MULTI-disciplinary engineering consultancy Harley Haddow has set out its UK growth strategy after reporting a ‘strong’ financial performance despite the pandemic-related challenges.
The business, which has bases in London, Edinburgh and Glasgow, revealed a ‘surge’ in demand for design services offset the impact of other projects delayed due to the strictest lockdown period, which resulted in ‘steady’ turnover of £6.7 million for the year to 30th April 2021.
The additional reduction in operational costs such as travel expenses created an annual profit of £850,392, with a margin of 12.6% – a slight dip on the previous year’s 13.8% profit margin. Shareholder equity increased 23% from £1.572 million to £1.936 million.
Following a restructure in 2016 where the business moved from being a partnership to a limited company, Harley Haddow stated it has seen ‘exceptional growth and service demand’, with revenue almost doubling over five years. This year alone 14 graduates and school leavers have been recruited, with employee headcount now standing at 110 across the UK sites.
Growth has been seen across all areas of the business, including civil and structural engineering; mechanical, electrical, and public health (MEP); environmental and energy; net zero and carbon reduction planning.
Harley Haddow was recently awarded the accolade of Net Zero Advisor of the year by the Association of Consulting Engineers.
Recent projects have included improvements and expansion of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts HQ in London, the refurbishment of the former House of Fraser department store in Edinburgh into the Johnnie Walker Princes Street visitor experience, and the BODYHEAT project for Glasgow’s SWG3 – which captures body heat from customers to help power the venue and minimise its carbon footprint.
Marc McLuskey, director at Harley Haddow, said, “We are cautiously optimistic about the market this year and will continue to forge ahead with our ambitious growth plans. Having successfully cemented our position UK wide as one of the top multi-disciplinary engineering consultancies, our next stage is to continue to grow our brand and client base in the UK market.
“We’ve already built an established and growing presence in the London and wider English market, with a number of high-profile client projects successfully delivered including the BAFTA building. Going forward we are focusing on talent acquisition and how we recruit, train and retain Britain’s top engineering talent. We do this through our positive culture and tried and tested methodology, which sees a director led approach across all areas of the business.
“As we enter our 72nd year of trading we remain innovative and responsive to the needs of our clients, to who we owe our ongoing success.”
