Education and healthcare driving growth for architects practice

A Yorkshire and Midlands-based architects practice is looking forward to fresh growth despite the ongoing virus emergency.

Watson Batty Architects, which has offices in Leeds and Loughborough, has announced strong trading in the last quarter after a challenging six months surrounding Brexit uncertainty.

The company is targeting a 15% increase in turnover for the forthcoming financial year and is now seeking to expand its team.

It has recently appointed Cath Wheater as architectural assistant in the Learning team, and Robert French, an experienced project architect to help expand its work in the specialist care sector.

The firm is currently seeking to appoint more project architects in both Leeds and Loughborough to help sustain growth.

Andrew Grindrod, director at the Leeds office of Watson Batty Architects, said: “We are pleased to have maintained continuity in the business over the last 12 months despite these turbulent economic times that continue to challenge us.

“We currently have a strong order book going forward and whilst remaining cautious, we are committed to drive further growth for the business as we emerge from lockdown.”

The learning sector remains strong for Watson Batty, with recent new instructions including the East Leeds Free School and the Lower Farm Learning Academy School in Nuneaton.

Living and Care is also a growth sector and Watson Batty has recently been instructed on a number of new facilities for Exemplar Healthcare, whilst ongoing work with Royal Mail and Morrisons to provide logistics and distribution facilities remains strong.

The new build Tarka Leisure Centre in North Devon is also due to start on site imminently.

Grindrod added: “Whilst construction activity was temporarily slowed down across the UK, this does not seem to have suppressed the appetite to move forward with scheme planning and development activity.

“We are well positioned and committed to press ahead with our client portfolio and contribute to creating new jobs in this sector.”

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