Architect set to double its office count

A CHESHIRE architectural practice is opening offices in Manchester and Liverpool as it looks to expand

Headquartered in Preston Brook, near Runcorn, the £4.5m turnover Ellis Williams Architects employs 75 staff and also has offices in London and Berlin.

With another office in Cardiff or Swansea also in the offing the company which specialises in the education, commercial, sport, leisure, mixed-use and arts sectors, will double its number of offices.

Managing director Julian Baker said: “As a practice we have become much more of a national player over the last few years and we recognise the importance of being close to our key clients and contractors.

“The economy is continuing to improve and we are seeing both the number and diversity of opportunities for new business increasing. In particular, we are experiencing growth in the commercial leisure and private rental sectors’.

“We are very optimistic that our steady growth will continue long term.

“We have established an excellent relationship with Lloyds, which has been very supportive of our growth plans.”

The practice’s plans are being supported by Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, which is providing £500,000 in debt funding and working capital, as well as day-to-day banking services.

Alistair Pike, relationship director, SME Banking, Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Ellis Williams Architects is a dynamic and well-managed business that has some incredibly talented and creative people working on prestigious landmark projects across the country.”