From
David Armitage, chairman of York Handmade Brick, the leading independent
brickmaker in the north of England
These are challenging times, but I am confident we can
maintain the progress we made this year, despite inflation and the
cost-of-living crisis, in 2024. We are flourishing in the commercial property
and education sectors, whilst quality residential housing, which has been our
staple for a number of years, remains strong. In these testing times, it is
vital to spread our work across as many different markets as possible.
It is also important to be optimistic. I have been in
the brick industry for many years and have seen the peaks and troughs. I am
hopeful that the economy will recover towards the middle of next year, once
inflation is completely under control, and, when it does, I trust that the
housing, construction and manufacturing sectors will be in the vanguard of this
recovery.
Crucially, we have also invested £1.5 million in a
complete overhaul and renewal of our manufacturing process, which has speeded
up production, facilitated new products and increased efficiency. This is one
of the most important investments in York Handmade’s 35-year history and it
played a crucial part in the company securing a massive £580,000 contract to
provide bricks for the pioneering 3 Circle Square development in the heart of
Manchester. Significantly,
the bricks we have supplied are for 3 Circle Square are Waterstruck Thirkleby
Blend, part of our Viking range, and a stunning example of what we are able to
manufacture with our brand-new plant. We were also shortlisted
in two categories in the 2023 Brick Development Association’s Brick Awards, the
Oscars of the brick industry, in November.
Other high-profile contracts that we have been working
on or completed during the past 12 months have included landmark projects in
Liverpool, Oxford, London’s Baker Street and East Lothian. In 2024, we are
strengthening our relationship with the National Trust, including providing
bricks for Goddards, one of York’s finest houses, together with other
commissions in County Cork, Switzerland and York Racecourse.
Looking ahead more
generally, it is encouraging to report that brick remains the building material
of choice for many architects and specifiers across the UK. We particularly
value the contacts we have built up over the years with architects, planners,
self-builders and developers. We look forward to continuing those relationships
in the years to come.