James and Ward Limited, an architectural consultancy based at Shire Hall Business Centre in Stafford, has celebrated 20 years in business. The firm, led by Managing Director Andrew Ward, has spent two decades helping clients with construction design and management across a range of projects.

Among its work, James and Ward acted as lead consultant on a £19 million retail development in the West Midlands for Asda Stores Limited.

Flexibility and Adaptation

Andrew Ward said the ability to adapt has been central to the firm's longevity. "Reaching such a milestone has been a challenge. You never stop learning and adapting. We may be a 20-year-old business, but you are always like a start-up where you need to keep up to date with technology and make sure your approach to marketing is right," he said.

The firm chose Shire Hall as its base because of its proximity to Stafford Railway Station, which benefits student placements and apprentices. The flexible office space has also allowed the business to adjust to changing working patterns since the pandemic.

"The flexibility of the offices allows growth or shrinkage, which is particularly important in a different world post-Covid where working from home has become the norm. The meeting rooms also allow us to have a two-person meeting or a 20-person meeting without funding an empty room for most of the month," Andrew Ward added.

Support for Local Business

Robin Hall, Staffordshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, said: "Reaching 20 years in business is a tremendous achievement and a tribute to the hard work, resilience and adaptability of everyone at James and Ward. The company is a great example of the successful businesses we want to support here in Staffordshire."

Shire Hall Business Centre is one of eight enterprise centres run by Staffordshire County Council, offering flexible and affordable workspace for start-ups, established businesses and growing companies.

A 409 sq ft office has recently become available at Shire Hall Business Centre. Enquiries can be made on 07989 734967. For further information about workspace at Staffordshire County Council's enterprise centres, visit the Staffordshire County Council website.