2021 saw Focus reap the benefits of quick and sometimes difficult decisions made in 2020 when the pandemic was at its height. We grasped the need to be flexible in terms of how and where we work, and as we rebranded, we had a renewed clarity on what we wanted to be.

We took the opportunity to reaffirm ourselves in our range of market sectors as Create, Deliver, and Assess, and perhaps most significantly, as not only leaders in sustainability advice and consultancy, but as a built-environment practice that delivers its holistic services sustainably.

We did this through our already established CSR policies but also, critically, setting our own Net Zero Carbon target for 2026.  That’s no easy feat, but necessary to our beliefs and philosophy, a journey which we look forward to sharing via our new blog to help others on their own path.

It was also a year of good news for our heritage team who saw renewed activity, with projects that have been on hold for some time coming back to life, and new enquiries coming through.

Our Economic Development services expanded as local economies look to rebuild and diversify uses in town and city centres.  The team has been working on a number of Town’s Fund programmes across the country with services including business case development, programme management, economic appraisal and business case assurance.

Our Project Management and Cost Consultancy work within the cultural sector continues to grow, a number of significant projects commencing on site during 2021. From a project development perspective the team are currently involved with the development of a range of masterplans, feasibility studies, business plans and funding bids across the cultural sector.

Finally, the surveying team had a very busy year, like others seeing once dormant projects resurrected but equally a host of new projects, in particular with Local Authority clients wanting to deliver tough Low or Zero Carbon targets where our in-house capabilities and experience allowed us to shine.

We feel it is this renewed clarity of purpose which resonated through our staff to our clients across all our key sectors, that allowed us to say goodbye to 2021 with a cheer, after a year of hard work which delivered sustained growth. 2021 also provided 12 new staff, 4 promotions, continued framework success and a host of new clients and partners who we look forward to building successful relationships with. No wonder the Focus team have many reasons to be hopeful as we start the new year.

However, we don’t expect to slow down, for 2022 we aim to:

• Deliver continued sustainable growth and expansion
• Listen and remain a flexible and forward-thinking employer
• Increase our wider community and industry support through our CSR policies
• Develop our position as an educator to our clients and industry in changing times
• Build new and exciting relationships.

Despite the latest COVID variant disruption, this has not dampened our enthusiasm nor drive for more of the same in 2022. So, this new year message is very much about optimism for the future and Focus’s place in that future.