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Make Architects blames Brexit uncertainty for 12% revenue fall in 2017

Ken Shuttleworth’s practice Make has blamed the uncertainty surrounding Brexit for a 12% fall in turnover throughout last year.

The architecture firm said that its turnover fell from £20.1 million in 2016 to £17.8 million in 2017 in its annual financial statement, released last Friday.

With a strong performance in Australia, this meant that the UK’s contribution to overall revenue fell from 78 per cent to 72 per cent.

A statement released with the figures said: “Make’s performance in 2017 reflected industry-wide uncertainty. Revenue, at £18 million, was our third highest since incorporation in 2004, and the balance sheet remained strong; growing year on year, with £7 million of net assets by year end. However, revenue decreased by 12 per cent from 2016 due to the fallout from the EU referendum.”

Make also said that its overheads had also increased, mainly due to a bad debt in the London office, ‘reflecting the changing economic environment’.

The firm detailed a decrease in sales from £14.1 million to £11.5 million due to bonus payments and reduced sub-consultant costs. It was also stated that the practise had maintained a steady workforce despite the fall in revenue, diversifying into animation and virtual reality.

Down under in Australia, turnover increased from £1.7 million to £2.1 million during the year, with the office’s headcount rising from 4 to 18, resulting in a move to a new studio.

The firm added that it would renew its previous focus on higher education and hotels for this year.

Make resigned from a controversial Manchester skyscraper scheme backed by former Manchester United footballers Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville, but back in December the practice succeeded in gaining permission for the revamp of Hornsey Town Hall in Crouch End.