Powell Williams founder to retire

After 31 years, Andy Williams will leave the national building consultancy that he created in Chester.

Established in 1990, Powell Williams has grown from just one office in Chester to having locations also in Birmingham, Leeds and London.

Powell Williams offers project management, acquisition and vendors’ surveys, advisory services and dilapidation strategies. Clients include Abrdn, Cube Real Estate, Siemens, Places for People, Travis Perkins and Aviva Investors.

Williams said he felt now was the time for early retirement, based on the company’s recent performance as well as a brief bout of ill health last year.

“The team has exceeded every target the partners set this year, despite all of the difficulties wrought by the effects of the pandemic and EU withdrawal,” Williams said.

“Over the last year we have welcomed a significant number of new instructions from funds, developers, landlords and occupiers, with 12% of our client base being new clients,” he said.

Williams also spoke about his feelings about leaving the company he created.

“I am extremely proud of what has been achieved through such trying times by a thoroughly dedicated and collective effort, and of everything we’ve built together over the last three decades since the firm was founded in 1990,” he said.

“I set out to create a service-led consultancy with strong values which put client wellbeing at the heart of our operation,” Williams continued. “I wanted to bring together experts with the knowledge and commitment to offer a better client experience than might be found elsewhere, and in this respect, I certainly consider it job done.”

Martin Hunt, head of the Chester office, recalled how he was recruited by Andy to be a post-graduate intern 25 years ago.

“From graduate to partner, I have enjoyed working for and then alongside Andy, challenging and developing the business as part of a dedicated partnership team,” Hunt said.

“Andy’s success cannot be understated, his vision for this business and his determination in driving it forward has been inspiring…

“Everyone at Powell Williams owes so much to Andy, and we will all miss him greatly as a friend, colleague and leader,” Hunt continued. “He has steered the ship successfully for three decades and put us into a fantastic position to take the business forward.

“Our commitment to him is that we will maintain the principles he has established over the last 30 years, and we truly wish him all the very best in his retirement.”