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Cheshire architectural practice to double office network

Cheshire-based Ellis Williams Architects is set to double the size of its office network to serve its growing client, with support from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking.

Headquartered in Preston Brook, near Runcorn, the £4.5m architectural practice specialises in the education, commercial, sport, leisure, mixed-use and arts sectors.

Currently employing 75 staff, with other offices in London and Berlin, the company is embarking on an expansion plan that will double the size of its office network. Growing from three to six branches, Ellis Williams will be looking to break the £5m turnover barrier within the next two years.

It will shortly have a presence in Liverpool after acquiring the Studio Three practice, which will be incorporated into Ellis Williams.

It also plans to open an office in Manchester city centre in early 2016 and has appointed director Tony Skipper, the former managing director of John McAslan Partnership, to lead the venture.

Ellis Williams is also seeking a site in Cardiff or Swansea for another new office.

Managing director Julian Baker said: “As a practice we have become much more of a national player over the last few years and we recognise the importance of being close to our key clients and contractors.

“The economy is continuing to improve and we are seeing both the number and diversity of opportunities for new business increasing. In particular, we are experiencing growth in the commercial leisure and private rental sectors’.

“We are very optimistic that our steady growth will continue long term. We have established an excellent relationship with Lloyds, which has been very supportive of our growth plans.”

The Practice’s plans are being supported by Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, which is providing £500k in debt funding and working capital, as well as day-to-day banking services.

Alistair Pike, relationship director, SME Banking, Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Ellis Williams Architects is a dynamic and well-managed business that has some incredibly talented and creative people working on prestigious landmark projects across the country.

“It is great to be able to support the firm’s growth ambitions, and we are striving to help more like Ellis Williams thrive through our SME Charter, which includes a pledge to lend an additional £1bn net to small businesses every year until 2017.”

Current high-profile projects for the practice include the new Welsh National Sailing Academy and Events Centre in Pwllheli for Gwynedd Council, which is due to complete in July and hosts the 29er World Sailing Championships 2015.

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