Caption: Chris Hewitt from 2C Design Consultants (right) with Brian Harrabin from Complex Development Projects
A thriving design consultancy has moved to new offices at a creative mixed-use canalside development in Coventry and is looking to recruit more staff.
2C Design Consultants has bought an 80sqm unit at Electric Wharf in Radford which was created by award-winning developers Complex Development Projects.
Chris Hewitt launched the business, which provides the complete range of surveying and design services from concept to completion, from his garage in Radford Semele in 2004.
After building up the business for three years while working full-time, Chris took the plunge to concentrate on 2C Design Consultants full-time from an office in Puma Way, Coventry.
The decision paid-off with Chris and his team building an impressive portfolio of clients including Mitchells & Butlers, DFS, Marston’s Brewery, Hall & Woodhouse, Dwell and Hook Norton Brewery.
This significant period of growth has led to Chris re-locating his four-strong team to Electric Wharf – and he is hoping to add a senior designer, computer-aided design specialist and junior surveyor.
Chris said this was an exciting time for the business which was continuing to expand.
“When we first started, it coincided with the smoking ban and I knew pubs would want planning applications for their smoking shelters,” he said.
“We started with Young’s pub chain and Enterprise Inns and I thought we could do the whole package from planning applications to fit-outs and we have gradually grown relationships with our clients.
“We work with major clients all over the UK and our latest contract win is with The Mill Arts Centre in Banbury which is doubling their space to 400 seats in a £2 million project.
“It has taken a number of years but we have really established ourselves with companies such as Mitchells & Butlers and DFS because we can look after the whole design and surveying package including fit-outs.”
When the company wanted to move, Chris felt Electric Wharf was the ideal location for a design business.
“This is a new chapter in our history and this is the perfect opportunity to build on the success we have enjoyed in recent years,” he said.
“When I decided to buy our own premises, I wanted to stay in Coventry and I was immediately impressed with the setting of Electric Wharf and all the growth going on around here and from my point of view, it oozes creative and design flair.”
Brian Harrabin, of Complex Development Projects, said Electric Wharf continues to be a successful regeneration project in Coventry.
“We wanted to create the right environment for creative businesses as well as a place to live and work when we launched Electric Wharf,” he said.
“The scheme has won many plaudits and awards but It is always great to welcome a new businesss. 2C Design Consultants is an expanding company that fits-in with the ethos and culture of Electric Wharf and we wish them the best of luck in their new home.”