Business

UK chartered surveying firm opens new Belfast office

Kevin Francis (centre right) and Stephen Friel (centre left) with members of the GIA team in Belfast
Kevin Francis (centre right) and Stephen Friel (centre left) with members of the GIA team in Belfast Kevin Francis (centre right) and Stephen Friel (centre left) with members of the GIA team in Belfast

A UK chartered surveying agency has opened new offices in Belfast with plans to create ten new jobs by next year.

Gordon Ingram Associates (GIA), which is headquartered in London’s South Bank, has moved into River House on Belfast city centre’s High Street.

Specialising in daylight, sunlight, party wall and neighbour issues, the firm currently employs six people at the new base.

But the company, which has a presence in Manchester and Bristol, has said it will add a further ten people over the next 12 to 18 months.

Kevin Francis, who heads GIA’s Belfast office, said that the firm’s continued growth and investment in Belfast is in response to a growing demand for its bespoke services in the north.

“As the commercial real estate sector in Northern Ireland continues to grow, it is clear to see that there is an appetite and relevance for GIA in the local market,” he said.

“Our recent office move is a clear indication of the confidence that the firm has in the Belfast practice and highlights our long-term ambition and commitment to the city.”

Stephen Friel, senior partner at the firm added: “GIA isn’t a traditional chartered surveying agency. We endeavour to turn linear perfunctory processes into contextual holistic strategies and strive to find the best possible solution for our clients.

“Having been in business for 25 years, GIA has a proven track record in the commercial property market across the UK and has worked on many high-profile projects including The Gherkin, The Shard and the newly constructed 22 Bishopsgate in London.”

GIA’s services includes its VU.CITY technology, an interactive 3D platform that models and helps shape the future of the built environment in cities. The tech has been adopted by 25 of London’s boroughs, as well as other major cities world-wide including New York, Paris, Manchester and Belfast.