Drivers Jonas boosts Northern turnover

Drivers Jonas LLP reported a record £11.8m turnover across its Manchester and Leeds offices in the past financial year, a 17.5% increase on 2007.

The 100-strong Manchester office enjoyed increased demand from public sector clients including Manchester City Council, NHS Primary Care Trusts, Manchester Airport Developments, AGMA, Stockport and Trafford councils.

The UK business recorded turnover of £96.3m, a 7% increase. The group also has offices in London, Birmingham, Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Drivers Jonas awarded £10.37m to staff in bonuses, an increase on 2007.

John Adams, partner and head of UK regions, based in Manchester, said: "The 'credit crunch' has been with us for almost our entire 2007/8 financial year, and has undoubtedly had an adverse impact on our clients and our business.

"The pervasiveness of that impact across the financial markets, commercial and residential real estate and the wider economy could not have been foreseen at the beginning of our year and we, like everyone else, have had to adapt our business along the way.

"We work across every aspect of property consultancy and provide valuable data and insight to clients whatever the condition of the market. It has been boom time in the North West over the last decade and while things may be slowing down there are still key projects in the pipeline or under construction throughout the region.

"Growth for the past year has largely come from the key specialisms of planning, development, project management and construction consultancy."

Drivers Jonas' Manchester office has grown from 20 staff in 2003 to over 80 in 2008.