Home Manchester Bevlan equips watchmakers’ office to stand the test of time

Bevlan equips watchmakers’ office to stand the test of time

Bev Mercer and Craig Leach in the Boardroom of Bevlan’s new offices.
Photo shows Bev Mercer and Craig Leach in the Boardroom of Bevlan’s new offices.

Watching the clock certainly wasn’t a consideration for prestigious watchmakers Raymond Weil when it came to choosing a company to fit out their new offices in Manchester city centre.

Having decided on the location, Brand Director Craig Leach was trawling the internet late one Sunday night when he came across Blackburn based Bevlan Office Interiors.  He fired off an email enquiry and was impressed to receive an email by return from Bevlan’s Managing Director, Bev Mercer.

That initial email exchange led to the beginning of a business relationship that has created flagship premises for Raymond Weil in a top floor suite of offices near Manchester library.

Blackburn based Bevlan have fitted out a 322 sq. metre space, to provide reception area, board room, executive offices, an open plan office space, a technical area for watchmakers and a kitchen area. With panoramic views of the city centre, this will become Raymond Weil’s flagship UK base. 


Explained Craig: “We have had a UK presence for many years via our distributors in Surrey, but we want to grow our business here and decided the time had come to strike out on our own.  I initially looked at offices in London but realised that Manchester is also vibrant city, with lots of prestigious office space at far more competitive rates. It is also the home to the School of Watchmakers. 

“Having chosen our space, I was looking online for potential office furniture providers and fired off a few initial email enquiries.  I was astonished to receive a response from Bev almost by return and impressed by her enthusiasm and willingness to help.  She introduced me to other suppliers who could partition the offices and provide flooring.  It was just totally refreshing to deal with someone like that and it has been a pleasure working with her.”

Bevlan has provided traditional boardroom furniture, with walnut veneers and black leather and chrome chairs, with the same traditional approach in reception, whilst the rest of the space has a more modern feel, using walnut desks with white frames.

When completed, the new premises will accommodate up to 25 staff, including specialist watchmakers, sales and after sales teams and marketing.  Craig is also planning on creating apprenticeships for fledgling watchmakers once the business officially transfers north on 1st July.

Said Craig: “Raymond Weil is a family owned business with traditional values centred round quality, service and longevity and it was clear from working with Bev that her business values are very much in tune with ours.”

Added Bev: “I’m always excited when I see new enquiries coming in, so like to respond straight away. I didn’t have my specs on at the time, so I hadn’t realised this one was from Raymond Weil until I looked again the next morning, so I was delighted to have been contacted by such a prestigious company! This is an exciting opportunity for us and I am just thrilled that Craig is pleased with what we have delivered for him.”