With the recent resurgence of optimism in the construction sector, Godfrey Syrett, North East furniture manufacturer, has responded by launching a new division dedicated to serving the construction industry.
A new Fitted Furniture Division is set to launch this month, with its main focus being to work with main contractors both regionally and nationally in order to deliver bespoke furniture solutions for new build projects within the commercial, hospitality, healthcare, defence and education sectors.
The firm, which employs 220 staff, has manufacturing and distribution hubs in Durham and Killingworth. This has the capability of delivering large-scale fitted furniture projects, working in partnership with contractors from design conception through to manufacture and installation.
Its new division is being pushed forward as part of a wider five-year growth plan, where it aims to increase turnover from £25m to £40m as it targets new sectors.
Derek Mitchell, head of the Fitted Furniture division, commented: “We have witnessed the constructions sector’s return to growth over the past few years and believe it will continue to figure prominently in the improving economy, with year-on-year growth expected.
“In launching the new division we are positioning ourselves to capitalise on this opportunity, whilst providing a specialist service to deliver tailored fitted furniture solutions to major construction projects.”
A report from the Construction Industry Training Board, Blueprint for Construction 2015-2019, highlights the ‘big construction comeback’ that’s set to commence, saying that the UK construction market is expected to see an increase in average annual growth of 2.9% over the next five years. The North East commercial sector is likely to average increases of 3.8% per annum following new investment.
Managing director at Godfrey Syrett, Neil Tweddle, concluded: “As a long-established manufacturer we can offer stability and flexibility to contractors, allocating dedicated production and resources in advance of major projects to ensure they are fulfilled within budget and on programme.”
Godfrey Syrett has already completed installations for a number of constructions projects, including The Curzon building at Birmingham City University on behalf of Wilmott Dixon Construction.