Highly Respected Architectural & Building Design Business | | Undisclosed Relocatable | | Highly Respected Architectural & Building Design Business Ref.CR169 Location Sussex Asking Price £195,000 | | BUSINESS FOR SALE ADVERT DETAILS ADVERT NUMBER : 58018
ADVERT IMPRESSIONS : 27,655 TIME(S) | | | | BUSINESS SECTOR: | Services | | TRADE TYPE: | Estate Agents | | SALE: | Agent Sale | LEASEHOLD: | £195000 | | | | | | | | | | Add this business advert to your: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | BUSINESS DETAILS: | Business profile:
This highly profitable and respected architectural design business was established in the 1980’s by the vendor of the company in a small side office of a local estate agent. Since those beginnings the company has built an exceptional reputation for quality of work and an approachable and unique service to many hundreds of clients. Currently conducting around 30 projects at any given time, the business handles plans for new builds, extensions, conversions and alterations. With revenue split around 80% in favour of domestic work, and 20% for commercial projects. Clients have included developers, building contractors, property maintenance companies and public house & hotel chains as well as many private clients. The practice covers a wide area of work across the South East of England, with a constant level of new enquires. The company has enjoyed the busiest period of its 30 year history in the last 12 months, providing an excellent base for further growth.
The Architectural practice tends to compete with small self-employed Architects, although none of whom offer the same brand, approachable service or presence in the local marketplace. The vendors of the business have prided themselves on their ability to work directly with clients offering guidance, advice and a bespoke professional design service. Concentrating on the quality of the traditional hand-drawn designs which are appreciated greatly by customers offering a greater level of detail and warmth to their design plans.
The owners of the business have built on their respected name by networking with a wide range of industry professionals over the decades across disciplines and regions, with many surveyors, structural engineers, building contractors, planning consultants and estate agents recommending the business to a wide and diverse range of clients. These recommendations provided the core of the business enquiries received by the firm. There is a potential to retain the services of one or two of the key partners dependent on the requirements of all concerned. New owners gain an exceptional opportunity to enter the market from a leading position with confidence in the stability of on-going trade.
Equipment:
The business is operated from a fully equipped shop front design office, which is relatively unique in the Architectural and building design service marketplace. The company operates with a central server, desktop PC’s and integrated telephone system. There is an A0 copier / printer, along with 2 large photocopiers and 2 Graphic Design tables. IT services are outsourced to streamline operations and reduce overall IT spend.
Customer Service:
From the companies inception the owners of the business have focused on providing an exemplary customer experience from start to finish. With a professional and friendly approach at all times, clients immediately feel at ease discussing project requirements, and calling upon the firms experienced staff safe in the knowledge that the end result will be meet if not surpass expectations. The reputation for quality of work at reasonable prices preceeds the company and provides confidence to the many other industry professionals recommending the company on a daily basis.
Key Strengths:
The unique style of the business and reputation is obviously a great asset, as is the lengthy trading history in itself which provides confidence to potential clients and the high levels of enquiries received. This base of business offers stability to on-going revenue from which to build. The networking within the industry and wider community is outstanding, this results in the business being the first on the list when professionals are required to recommend an Architectural Design service. The business has a streamlined low overhead business model providing excellent profit margins per project.
Growth and Expansion Opportunities:
The business name and reputation is well known in the marketplace and across a wide geographic area. The unique friendly shop-front approach to architectural design services has proven very successful and is ripe for further expansion either by opening new premises directly or franchising the name and business methods. It should be noted that the original business was established over 35 years ago in another town in the South East. This business still operates under the same trade name, and there has been shared business and referrals between the two firms over the years, although there is no formal agreement in-place or sharing of finances. The services offered by the firm can also be expanded to include longer time-frame contract work, CAD designs, and site supervision project management services. The marketing could be expanded with a corporate website and direct promotion to building contractors, other owners of multiple sites such as hotel and pub groups and a wider geographic area of private clients.
Premises:
The business is operated from a leasehold self contained shop unit. The lease is on flexible terms with the landlord, with minimal notice period. Overall the premises occupies circa 720 sq ft, with a large shop front reception area to meet clients and complete drawings. To the rear is a design office and print room / archive area . In addition there is a staff toilet and small kitchenette. Annual rent is circa £7,200 inclusive of bills, with business rates payable circa £2,400.
Business Hours:
Monday – Friday: 9:30 – 5:30 pm
Advertising and Marketing:
The business gains over 50% of revenue from regular repeat clients. There is a high street shop front presence which is well known in the local community and enquiries from advertising in Yellow Pages and Thomson Directories, although the majority of work is undertaken from recommendation and referral.
Financial profile:
The business is being offered for sale on a going concern basis, all financial discussions will take place directly between the vendor and all interested parties under the auspices of Turner Butler.
For the previous financial year the Turnover was circa £140,000, with a Gross Profit circa £120,000 and a Net Profit circa £90,000.
Employees:
The business is currently operated by a three way family partnership, with a large base of professionals from within the industry to call upon when needs arise. Some of these relationships have been in place for many years, and the vendors believe they can be expected to continue under new ownership.
Support and Training:
The team of staff are agreeable to a period of training and handover with the option of a longer term consultancy agreement if that is of interest to all concerned.
Reason for Sale:
The founders of the business are looking to enjoy a well earned retirement, and hand the business over in excellent shape for the next generation to capitalise on. | | | | | | FOR SALE | | | | | REFERENCE: | CR169 / RightBiz | | | | | | Request more information about this business.. | | ENQUIRIES: | | | | CONTACT SELLER TO GET THE SELLERS DIRECT CONTACT DETAILS AVAILABLE TO MEMBERS ONLY | | | | | | | | | | | |
