Wardman Brown

Tees Valley Business Growth Fund supports architectural services company to build for the future.

Darlington-based architectural practice, Wardman Brown, needed a cash injection to help pay for the new equipment needed to take on another member of staff to its growing team.

We caught up with Director, Lee Wardman, to find out how a grant from the Tees Valley Business Growth Fund has helped the business on its growth journey…

The Story So Far…

Wardman Brown offer a complete range of architectural services, taking clients from concept design, through to planning and completion.

Delivering projects for both residential and commercial clients right across the UK, Wardman Brown is a dynamic and forward-thinking firm which has been growing its portfolio since opening its doors in 2011.

Projects range from small residential extensions, large contemporary houses, and barn conversions, to large commercial office blocks and industrial developments.

With recent projects including eco homes and timber eco-lodge holiday homes, Wardman Brown’s team are also specialists in incorporating sustainable and renewable energy technologies in their projects.

Director Lee tells us: “We offer a full range of services, working with enthusiasm to understand and exceed clients’ expectations. Our practice is centred on offering the highest quality, professional service, always with an innovative approach and a competitive edge.”

Building For The Future…

After a busy year with increasing demand and a growing client list, Wardman Brown urgently needed to take on a Senior Architectural Technologist to support with project delivery, but first needed to upgrade its current systems and IT equipment.

After getting in touch with Tees Valley Business to find out what funding and support was available, one of our expert Business Growth Consultants was soon able to help Director Lee put in an application to the Tees Valley Business Growth Fund.

The bid was successful and Wardman Brown was able to access grant funding over £1,100.

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Lee explained: “Practically, the funding has enabled us to upgrade our existing IT server, giving us more much-needed storage space to run our current projects and take on future work. The addition of another computer also allowed us to take on another Senior Architectural Technologist to assist our growing workload and ultimately help with the growth of the business.”

Lee told us that the new starter who took on the role had previously commuted from Stockton to Leeds, but was fed up of the long commute and was looking for an opportunity closer to home.

With the support of Tees Valley Business, Wardman Brown was able to create a quality role for a local skilled worker, right here in the Tees Valley.

We asked Lee how he found the process of applying to the Business Growth Fund, he told us: “The process to apply was straightforward. It was just a case of getting quotations for the computer and equipment and submitting an application form online. If the funding is available for your case, then I would definitely recommend applying. It’s simple and easy!”

About the Tees Valley Business Growth Fund

The Tees Valley Business Growth Fund supports businesses in the Tees Valley with up to 55% grant funding for business improvement projects up to a maximum grant of £20,000, to help them grow, improve productivity and stimulate growth.

The fund is managed by Tees Valley Combined Authority and is receiving funding from the England European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2020-2023.

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