BUSINESS REPORT OFFICE WILL HELP FIRM PROSPER


With input from the whole team, a Milton Keynes-based design and architect firm has transformed a 19th Century barn into their new office. Prosper’s formation last year fused together two businesses with


different disciplines and locations – an architectural practice in Milton Keynes with a design studio in Harpenden. They recently embarked on a renovation project to design a new workspace that suited the team as a whole and represented the values of the newly formed company. Associate director Ken Wallace said:


“Prosper’s new studio embodies many architectural, branding and design principles of our client work. Its biggest success though is that virtually everyone working in this building has had some input into shaping the space, to create something they can be proud of and enjoy spending time in. The result is an inspiring and collaborative workspace.” Originally a Victorian model farm, Water End Barns


‘WE’RE KNOWN


FOR OUR ABILITY TO NAVIGATE COMPLEX


PLANNINGISSUES’


was converted from agricultural to commercial use in the mid 1990s, to create eight separate office units. With its rustic brick structure and exposed timber roof trusses, Prosper’s existing unit had ample character and aesthetic appeal but the space needed modernising, so a glass extension was added to the back of the building to accommodate staff growth. Ken added: “On any architectural project, planning permission can be a


stumbling block but we’re known for our ability to navigate complex planning issues and gain a favourable result, especially with historic buildings and in conservation areas.


“Now it’s complete, the new office really reflects the various skills and


values of our practice as architects, brand and interior designers; it touches upon a lot of elements that we offer to clients.”


HYDE HOUSE TO BE PART OF OPUS GROUP


Opus, a national business advisory, restructuring, insolvency and exit management practice, continues its UK expansion plans with the acquisition of Hyde House, a merger and acquisition specialist based in Milton Keynes. This acquisition builds on the existing corporate finance team and


Tony Byrne


FINANCIER GIVES BACK TO LOCAL COMMUNITY


Wealth & Tax Management, a forward-thinking financial planning company from Milton Keynes, has donated into a new Milton Keynes Community Fund to help the people of Milton Keynes. Tony Byrne, Wealth and Tax Management’s managing director, is passionate about financial education and in the last 12 months Wealth and Tax Management has gifted £23,333 into the Tony Byrne Financial Education Fund. Tony said: “I know the importance of looking after finances from my own upbringing in working class East London. My own mother was exceptional at looking after the family’s money. “I think giving people the


knowledge and ability to plan their own finances is a much better than


cash handouts. There’s an old Chinese proverb which says ‘You give a poor man a fish and you feed him for a day. You teach him to fish and you give him an occupation that will feed him for a lifetime.’ That’s the principle behind the financial education fund.” Wealth & Tax Management will


be gifting a total of £50,000 into the fund over this and the next few years; £25,000 of it being awarded to community projects and the remaining £25,000 into an endowment fund, which will create a lasting legacy in the Milton Keynes area. So far, some £4,950 has been


allocated to community projects. Tony said: “We like to encourage talent and to give something back to the local community.”


brings further SME expertise and experience with particular focus on the manufacturing, engineering, software, IT and technology, wholesale, logistics and distribution, rental and hire and printing and packaging markets. It also sees the refresh of the


‘THIS


Corporate Finance team’s brand which incorporates the Hyde House name, becoming Opus Hyde House – part of Opus Business Services Group. Steve Parker, partner at Opus,


ACQUISITION MEANS WE HAVE A GREATER


said: “This is an exciting time at Opus as we continue to scale the business. Whilst our divisions can deliver support independently of each other, our group’s broad service offering can deliver a highly complementary mix of support and we wanted to reflect this balance in our branding.” This hands on marketing and advisory service has been developed


SUPPORT ARM TO DELIVER OUR SERVICES’


to help business owners connect with credible buyers and to provide support and guidance to enable them to secure the best terms possible. Barry Parsons, managing partner at Hyde House said: “We’ve managed some exceptional deals since Hyde House was first established, but this acquisition means we have a greater support arm to deliver our services, a wider network of contacts and the ability to provide a broader service offering to our clients. “We are pleased to be part of Opus Business Services Group and


look forward to developing our services further and supporting our clients through every aspect of their business growth.” To speak to one of the Opus Hyde House partners, call 01908 087220.


JUNE/JULY 2018 inbusiness 13


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