A leading independent chartered surveyors is setting its sights on expansion in 2014 after a record year.
Portsmouth-based McAndrew Martin is aiming to boost staff numbers and step-up its residential and commercial work as it celebrates its landmark 25th anniversary in 2014.
The ambitious plans come as the company enjoyed its best ever year in 2013 with a bumper 40 per cent increase in turnover amid an improving economy.
Bill McAndrew, who is managing director of the company, said: “All at McAndrew Martin are looking forward to our exciting 25th anniversary year of 2014 with great confidence.
“We are set to work on a new children’s services unit on the Isle of Wight, undertake stone repairs and restoration at Sandhurst Royal Military Academy and provide services to the troops returning from active duty abroad.
“We also are looking to increase the amount of private architectural work that we undertake and with more general survey and valuation work, we are looking to increase the number of staff.”
Highlights of 2013 included quadrennial inspections at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, the Tower of London and Horse Guards Parade.
Mr McAndrew said: “We also saw a significant increase in the amount of residential survey and valuation work in 2013.
“As a sign of the improving economy, there was also an increase in the amount of residential architectural work carried out, such as new buildings and extensions.”
Recently, the firm hired new staff including trainee building surveyor Lewis Don, 21, from Lovedean.
The success comes as recent figures show the economy and housing market picking up.
Growth was upgraded in the 2013 Autumn Statement from 0.6 per cent to 1.4 per cent for 2013, and from 1.8 per cent to 2.4 per cent in 2014.
Recent figures from Halifax showed house prices rising at 7.5 per in 2013 cent a year, with Nationwide placing the increase at 8.4 per cent.
The Bank of England also said that mortgage approvals have risen to the highest level since February 2008.
