The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Space Solutions increase presence in central belt
Business: Aberdeen firm buys Glasgow’s haa design
Space Solutions, the Aberdeen-based office design specialist and consultancy, has beefed up its central belt presence by acquiring Glasgow company haa design.
The value of the “merger” was not disclosed but adds a business turning over several hundred thousand pounds, Space managing director Steve Judge said yesterday.
It also increases Space’s workforce by 10 people, including haa design founder, managing director and chairman Hugh Anderson and fellow shareholder David Crowe.
Mr Judge said the “strategic move” was part of Space’s ambition of making the business less Aberdeen-focused amid challenging times for the northeast economy, although the firm has had offices in both Edinburgh and Glasgow for more than 10 years.
He added: “We believe the quality of the team and the experience haa brings to Space Solutions will be quite transformative in terms of the proposition we are able to offer clients.
“The merger is consistent with our strategy to add strength to our service and product lines across the group.”
Haa’s award-winning design practice has completed more than 400 projects over the past two decades.
It counts JP Morgan, West of Scotland University, the Scottish Government, Glasgow City Council, Cisco and Pinsent Masons among its clients.
The business, which will keep its name but move to Space’s Aberdeen office, is expected to emerge as an even stronger force in the workplace design market.
It will also continue to compete for top contracts across the commercial, public, further education and professional services sectors.
Space, which grew out of a commercial architectural practice in 1997, specialises in commercial architecture, workspace planning, interior design, refurbishments and commercial relocations.
It employs 230 people across offices in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Livingston and Dundee.
The company notched up revenue of £36million in the 12 months to June 30, 2016, against £36million in 2014/15 and has forecast a similar figure for the current trading year.
Last October, it revealed it had doubled revenue over two years across its Edinburgh and Glasgow offices – and was targeting acquisitions in 2017.
A sharp increase in activity in the central belt last year “balanced out” market pressures in the northeast.
Mr Judge said yesterday there were emerging signs of a recovery in the northeast, with inquiry levels “noticeably higher” in recent weeks. “We have a good feeling about the Aberdeen market,” he added.
Recent projects for the firm include the relocation of service company PD&MS Energy into the new Ardent House office development in the North Dee Business Quarter.
“We have a good feeling about Aberdeen market”