The award winning international design practice, headquartered in Newcastle, has posted its latest annual accounts showing a strong commercial performance despite ongoing economic challenges.
For the financial year ending 30 April 2023, Ryder’s turnover was £30.2m, generating pre tax profits of £1.7m. Overall Ryder has grown to over 350 people across its UK and international locations.
Mark Thompson, managing partner, said: “We’re pleased to have achieved turnover levels consistent with the previous year, given the extent of ongoing global, economic and political challenges. Although our profits reduced, we are confident in a more robust pipeline for the coming year and have continued to invest in strengthening the breadth and depth of expertise in our teams.
“In the year ahead, we hope to see a stabilised economy and a commitment from the UK government to much needed investment in education and healthcare – two of our key sectors – which would unlock new and delayed projects and opportunities, and provide much needed confidence to the private sector.”
Ryder’s work is spread as far afield as Australia and Canada with an impressive portfolio across the length and breadth of the UK in most core cities and regions. The resilience of Ryder is based on an established reputation in the core sectors of education, healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, office, residential and science.
Significant projects underway across the UK include the National Rehabilitation Centre in Loughborough, Dumfries High School, and several commissions for the University of Liverpool, and internationally, a first of its kind Build to Rent scheme in New Zealand.
Closer to its Newcastle home, Ryder recently supported Northumbria University in designing and securing £50m funding for the development of the North East Space Skills and Technology centre (NESST). Following the completion of Bank House in 2023, work is also underway on site to accommodate HMRC and Worswick Chambers as part of the wider Pilgrim Street regeneration, as well as Sunderland Eye Infirmary, Stockton Urban Park and Waterfront, and the second phase of Fujifilm’s Biocampus in Teesside.
Mark added: “Turnover for the months ahead is stronger than at this point last year but it remains as difficult as ever to confidently predict, so we continue to focus on what we can influence. Foremost is ensuring we deliver an exceptional service to our clients. This was once again endorsed with an overall client satisfaction rating of over 90% in our annual client survey.
“Attracting and retaining talented people is key to our ongoing success. Our ethos promotes empowerment and teamwork. We are extremely proud to be recognised as one of the leading employers in the UK again through the Best Companies to Work For tables.
“Many of our projects have been recognised with design awards in the year and we were also once again a finalist for the UK Architectural Practice of the Year at the prestigious Building awards – for the eighth time since 2012.”
The practice reached a significant milestone in 2023, celebrating its 70th anniversary. To mark the occasion, Ryder highlighted the positive impact it’s had on the communities in which it works by raising over £170,000 in six months through fundraising, volunteering and education support.
Mark concluded: “At the culmination of our 70th year, it’s humbling to look back with pride at the efforts our teams have contributed to exceeding our community impact target, supporting charities and good causes across so many communities. I’d like to thank them – and all of our friends, clients and colleagues who have supported us.”