Northern Ireland contractor Gilbert-Ash has enjoyed continued growth in 2021, reporting an annual turnover of almost £219.3 million.

The firm's financial results for 2021 showed a 24% increase in turnover and a rise in profits to over £12.4m.

The results represent further growth for the award-winning company, which in 2020 posted the highest profit and second highest turnover in its history.

Gilbert-Ash credits its continued investment in its strong performing team, a diverse project base and a healthy pipeline of work as the key drivers of the company's success. The company continues to work across a broad range of sectors including arts and culture, workplace, hotels and leisure and education.

Paying tribute to the firm's work, Managing Director Ray Hutchinson said: "This has been a challenging year for the industry with the skilled labour shortage, long lead times for key materials, the pandemic and the impact of rising inflation all combining to create strong headwinds.

"We are proud to have maintained our momentum from the previous year with increased turnover and profits and we look to the future with confidence. Our teams have really shown their mettle and resilience and I am proud of everything we have achieved in 2021.

-- Advertisement --

"Investment in our people remains a core priority of the business and in 2021 our employee headcount rose from 174 to 189.

"As we expand, we continue to search for the right calibre of people to join Gilbert-Ash, while investing in our staff and championing diversity and inclusion remain key priorities."

Projects completed in 2021 included the £29m University of Brighton Business School, the historic £15m City of London Freemen's School Main House, the £16m Moxy Manchester City by Marriott, the £21m Levine Building at Trinity College, Oxford and Canalside, a £31m mixed-use residential scheme in Surrey.

While in Belfast Gilbert-Ash completed the landmark Merchant Square building for PwC, a £15 million project which created 200,000 sq ft of Grade A office space over nine floors. The offices accommodate 3,000 employees in the heart of Belfast’s business district and adjacent to Belfast City Hall.

Looking at 2022, work continues on a number of landmark projects for Gilbert-Ash including the redevelopment of the National Portrait Gallery in London as well as Emmanuel College, Cambridge. The company continues its longstanding relationship with Premier Inn hotel with current projects underway including the construction of a 181-bedroom Premier Inn in Farringdon, and two hub by Premier Inn projects at Camden High Street and Old Marylebone. Projects which are approaching completion in 2022 also include the Ruby Hotel, a 173-bedroom hotel at Notting Hill Gate and Croft Gardens, an 84-bedroom student accommodation at Kings College, Cambridge.

Looking ahead, Ray Hutchinson added: "While current headwinds, including unprecedented levels of inflation, rising energy costs and interest rates, are undoubtedly challenging, we are working closely with our clients and our supply chain to help mitigate their impact."