Area’s Landmark Year of Growth
Area has closed out a standout year, playing a central role in one of Fourfront Group’s strongest years to date.
Across the Group, FY25/26 saw total sales reach £174.4m – a record performance and a clear sign of the scale, confidence and ambition now running through the business. At our recent Fourfront Group Conference, our CEO Gary Chandler described the year as one in which the business had been “bold and brave”, with Area at the heart of that story.
From major project wins and international expansion to the growth of Area Laboratories, a refocused London business and 25 years of Area, there has been real momentum across every part of our business.
A Major Year for EMEA
It’s been a standout year, with major project wins, stronger client relationships and clear progress in international markets.
A key milestone was the creation of new Fourfront Group entities in Dubai and the Netherlands, giving the business a stronger platform for growth beyond the UK.
One of the biggest moments of the year was the Databricks project in the Netherlands. Gary Chandler described it as a major step change for the business, noting that the Group’s biggest ever project win was no longer in the UK, but overseas. That shift reflects the confidence, capability and ambition now driving our European growth.
This progress also supports Fourfront Group’s wider ambition to become a leading, globally connected workplace partner of choice. Through international partnerships, a growing EMEA presence and stronger business development, Area is now better placed to support clients wherever their workplace needs take them.
Area Laboratories
Area Laboratories has had an important year, establishing itself as a distinct business unit.
The move gives Labs more focus, autonomy and space to grow. It also reflects the strength of the opportunity in the laboratories sector, where Area has continued to build its reputation through repeat work, specialist knowledge and strong project delivery.
The team has also been strengthened, with Jason Pritchard and Vincent Griffin joining the business, and Matt Potter promoted to Head of Commercial.
A Sharper Focus for London
Area’s London business has been through an important period of change, with a restructured team, new leadership and a sharper market focus.
The arrival of Fraser Hogg as Managing Director, has brought renewed energy and a more strategic approach to pipeline development and sales strategy. The team has also launched a new education stream, creating further opportunity for the London business.
Charlie Kent has also joined as Design Director, strengthening the team’s front-end design capability.
Landlord Refurbishment Works
This is an important part of Area’s future growth. As landlord refurbishment becomes a bigger part of the market, Area is well placed to support clients through both landlord works and fit out opportunities.
Our landlord team’s focus on CAT A also creates the potential to move naturally into CAT B, helping clients shape spaces from early refurbishment through to full workplace delivery.
Celebrating 25 Years of Area
This year was also a major milestone, as Area celebrated its 25th anniversary.
The anniversary was a chance to recognise the people, projects and client relationships that have shaped Area over the past quarter of a century. It was also a reminder of how far the business has come – from its early years to its role today as a key part of a growing, globally connected Group. Learn more about our journey – 25 Years of Area.
Area’s work also continued to receive external recognition, with awards and recognition across a number of projects and categories. Learn more about our Awards.
Stronger Together
Area’s progress sits within a wider Fourfront Group story.
Over the past year, the Group has invested in centralised business development, strengthened its leadership team and placed greater focus on joining up design, build and delivery.
The arrival of Rob Frank as Group Operations Director is a key part of the next stage. His focus will be on process, alignment and delivery – bringing design and build closer together and making sure projects are delivered with the same care and energy that wins them.
The Group’s direction is clear: to deliver excellence from first engagement through to advocacy.
Looking Ahead
The year ahead is about turning momentum into sustainable growth.
Fourfront Group’s refreshed vision is to be the leading globally connected workplace partner of choice, supported by a mission centred on delivering excellence.
It also means continuing to invest in the things that will shape the next stage of growth: stronger client connections, clearer processes, better project delivery, technology, AI, automation and closer collaboration across the Group.
Area enters the year ahead with a strong platform: a growing international presence, specialist capability in laboratories, a clearer London strategy and 25 years of experience behind the brand.
After a bold year, the opportunity now is to keep building – connected, focused and stronger together.
