for TLT in Birmingham?  

A: “Crucially, we need to build on the success we have achieved to date.  

“We need to continue to cement our brand in Birmingham (and the wider West Midlands area) by continuing to be instructed on bigger and better legal mandates from key clients. We’re confident we’ll continue to make an impact in the city and take business critical instructions away from some other well-known legal brands in Birmingham. We can do this by continuing to demonstrate deep service-line and sectorial expertise, delivering on outstanding client service and exceeding client budgeting expectations.  

“It is comforting to know that interest in becoming part of TLT Birmingham continues to be very strong – we are regularly contacted by top legal talent, in the region, who are keen to understand our journey to date and help strengthen our expertise moving forwards. We’ve clear recruitment goals moving forwards, and our widely published move to 1 Centenary Way is an important step to help us to continue to attract further legal talent. The building itself is designed to exacting sustainability standards, including low-carbon steel façades, all-electric infrastructure, and SMART building design, all of which aligns with our net-zero targets.  

“It is also designed in a way that prioritises collaboration and wellbeing, dovetailing perfectly with our own people-focussed values. It neatly encapsulates our aim to be ‘valued for our values’.”

Q: How will the new office support our continued growth and expansion in the city?  

A: “Our new space will foster even greater growth, collaboration and creativity. Much like our cutting-edge Eden office in Manchester, 1 Centenary Way was chosen for its ability to support our people and ways of working. It has been built from the ground up to embrace the very latest working practices – an approach that will bolster our own flexible, progressive and inclusive approach to work, TLT World.  

“This flexible approach is no longer just a ‘nice to have’ but is increasingly viewed as essential for prospective employees. As such, this move is not just investing in our current workforce, but in our future employees as well – a clear example of how we are preparing ‘for what comes next’ in everything that we do!  

“The agile, responsive and collaboration focussed approach which is built into the space will also help us to build even closer ties to our clients, and further our ambition to become more highly valued by our clients, as part of our 2030 strategy.”

Q: What is one thing that you are particularly looking forward to in the coming years?  

A: “Not to be too obvious, but as Head of Location I always take a huge amount of satisfaction and pride from seeing the team grow and expand its presence in the city, so I am looking forward to seeing this trend continue, as we build towards 2030.  

“I am also looking forward to the new opportunities that I expect to come our way, once it becomes clear to all that we have significantly invested in the city and, therefore, cemented our longevity. At TLT, we want to be working on the most cutting-edge, challenging, and impactful work possible, and I would expect to see more work of this kind coming in, as we grow our reputation and climb the value chain.   

“On a more personal note, I know that our team will also be excited about the excellent amenities that are located in the Paradise estate, where our new home will be located. These include an impressive spread of retail and leisure venues (including F1 Arcade, Dishoom and Lux Fitness to name but a few) which could rival anywhere in the UK – lots of great places to unwind after a long day at work!”

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