Halliday Fraser Munro to close Glasgow office in central belt consolidation
March 3 2016
West coast employees being offered places at the new office should they be prepared to switch cities but staff unwilling to make the move or lengthen their commutes face having to find alternative employment.
Confirming the decision HFM chief executive John Halliday told Urban Realm: “We are bringing together our central belt resource into one studio based in Edinburgh which will continue to offer our clients the same dedicated service that they have received in the past but with the additional support of a larger combined team. Our aim is to establish a stronger base to grow our practice within the central belt and all staff are invited to join us in this positive opportunity.”
The reorganisation follows the recent arrival of Malcolm Fraser who practice sources suggest has been lined up to front the new office to bolster the studios design credentials.
HFM currently have five offices in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Belfast.
20 Comments
#1 Posted by E=mc2 on 3 Mar 2016 at 15:33 PM
Mistake in my view. Big schism and very parochial view taken by clients who want local guys working on their schemes in the west and east
#2 Posted by Stu on 3 Mar 2016 at 15:57 PM
Not the first time Halliday Fraser Munro have closed their office in Glasgow. Strange move indeed
#3 Posted by Moz on 3 Mar 2016 at 16:32 PM
Aberdeen company can't hack it in the West?
#4 Posted by pippa on 3 Mar 2016 at 16:38 PM
I guess the Aberdeen bubble must be well and truly burst then, if not, someone should have done their research.
#5 Posted by Billy on 3 Mar 2016 at 17:48 PM
Hope the west do not reward them with any projects. Who wants a commute to Edinburgh every day?
#6 Posted by Corb on 3 Mar 2016 at 18:13 PM
Seems like a very bad move for a company when they currently have both Edinburgh and Glasgow covered. Sounds like a cost saving exercise with the desperate guise of joining forces. I hear they have burned bridges up north and need to cut staff. Can't see anyone willing to travel that far to keep a job unless they have had a substantial offer. More clients for us in the west I hope. Great news made my day
#7 Posted by pippa on 3 Mar 2016 at 21:03 PM
I doubt the staff will get a substantial offer from them. They've probably used up all of their pennies convincing Malcolm Fraser to join the company...
#8 Posted by Fitz Hat on 4 Mar 2016 at 08:41 AM
The comments above are interesting, considering all the years of complaints from Glasgow architects who couldn't win work in Aberdeen.
#9 Posted by Yaldy on 4 Mar 2016 at 11:04 AM
Surely there's more potential high-value work in Glasgow? Our city centre is a riot compared to theirs, and the riverbank is quite literally desolate in places. Curious on architects thoughts here...
#10 Posted by ABT on 4 Mar 2016 at 11:05 AM
Cannot see Edinburgh reaching out to the oil drops
#11 Posted by Harry on 4 Mar 2016 at 11:29 AM
In all the time I've looked in on this web site I have never come across such mocking of a company. Is this with reason or is it based on fact?
I'd imagine Malcolm Fraser should pack his bags and run rather than have this reputation catch up with him!
I'd imagine Malcolm Fraser should pack his bags and run rather than have this reputation catch up with him!
#12 Posted by Ori on 4 Mar 2016 at 12:10 PM
Rumour has it that HFM to pay two months travelling expenses to Glasgow staff. How can anyone wishing to deal with this company place any faith following the statement made by their representative who indicates they have people's interests at heart? I'd be stealing clear. Repulsive
#13 Posted by Hey you guys! on 4 Mar 2016 at 14:01 PM
Every week this site read like a car-crash. UR, please reconsider your comments section.
#14 Posted by Happy on 4 Mar 2016 at 14:07 PM
Certain people can't start up their own company for a while yet so we will see how long this lasts
#15 Posted by David on 4 Mar 2016 at 14:16 PM
I guess it is the Scottish equivalent of an English based practice choosing to close up shop in London, whilst keeping offices in Birmingham, Manchester and Liverpool....good luck to them, they'll need it.
#16 Posted by Helen on 4 Mar 2016 at 14:50 PM
"Life has a habit of biting back.
What goes around comes around
Greed hungry company with little respect in the west lands as none required at the time work was in demand in Aberdeen.
East coasters are far less promiscuous and will already be aware of the strain they are dealing with"
What goes around comes around
Greed hungry company with little respect in the west lands as none required at the time work was in demand in Aberdeen.
East coasters are far less promiscuous and will already be aware of the strain they are dealing with"
#17 Posted by Equestrian Drama on 5 Mar 2016 at 12:39 PM
People commute between Glasgow and Edinburgh every day, its not that far.... I did it for 2 years and yes its expensive, but the company should take that hit.
#18 Posted by clive on 6 Mar 2016 at 12:45 PM
if your clients are in London-village, it doesn't matter whether the design is East or West coast.
If your Client sits on the board of one of the big Glasgow oik-ball Clubs, then it does matter. The cities are a mere 35 miles apart. it's not a silly move, really.
If your Client sits on the board of one of the big Glasgow oik-ball Clubs, then it does matter. The cities are a mere 35 miles apart. it's not a silly move, really.
#19 Posted by Honesty on 6 Mar 2016 at 13:37 PM
No you are quite right Clive. What does matter here is that current employees of this company will suffer not the company. They will be forced to travel or seek new employment. From what has been said, subsidence for the additional travel will be absorbed by the staff. I wonder if the investors in people plaque is hung in their reception? Invest in your workforce is always the clever choice.
#20 Posted by clive on 7 Mar 2016 at 04:27 AM
you're right.
At the very least, i would expect them to stump up for one full year's additional travel.
After that, i believe it would be fair to expect an employee to move, pay their way, or seek alternative employment.
Seems a fair compromise.
At the very least, i would expect them to stump up for one full year's additional travel.
After that, i believe it would be fair to expect an employee to move, pay their way, or seek alternative employment.
Seems a fair compromise.
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