Although we have been established for over 25 years, we have not forgotten our roots. The firm’s first premises were John Rowan’s living room and the first partner to join John was Steve Gee, who to this day is our Managing Partner. The company has gone from strength to strength and although we now employee over 75 people, we understand and respect the issues and challenges that new firms face.
We are proud sponsors of The Best New QS Firm as we recognise and wish to reward the achievements of new firms.
We encourage competition as this leads to the increase in standards within the industry we are so proud to be a part of.
Winner
Savant
This year’s prize for best newcomer goes to a six-year-old QS that has not so much flown the nest as taken a jet plane across the globe. With offices across the UK, Russia, Kazakhstan and central and eastern Europe, the firm’s fee turnover has risen to £38m, including an 80% increase in 2006/07 alone. And on the way is has picked up a client list that includes the likes of the BBC and General Motors. The firm’s first-class ambition is well illustrated by its work on Frank Gehry’s Serpentine Pavilion, which was built in just six weeks. For many people, putting up a garden shed in that time would be a challenge.
Runners-up
Box Associates
This is the youngest of this year’s shortlisted firms, having been formed in October last year. Not the best of times to start a construction business, of course, but that doesn’t seem to have been daunted Box. In fact, it has managed to smash its first-year predictions: its £400,000 turnover is 45% higher than its estimate of £275,000, and it has pocketed a tidy profit along the way. Imagine what it would have done in a boom …
Dooley Associates
When Brendan Dooley started this company as a one-man band working from his home back in 2003, few would have imagined that within five years it would be swapping the kitchen table for the riches of the East. But with schemes including the £100m Q Park in central Asian Republic of Tatastan, that’s exactly what has happened. A willingness to accompany its best clients almost anywhere is what marks this fast-growing practice out from the crowd.
DSG
Despite being established little over 18 months ago, DSG already counts some of the UK’s biggest contractors among its clients, including such industry leaders as Carillion, Kier and Laing O’Rourke. Launched with just four employees including managing director Steven Gosling, the firm is now looking at a £300,000 turnover and a potential venture overseas. With eight more major contractors eyeing up the firm’s services, it’s likely you’ll be hearing a lot more from these guys over the next few years.
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