Newcastle's Ryder Architecture hails strong performance in challenging times

The Newcastle architecture business leading designs for the city centre’s East Pilgrim Street regeneration has hailed strong commercial performance despite the challenging economic environment.

Ryder Architecture, which is based in Cooper Studios in Newcastle, is responsible for high profile schemes across the North East and beyond, with its work spread as far afield as Australia and Canada for clients in a diverse mix of sectors. Now Ryder has published accounts for the year ended April 2024, showing turnover rose 4.6% to £31.6m, with pre-tax profits increasing 60% to £2.43m. Operating profit rose 41% to £2.35m. Total comprehensive income was £3.2m, up from £1.3m, while total equity stood at £12.55m, up from £10.1m.

Group staff numbers also rose from 319 to 325 during the year and the firm said that, overall, Ryder now employs 350 people across its UK and international locations, with offices in Newcastle, London, Liverpool, Glasgow, Manchester and Bristol. It also covers South East Asian nations from Hong Kong through a license agreement with Ryder (Asia) Limited, in Canada through Ryder Architecture (Canada) Inc and elsewhere internationally through an alliance community.

Significant projects under way across the UK include major residential led regeneration projects in and around London, a new chain of hotels nationally, and the National Rehabilitation Centre for Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust. Closer to its Newcastle roots, Ryder is leading the design team on the regeneration of East Pilgrim Street, including the recently announced Pilgrim Place 1 and 2 buildings, the latest phase of the project involving Pilgrim’s Quarter, the new home for Stack in Worswick Chambers and a hotel in the former fire station.

A report signed off by Ryder Architecture managing director Mark Thompson, said: “Our broad portfolio of sectors involves us working with a wide range of clients - private businesses, developers, construction contractors, national and local Government bodies.

“The success of these sectors requires a strong economy, stable political climate and a positive investment and planning environment, all of which have been lacking in the UK throughout recent years although they appear to be stabilising since the general election in July 2024.

“Commissions for the next 12 months remain strong across all sectors, although timing is a concern as clients assess the viability of projects within the context of ongoing uncertainty in the economy. We seek to manage and mitigate these risks through a diversified sector, client and geographical portfolio.

“The level of future commissions are constantly monitored and classified against agreed profitability criteria and benchmarks to identify areas of potential risk.

“Many of our projects were recognised with design awards last year and we were also crowned UK Architectural Practice of the Year in the prestigious Building awards 2024. We are focused on delivering an excellent client experience. We continue to be committed to all our established sectors while pursuing a number of overseas opportunities. Okana, our new built environment consultancy including a community of likeminded practices, continued to deliver with new commissions in North and South America, the Far East, Middle East and Australia.”