Drivers Jonas bucks market with record turnover
The Manchester office of Drivers Jonas helped boost Northern region – including Leeds – turnover to a record £13.2m, up 11.69% on last year.
The wider business also hit a record turnover, of £95.7m in the year to 31 May 2009. The Manchester office employs 80 people and worked during the period on major schemes such as the new Chetham's School of Music buildings and the redevelopment of Old Trafford Cricket Ground.
John Adams, partner and head of UK regions ,based in Manchester, said: "This has been a challenging year for the property industry and our agency as activity levels, market confidence and demand for services fell sharply.
"Intensifying competition for work has seen many advisers chasing down fee rates to unsustainable levels which has had a downward pressure on profits. Nevertheless, we have made real progress in strengthening our project management and building construction businesses and our regeneration and transaction services.
Adams said turnover is now equally split between the private and public sectors. Key clients include the Home Office, Manchester College, University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, Land Securities, British Land, ASDA, ING, PRUPRIM and British Rail Residuary Board.
Nationally the firm, reporting its financial results as a limited liability partnership for the first time, recorded profits of £21m and holds £9m in cash reserves.
Adams added: "We have also started our new year strongly and are delighted to have been instructed to provide planning advice alongside Scott Wilson and EDF and a multi disciplinary team on the Mersey Tidal Power Project for Peel Energy and the NWDA. This enhances our sustainable energy practice.
"The sustainability agenda is gaining increasing traction for us as well as our clients, and will accelerate further on arrival of the Carbon Reduction Commitment. Our national sustainability team is based here in Manchester."
