Contractor builds on growth as turnover surges to £88m

FIT-out contractor Morris & Spottiswood is reporting rapid growth with turnover surging to £88m.

Latest audited accounts reveal a strong year with turnover increasing from £74m in the 2014 financial year, with the company’s sales in the North of England seeing the greatest increase growing from £10m in 2012 to £44m in 2015.

The Leeds-based firm’s employment figures have also risen from 329 in 2015 to 375, including 24 apprentices.

Meanwhile, Jon Dunwell who has been promoted to UK group managing director, said ambitious expansion plans are underway at the Leeds site which could pave the way for 60 new recruits within the year.

Mr Dunwell said the company is now launching a new strategy for 2016 targeting maintenance, facilities management and technical services contracts. And in a bid to capitalise on growth opportunities the firm has also launched a specialist team targeting national framework agreements and reinforced its M&E (mechanical and electrical) flooring and maintenance divisions.

“We have experienced considerable growth in the last two years driving turnover from £69.4m in 2013,” said Mr Dunwell. “This has been achieved by focusing on core sectors and untapped markets across north west, north east and southern England together with the expansion of the M&E business.

“One of Morris & Spottiswood’s greatest strengths is the ability to combine a national delivery model with highly skilled local service providers. This ensures our clients get a consistent and reliable service from local tradesmen who can draw on their local connections and provide high level support and tailor made solutions.”

He added: “We are actively looking to recruit more experienced construction industry professionals in 2016 in full-time and sub-contractor roles, to support our ambitious growth plans. We currently have 11 vacancies from our Warrington, Edinburgh and Glasgow offices including builders, joiners, painters, supervisors, estimators and administration positions.

“We have exciting expansion plans on the horizon and are showing our commitment by purchasing our Leeds office as the next strategic base to widen our footprint in the North East region,” said Mr Dunwell. “We strongly believe in serving local markets with a local supply chain, and directly employing local people in our regional offices, and we expect to announce additional recruitment shortly.”