Group set to grow
May 20 2008 by Sue Scott, Evening Gazette
A CONSTRUCTION consultancy that has specialised in services to some of the region’s most innovative and prestigious building projects is marking its 20th anniversary by expanding its unique model.
The Elliott Group, which has offices in Tyneside, Wearside and Teesside, began as quantity surveying practice Elliott Associates in 1988.
Working principally with regional and national social housing providers, founding partner Tony Elliott was joined by David Pearson in 1989 to form Elliott Projects Limited and provide complementary project management services.
Over the next decade the group worked on housing schemes for clients such as Nomad and Tees Valley Housing and hotel and leisure schemes including Swallow Hotels Group refurbishment and Slaley Hall Hotel and Golf Resort in Northumberland.
Now it is to launch a new company - Elliott Blenkinship - after teaming up with renowned specialist Jacqui Blenkinship.
Jacqui, who is based in Cockermouth, will expand Elliott’s services into Cumbria and the North-west, as well as offering strategic housing consultancy to the company’s clients in the North-east, including local authorities, housing associations and private developers.
Originally from Darlington, she launched her own business six years ago working as a consultant to Savill’s social housing team and on research projects for the Housing Corporation and the Commission for Rural Communities.
She said: “I work alongside clients at director level helping them to put the right strategies, processes and staff structures in place to get the best out of their housing assets and their teams.
“Setting up a new business as part of the Elliott Group gives me the opportunity to offer strategic consultancy to a wider range of clients across the north and to draw on other expertise within the group for my clients. Elliott’s approach of directors working personally with clients is the same as mine so it’s a very good fit.”
The Elliott model of building a team of experts to expand the group and widen its range of services has already worked twice before.
Three years ago Elliott Holmes Johnson, a chartered building surveying and asset management practice, was formed with Alan Holmes and Rob Johnson.
Most recently, David Dent, a former director of Faithful+Gould joined to create Elliott Dent.
The company has almost doubled in size in the two years since it became part of the Elliott Group.
David Pearson, who is the common shareholder across all the businesses, said the consolidation of services gave the group, which has a combined turnover of £2.5m and 30 staff, greater strength.
