Leeds interiors specialist marks 40th year in business with £250k investment

Vantage, the Leeds-based interiors specialist, has invested more than a quarter of a million pounds to revamp its premises.

This significant investment comes as the company is set for 25% revenue growth and marks its 40th year in business.

Established in 1977 as a commercial plants company, Vantage has grown to become a 13-strong, £1.8m turnover business.

Vantage supplies a range of interior greenery and luxury refreshments solutions to more than 400 clients throughout the UK, with a customer-base that includes national and global brands such as JCT600, Virgin Trains East Coast, Holiday Inn and property giant Savills.

As part of the company refurbishing its 11,000 sqft site, a £210k re-fit project has been completed by Sheffield-based Dale Office Interiors, with creative influence by Bedale firm Spatial DDB.

New working space, complete with turfed floor and optional standing-height desks, has been designed to boost employee productivity, collaboration and wellbeing. There’s also a glazed boardroom, more informal meeting booths, fresh washroom facilities, a purpose-built kitchen area, new reception and state-of-the-art furniture throughout.

In addition, there is a new ‘engine room’ – the hub of business operations – which allows production, warehousing and office staff to collaborate on client projects.

Robin Edwards, Vantage’s managing director, said: “We’ve been based at this site just off Kirkstall Road since 2013 and, whilst we’ve experienced 13% growth during this time, we’ve always had the vision to do more with the space.

“This was admittedly a complex assignment, not least because of the curved walls and circular structures throughout the scheme. But, we encourage our clients to be different to create impressions, so it was important that we emulated the same philosophy.”

To further support Vantage’s ongoing development on a nationwide basis, the team has invested an additional £40k in the fit-out of a second, smaller showspace in Clerkenwell, London.

Shared with design and installation firm Maxwood Washrooms, Robin believes this permanent presence on Farringdon Road will prove the catalyst for further growth.

He added: “We’re no strangers to this internationally renowned creative district. Clerkenwell Design Week is a firm fixture on our calendars, and, with many of our customers, architects and interior fit-out partners based in the South, we’re frequent visitors to this part of the capital city.

“But with such vast market potential here it’s crucial that we cement our truly nationwide profile as we plan for our next 40 years in business.”