One of the region’s most respected civil and structural engineering design consultancies has received a major milestone recently, achieving one million pounds in annual turnover.
Since its launch in 2004, and despite one of the hardest hitting recessions, Portland Consulting Engineers (Portland) has enjoyed continuous year on year growth with the past 12 months of trading being exceptional.
Whilst working across a diverse sector base encompassing retail, care, education, industrial and manufacturing, as well as commercial property, the housing sector remains prominent within Portland’s order book.
Representing 40% of annual turnover, Portland’s reputation for providing projects in the social housing sector with innovative design solutions has been the foundation for much of its work winning and repeat business with some of the largest Registered Social Landlords and developers across the UK.
In the north east, Portland is working for housing provider Thirteen Group, in partnership with Sunderland Borough Council on a significant project where main contractor, Keepmoat Regeneration, part of the Engie Group, recently commenced work to construct a 75-unit mixed used development inGrindon, Sunderland. The scheme comprises both homes for sale and affordablerent which will also include independent living elements to meet the need of residents who will benefit from its special features.
Further to this, Portland has provided structural design services on the conversion of the former council offices on Springfield Road, Blakelaw, to create 18 houses, flats and bungalows for Karbon Homes. Both schemes are expected to complete next summer.
The consultant is also celebrating news that Gus Robinson Developments and Karbon Homes have recently secured planning approval for an impressive four new schemes which will create an abundance of vibrant new residential developments creating 109 new homes in Hartlepool.
Outside of housing, a substantial amount of Portland’s work stems from industrial and manufacturing projects. Currently, Portland is working on construction of a crane workshop and maintenance depot incorporating a regional administrative centre for occupation by Mammoet Cranes, which is being developed on behalf of UK Land. This is due for completion next February.
Speaking about achieving the million-pound milestone, according to managing director, Lee Barr, whilst the industry is still experiencing some difficulties getting schemes to site, Portland’s level of enquiries and subsequent appointments remain buoyant. He said:
“Despite a continuation of tight margins across the industry, I’m delighted to announce that for the first time in the company’s history, we have reached the million pound mark. This is a significant level of turnover for a single office regional consultancy which specialises in two main disciplines – civil and structural engineering – and given the size of the team, which currently stands at 17. In my opinion, our continued success is down to a combination of factors. These include the strength and commitment of the team to always deliver, and our ability to forge strong relationships with clients across many sectors who are impressed by the work we do and continue to give us repeat business, not only in the region but across the UK.
“We have a good level of work in the pipeline and I believe by working collaboratively with both clients and project partners we will overcome the widespread problem of getting schemes to site and will continue to build on or growing reputation and market share.”