Member Article

Newcastle architects launch 3D modelling platform and eye £1 million turnover

Innovative Newcastle-based architecture firm _space Group has secured funding to launch the second phase of its online 3D modelling software.

Funding from Investment for Growth will be used to launch the firm’s building information modelling platform, BIMstore.co.uk.

The launch follows extensive internal testing of the technology, which _space have advocated in the UK for over a decade.

37% funding from Investment for Growth, delivered by the Investment Centre and supported by the European Regional Development Fund, will help _space to achieve an anticipated £1 million turnover for the BIMstore.co.uk in 2014.

The technology brings together electronic construction information into a single database, encouraging a more integrated approach to design and construction processes.

The benefits of using the system include being able to test a building virtually, troubleshooting and correcting errors before a brick is laid and increased levels of communication on the design team, saving time and money.

BIMstore enables the user to select fully specified pre-designed building components, including fixtures and furnishings quickly and easily.

Rob Charlton, CEO of _space Group, explained: “It is rather like App Store or ITunes, but for construction.

“We originally launched BIMstore.co.uk three years ago, and it has grown steadily, with more and more users.

“We wanted to stay ahead of the game in the UK, and we were delighted to secure funding from Investment for Growth to enable us to develop this enhanced version of the site.”

BIMstore’s success has enabled _space to take on new employees and set up a speciality training programme for graduates.

Rob added: “We take on a group of graduates who are struggling to find work in the construction sector in the current climate, and offer them 12 weeks training on BIM. They are then far better placed to find work – of the last group of 15, 13 have already secured jobs.”

Investment for Growth adviser Colin Bunn said: “_space Group is a great example of how leading edge technologies are being applied to businesses across the North East. Rob and his team are growing new business by focusing on the future products and services that will be needed to compete in the highly competitive building, construction and design sector.

“The Investment for Growth funded BIMstore project has added significant numbers of high skilled, high value jobs to _space Group’s workforce and is a great contribution to the North East economy.”

Rob added: “We were determined to continue to be at the forefront of the BIM technology revolution and the investment we have secured from Investment for Growth has enabled this to happen.

“We know that the market potential is there both in the UK - and with the new platform we are in discussions with overseas markets - doing business globally is so easy in this digital era, it really is an exciting time for the group.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .