Positive outlook for growing architects practice
Watson Batty Architects has set itself optimistic targets for trading in 2021, following a strong performance throughout 2020 despite the UK’s economic turmoil.
The Leeds and Loughborough-based practice has reported a 49% increase on trading from this time last year and expects to exceed its targeted turnover of £2.8m by 10% at its April 2021 year-end.
It has been able to expand its expertise with the recruitment of five new people, despite lockdown conditions, and is also seeking to recruit further project leaders.
Martin Bradley, Paul Bedson and Rob French have all been recruited as project architects, David Whalley as architectural designer and Cath Wheater as architectural assistant.
Robert Jagger, who joined Watson Batty in May 2018, has also been promoted to Associate.
Peter White, managing director at Watson Batty Architects, said: “Certainly, the economic landscape over the last two years has been unprecedented and unexpected in many ways.
“We feel fortunate to have been able to maintain continuity and even expand the team due to a near 50% increase in like for like trading from last year.
“But we remain cautiously optimistic and will continue to pursue priority development sectors such as living, extra care and learning where delivery remains critical.
“We maintain a strong order book into 2021 for these areas as well as the logistics sector, where online ordering has boosted the need for more high-quality warehouse accommodation.”
“We are pleased to be able to support local job creation in these uncertain times and are actively seeking enthusiastic project leaders in both Leeds and Loughborough.”
Recent instructions for Watson Batty include the Middleton extra care and housing scheme for Leeds City Council, two schemes in Sheffield and Halifax for Together Housing, and seven sites comprising 165 units for Wakefield District Housing.
It is also carrying out ongoing works for WM Morrisons and Royal Mail and was recently appointed to deliver a new £5m teaching block and sports pitch for Cockburn Secondary School in Leeds.
