Construction firm’s acquisition of Leeds site paves way for 60 new recruits

CONSTRUCTION business Morris & Spottiswood has completed the acquisition of its Leeds office which could pave the way for 60 new recruits within the year.

The firm which specialises in interior fit-out, housing and maintenance services, has bought Nash House in Pym Street, for an undisclosed sum opening up additional space on a second floor of the building.

UK group managing director Jon Dunwell, said the firm is building on strong momentum after posting record financial results.

Mr Dunwell said the Leeds site is now set to play a vital administration role in the firm’s ambitious business development drive across the North of England.

Sales for the region have seen the greatest increase for the nationwide firm growing from £10m in 2012 to £44m in 2015. Latest audited accounts revealed total turnover increasing from £74m in the 2014 financial year to £88m, and up to £104m including inter-company trading.

“After completing our due diligence we have now acquired our Leeds office site,” said Mr Dunwell. “While this is a practical move to help manage our staff expansion plans it is also a clear signal of our intent to ramp up activity across the North of England. This is a firm commitment to the region as we look to lay down a strong foundation and build over the next ten years and beyond.

“Our employment figures have risen sharply from 329 in 2015 to 375, including 24 apprentices. Many of these recruits are highly skilled tradesmen working on sites across the UK. To support this manpower on the ground we also need a highly capable and efficient office team to manage the many administrative aspects surrounding the projects. We have now identified our Leeds site as the main administrative hub to essentially direct our expansion plans across the North of England. This expanded site will become a strategic base to widen our footprint in the North East region.”

Morris & Spottiswood recently launched a new strategy targeting maintenance, facilities management and technical services contracts. In a bid to capitalise on growth opportunities the firm has also launched a specialist team working on national framework agreements and reinforced its M&E (Mechanical and Electrical) flooring and maintenance divisions.

“We strongly believe in serving local markets with a local supply chain, and directly employing local people in our regional offices,” said Mr Dunwell. “Our staff are the backbone of the business and we are very keen on talent management at Morris & Spottiswood. We look to reward the efforts of our team, by promoting from within and working on career paths to ensure employees are constantly developing skills and realising their ambitions.

“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.
 
“Due to this model we offer something unique to the market – a complete fit-out solution at great value. By offering experienced M&E and flooring as part of our fit-out services we can give clients better value, we can plan jobs more efficiently and we can react faster to their needs. Our package is further supported by expertise in maintenance, facilities management and technical services.”