Whilst many remain uncertain, the team at global design powerhouse Benoy remains upbeat about its creative role, consistently producing exciting and innovative projects, and enjoying yet another successful year.
2011 was undoubtedly a challenging year for many industries around the world but architect, masterplanner and designer Benoy enjoyed another successful 12 months.
Graham Cartledge CBE, Chairman at Benoy, is positive despite the uncertainty that shrouds the market, "We have found that the industry is improving and developer appetite is gradually strengthening. In the UK alone, a number of city developments are starting to take shape and our UK team grew by 20% in 2011."
“Similarly in Europe, we have been approached about various exciting projects, with new markets offering pockets of optimism. There has been a noticeable rise in interest for niche projects that have enabled us to increasingly move outside of our retail specialism and challenged us creatively”.
In the past year, Benoy has continued to cement strong client bases in Asia, with particular success in China, South East Asia and India. The 'British Brand Abroad' is a fundamental component of Benoy and in 2011 it remained a significant pull for clients. Benoy’s achievements in 2011 have been recognised across the spectrum, recent wins include four ICSC Asia Pacific awards at RECon Asia, the Best Chinese Futura Project at MIPIM Asia for Hong Cheng Plaza Guangzhou and the Certificate of Excellence for Shanghai IFC mall at the Perspective Awards. Benoy were, of course, also delighted to win 'Most Innovative Retail & Leisure Concept of the Year Award' for Ferrari World Abu Dhabi at the Global Retail and Leisure International Awards 2011.
Benoy is reluctant to isolate a specific project that stands out in 2011, with Robert Bishop, Director, noting, "The developments we have been involved in have been so varied and we are immensely proud of everything that carries the Benoy name."
Benoy is pleased with the company’s performance in the first few months of 2012 and intend to build on their global reputation, employing active expansion strategies. Asia will always be a key market for Benoy and in 2012 the local teams are expected to expand. Outside of Europe, Asia was the first region for Benoy to penetrate and they are deeply protective of friendships in the area. Benoy sees a real confidence surrounding India, as Nick Lamb, Managing Director, points out, "We are working alongside extremely enterprising and inspiring clients. The Supernova development in Noida demonstrates the level of innovation that is being sought and has prompted us to bolster our team in Mumbai."
Benoy appreciates that the world economy is still adapting to a new order and there are large obstacles to tackle. Their global reach has protected them from the pressures of being dependent on a particular client base, allowing the team to report success in nations that are less affected by the Eurozone crisis. Nevertheless, Masterplanning Director, Simon Bee, is cautiously upbeat about the UK, "the market remains clouded by doom and gloom but we are now seeing an increase in enquiries and are confident that in 2012 our business will continue to grow. Our roots are in the UK, so we are pleased to see our UK clients and friends progress and we are hopeful about home recovery."
One particular highlight in 2012, will be when work starts on the City Centre Development in Odense, Funen, Denmark. The developers, Steen and Strom, have appointed Benoy to deliver a mixed use scheme, including 32,000sq m GLA of retail, offices and complementary leisure uses, as well as 1,600 parking spaces. The retail sector will be organised over 2 levels, using a tried and tested retail circuit format, but uniquely will be intersected with a city street linking the adjacent rail station. Mike Wilson-MacCormack, Director, is excited about what the scheme will achieve, "The project will embrace, the concept of Zoning - in which retailers are clustered together around centres of activity, which celebrate themes such as fashion, sports, living, kids and media. Non-commercial activities and the interior design come together to immerse the visitor in each retail trend, promoting the latest ideas and offering visual and other sensory experiences."
For the full article, please see the March 2012 issue.
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