Member Article

Local architecture firm goes into administration

Architecture firm Browne Smith Baker have gone into administration, resulting in 25 redundancies.

The company, who have offices in the North East and Yorkshire, experienced a sharp drop in turnover in the wake of the recession.

Grant Thornton have been appointed as administrators to the chain of architects which has four offices in Newcastle, Darlington, Leeds and Hull.

Partner at Grant Thornton Joe McLean who is in charge of the administration believes it is unlikely a buyer will be found for the firm given its now modest value.

Mr McLean said: “In this climate no business is immune, and in the case of Browne Smith Baker they are connected to the construction industry, which of course has suffered a great deal.

“Many might not realise but administration can begin some years before.

“Browne Smith Baker thankfully managed the business well, downsizing considerably over the last few years.

“80 had originally worked there, but since the company had struggled to maintain enough work, it was shrunk to 25.”

The firm had comprised six partners and undertook a mixture of public and private contracts.

Grant Thornton is now hoping that assets belonging to the company would be sold within six to nine months.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .