THE man who founded a national building consultancy in Chester back in 1990 has announced that he is to retire.

Andy Williams, founding partner of Powell Williams which also has offices in London, Birmingham, and Leeds, is calling time on his tenure following another successful trading year for the firm.

The practice has exceeded revenue targets and increased profitability, despite the challenges of Covid, Brexit and the recession.

The successful culmination of a five-year growth plan has seen new clients brought into the business, additional services offered, and recruitment across all offices, increasing headcount.

Andy believes this plan provides a solid foundation upon which to build further.

“The team has exceeded every target the partners set this year", he explained. "Despite all of the difficulties wrought by the effects of the pandemic and EU withdrawal.

"Over the last year we have welcomed a significant number of new instructions from funds, developers, landlords and occupiers, with 12% of our client base being new clients.

“We’ve also attracted three talented new members to the team in recent months with Tom Little, another highly experienced building surveyor, joining this week from Trident.

“I am extremely proud of what has been achieved through such trying times by a thoroughly dedicated and collective effort, and of everything we’ve built together over the last three decades since the firm was founded in 1990.

“I set out to create a service-led consultancy with strong values which put client wellbeing at the heart of our operation. I wanted to bring together experts with the knowledge and commitment to offer a better client experience than might be found elsewhere, and in this respect, I certainly consider it job done.

“The business is in an extremely robust position and, after a wonderful 30 years, it is time for me to step back. I have taken the decision to retire early and focus on other aspects of my life following a brief spell of ill health last year.

“I have absolute confidence that the partners will take the business even further forward. Powell Williams has always had an emphasis on ability and attitude, not just length of service, so individuals who contribute towards the continued success will most certainly thrive with the firm.”

Powell Williams operates a flat management structure, with partners heading up each of the regional offices, and teams working together to provide tailored support for clients based on the location of their property assets and service requirements.

As founding partner, Andy has driven change from a small family business to a modern LLP and established a strong footing for the next stage of the firm’s growth.

Between them, the remaining partners have more than 90 years’ service with the firm, and almost half of all staff have been in post for a decade or more.

Martin Hunt, head of the Chester office who was brought into the business by Andy as a post graduate intern 25 years ago, said: "From graduate to partner, I have enjoyed working for and then alongside Andy, challenging and developing the business as part of a dedicated partnership team.

“Andy’s success cannot be understated, his vision for this business and his determination in driving it forward has been inspiring.

"He established the ethos embodied in our strapline – Clear Concise Advice – and an approach to providing a commercially-driven, client-centric service which stands just as strong today.

“Our clients use us consistently because we listen to them, and the service we provide makes their lives easier. This commitment has enabled us to retain several major clients to this day, such as Aviva and Abrdn, from when we started over 30 years ago, and reflects our ability to attract new clients and recruit high quality employees who want to be a part of that culture.

“Looking ahead, we will consolidate our new client wins, explore opportunities to support them further, and continue to bring in work from new sources and our longstanding client base. We are also in a recruitment phase and hope to welcome surveyors of all levels to each of our offices to support this growth.

“Everyone at Powell Williams owes so much to Andy, and we will all miss him greatly as a friend, colleague and leader. He has steered the ship successfully for three decades and put us into a fantastic position to take the business forward. Our commitment to him is that we will maintain the principles he has established over the last 30 years, and we truly wish him all the very best in his retirement.”

Founded in Chester in 1990, Powell Williams also has offices in London, Birmingham, and Leeds. Clients include Abrdn, Aviva Investors, the BP Pension Fund, Cube Real Estate, Places for People, Siemens, Travis Perkins, USS and XPO Logistics.