Architecture and building consultancy AHR has enjoyed an increased turnover and profit in 2018, new figures show.

The national firm is continuing to grow across the region, with the recent group figures revealing a 7.5% annual increase in turnover to £31.7 million, which delivered an operating profit of £3.2 million, up 10.3%. These figures covered the year to 31 December 2018.

The success of the company was driven by both the Architecture and Building Consultancy businesses, after landing major projects like the delivery of designs for The Spine, the Royal College of Physicians' £35 million northern home in Liverpool, and a new 11,000 m2 headquarters for the UK Hydrographic Office in Taunton.

Managing director Martin Wright also paid particular tribute to the practice's distinctive model as a multi-service, multi-sector and multi-geographical practice.

Mr Wright said: "We are pleased to report that for Architecture the steps undertaken to refocus the business and streamline our resources have continued to bear fruit. The combined UK Architecture business saw a 12% turnover growth to £20.3m, and a significant increase in operating profit to £2.2m. This reflects the hard work of all our staff in delivering the objectives set by the Board and was achieved in a macro-economic environment that remains uncertain.

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"Following a strategic review of our international business, we sold AHR Kazakhstan LLP to local management in October 2018. We wish the team in Kazakhstan well for the future.

"Success in these current market conditions is derived from a diverse portfolio across many sectors and across both public and private work. Our strong regional network of 8 offices across the UK has enabled us to access continued interest into major regional cities. We remain focused on the people and places at the heart of our designs, whilst looking to enhance the built environment and the experience of those who interact with it."

Robert Grayson, managing director of Building Consultancy added: "Our work across the entire life cycle of the built environment provides us with a unique outlook on the industry. Continuous investment into new technology and a clear innovation strategy has enabled us to extract new value and generate a sustainable advantage, leading to many significant wins. Our Geomatic Consultancy offering positions us at the forefront of innovation in our industry, with commissions combining reality capture using laser scanning with virtual reality technology to create a digital representation of real world environments.

"In the residential sector we have continued to win new commissions under our longstanding frameworks as well as acquiring new clients in this sector. Our work in the transport sector remains strong with new contracts with further train operating companies as well as an increased involvement in the aviation sector for a variety of clients across a growing number of UK airports. Education continues to be our largest sector and our client relationships continue to develop as we increase our work across Schools, Academies, Colleges and Universities.


"Looking ahead, visibility of the pipeline of work remains more short-term and we continue to monitor the unfolding Brexit story, remaining versatile and responsive to evolving market conditions. We are managing the business accordingly and are on track to deliver the targets set for 2019."

(CM/MH)