2017 was a significant year for Ayr based LMA Architects after they posted excellent business results and picked up a string of business awards following a key change in their business strategy to increase investment in their people and restructure the business around them.

Practice Principal, Stephen McGhee, took sole ownership of the business in 2014 and made redefining their business strategies and changing the culture his no.1 priority. Stephen advised “Our people strategy is simple, we believe our people are more important than our clients, if we look after them they in turn will look after our clients in the same way”.

The Practice set about defining their values and increased employee engagement and communication. Additional employee benefits were introduced which included increased holidays, pensions, staff events, health promotion, flexible working and a formal bonus scheme. Training was made a priority and the team at all levels are encouraged and supported to develop their skills and gain new ones. The Practice started an apprenticeship programme and currently have two apprentices who were recruited directly from school.

The Practice introduced their ‘Giving Back’ initiative where the team are encouraged to volunteer and take an active role in their local community and in return, the Practice provides financial support for the organisation. The team also adopt and raise money for a different charity every year.

LMA Architects are seeing the benefits in their business results with increased profits, business growth and diversification of their client base by increasing their market share in existing and new sectors. All achieved whilst creating a fun, healthy and enjoyable place to work on the way.

In March they picked up the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Award (Service Category). This was quickly followed by the Best Business Award (10-50) at the Chamber Business Awards in October where they were also pipped at the post in the Excellence in People Development category by Ayrshire College.

They finished the year on a high where their people development strategy was recognised with a 10th place world ranking in the Silver Employer of the Year (2-49) category at the Investors in People Awards in London.

Stephen stated “The changes in the business have been phenomenal and it’s great for me to see our staff develop and see the business flourish as a result. One of the biggest successes is seeing the team enjoying their work and having fun; that was one of my key objectives from the outset.”