Architecture Firm takes on China
“The increasing demand for British goods and services in overseas markets is a great export opportunity. We provide British architectural services that have a worldwide reputation for innovation, creative design and high quality professional standards”.
Liverpool based Brock Carmichael Architects is a RIBA Chartered Practice that has been delivering excellence in Architecture for almost 40 years.
The Practice provides architecture, planning, urban design and building conservation services and has an award winning track record of cultural, leisure, education, commercial and residential projects.
Michael Cosser, one of the six Partners, explains the background to the firm’s recent move into developing international work:
“Like all property related businesses we were impacted by the economic downturn and saw the need to expand and grow our market reach”
“The increasing demand for British goods and services in overseas markets is a great export opportunity. We provide British architectural services that have a worldwide reputation for innovation, creative design and high quality professional standards”.
“China was an obvious choice because it is by far the largest of the emerging markets for new buildings, which by 2020 will account for 55% of global construction value.”
Approach and Challenges to Exporting
“Our approach to entering the China market began in 2010 with us taking a Silver Sponsorship of the Liverpool Pavilion at the World Expo in Shanghai”.
The firm worked closely with advisors at UKTI and CBBC to understand the type of opportunities available and how best to approach them. Alfred Yeung, a former Associate, introduced Brock Carmichael to the Oval Partnership, an architectural practice based in Hong Kong. Subsequent discussions resulted in establishing a 50:50 joint venture business called the Octagon Partnership with offices in London, Liverpool, Hong Kong, Beijing and Chengdu.
Michael says, “The Octagon Partnership promotes and delivers sustainable development. This arrangement enables us to share locations, skills, knowledge and resources. It allows us to bid for larger projects where we can offer clients a more personalised and cost effective service compared to the global architectural practices”.
Export Achievements
He continues, “We have been successful with two large-scale mixed-use projects, a competition-winning proposal for a 52-acre waterfront development called Ocean One Marina in Tianjin, and a regeneration project in the Wuli district of Kunming”.
Brock Carmichael’s progress in diversifying the business away from a reliance on home markets was recognised by its winning the New Exporter of the Year Award at Insider’s North West International Trade Awards in 2012.
It was also runner-up in 2012 and 2013 of the North West England Greater China Rising Star Award organised by UK Trade & Investment North West.
Support from Liverpool Chamber
As a member of Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, Brock Carmichael has had access to the Chamber’s resources and support.
Liverpool Chamber nominated the firm to join the business delegation that accompanied the Prime Minister, David Cameron, on his official visit to China in December 2013.
Michael says, “We found their programme of International Trade Events, the 60 Really Useful Minutes presentations, and a Mandarin language course very helpful. To be part of the Prime Minister’s business delegation was a great experience and raised our profile to the highest level both overseas and at home.”
Future Outlook
The firm is continuing to explore opportunities both in China and in the wider region including Taiwan, Singapore and Vietnam.
“We anticipate an increasing emphasis on the social infrastructure sector. Projects such as education, housing, community and healthcare will become an important growth area. We believe Brock Carmichael Architects’ expertise in these areas will be of real value to the Chinese”, he continues.
“Part of our overseas strategy was also to establish relationships with investors wishing to acquire property interests in the UK and we have established an arrangement recently with London property professionals to offer such a service”.
