Deal boosts consultancy’s Manchester operations and establishes Leeds presence
Property and construction consultancy Ridge and Partners has completed an acquisition that will add 21 staff to its Manchester operation, and give it a Leeds presence, its 12 office location.
The group has acquired structural and civil engineering consultancy Scott Hughes Design (SHD), for an undisclosed sum,.
The deal includes both SHD’s Manchester and Leeds operations.
Ridge senior partner, Adrian O’Hickey, said: “This is an important addition for Ridge.
“Our partner-led approach offers scale and expertise with a personal touch and the agility to take our clients further.
“SHD’s passion for innovation, quality and lateral thinking is a perfect fit.
“With many innovative and challenging projects on the horizon, we are looking forward to achieving our ambitions together.”
Founding directors of SHD, Ian Scott and Wendy Broomhead, said: “The Ridge brand, culture and strategy represents an excellent synergy for the new home of our precious business that has been so carefully honed over the years.
“We have a meticulous approach that adds value for our clients and this move furthers that aim.”
Scott, Broomhead and Kris Clark are now partners of Ridge and will work with the Ridge management team on the integration of the two firms, ensuring a seamless transition for clients.
The moves sees 21 staff join the partnership’s Manchester team, with SHD’s five-strong Leeds office on Cross York Street re-branding as Ridge. The deal sees the total headcount at Ridge grow to more than 600 staff across its 12 offices, including a Liverpool site in Exchange Flags.
Ridge projects delivered from Leeds and Manchester include Circle Square Manchester for Select, Project Urban for Dandara in Manchester, Leeds and Birmingham, and Viadux in Manchester for Ask. Ridge was also recently appointed on the Innovation Chain North & Procure Partnerships Framework.
Jason Howard, Ridge partner responsible for the North West business, welcomed his new colleagues, saying: “Our full-service proposition offers numerous benefits and we look forward to welcoming SHD’s many valued people and clients into the business.
“Having so many first rate colleagues join us will also add considerable value to our existing clients and team.”
Founded in Oxford in 1946, Ridge will celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2021.
