A Stafford architectural consultancy celebrating 20 years in business says having the flexibility to adapt has been key to its success.
James and Ward Limited, based at Staffordshire County Council’s Shire Hall Business Centre, has spent two decades helping clients overcome challenges across construction design and management.
The firm, led by Managing Director Andrew Ward, has worked on a wide range of projects over the years, including a £19 million retail development in the West Midlands for Asda Stores Limited, where it acted as lead consultant.
Andrew said:
“Reaching such a milestone has been a challenge. You never stop learning and adapting. We may be a 20-year-old business, but you are always like a start-up where you need to keep up to date with technology and make sure your approach to marketing is right.
“Otherwise, you become a secret business that no-one needs.”
The company chose Shire Hall as its base because being close to Stafford Railway Station makes it a very convenient location for student placements and apprentices.
The flexible office space has also allowed the business to adapt to changing working patterns since the pandemic, while meeting rooms of different sizes mean the firm can accommodate meetings without having to pay for additional permanent space.
Andrew said:
“The flexibility of the offices allows growth or shrinkage, which is particularly important in a different world post-Covid where working from home has become the norm.
“The meeting rooms also allow us to have a two-person meeting or a 20-person meeting without funding an empty room for most of the month.”
Shire Hall Business Centre is one of Staffordshire County Council’s eight enterprise centres, providing flexible and affordable workspace for start-ups, established businesses and growing companies.
Robin Hall, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, said:
“Reaching 20 years in business is a tremendous achievement and a tribute to the hard work, resilience and adaptability of everyone at James and Ward.
“The company is a great example of the successful businesses we want to support here in Staffordshire. Our enterprise centres provide flexible and affordable space where businesses can establish themselves, adapt and grow and, when local businesses succeed, they create jobs and strengthen our county’s economy.”
A 409 sq ft office has just become available at Shire Hall Business Centre. Call 07989 734967 to enquire now before it’s gone.
To find out more or enquire about workspace at one of Staffordshire County Council’s enterprise centres, visit the Staffordshire County Council website.
