COLIN AND GAVIN HUMPHREY ARCHITECTS LIMITED

Executive Summary

Colin and Gavin Humphrey Architects Limited is a micro-sized architectural practice operating within a competitive and evolving sector that favors firms capable of integrating sustainable design and digital tools. Its financial profile reflects typical small-scale operations with stable equity and manageable liabilities, positioning it well for niche or local projects but limiting its capacity to compete for larger contracts. The company’s boutique scale offers flexibility but may constrain growth amidst industry trends favoring technological adoption and scale economies.

COLIN AND GAVIN HUMPHREY ARCHITECTS LIMITED - Analysis Report

Company Number: 13546303

Analysis Date: 2025-07-29 20:09 UTC

1. Industry Classification
   Colin and Gavin Humphrey Architects Limited operates within the architectural activities sector, classified under SIC code 71111. This sector is characterized by the provision of architectural design, consultancy, and related professional services, often serving construction, real estate development, and public infrastructure projects. Typically, firms range from sole practitioners and micro-enterprises to large multidisciplinary practices.

2. Relative Performance
   As a micro-entity, Colin and Gavin Humphrey Architects Limited reports modest financial figures consistent with a small-scale architectural practice. Their fixed assets (£1,206) and current assets (£17,036) are minimal, reflecting limited investment in long-term capital or equipment. Current liabilities (£8,852) are comfortably covered by current assets, yielding net current assets of £9,389 and shareholders' funds of £10,595 as at March 2024. This indicates a stable working capital position but relatively low equity compared to mid-sized firms in the sector, which often hold larger asset bases and equity levels due to project scale and operational complexity. The company employs two people, aligning with the micro category typical for small-scale architectural consultancies.

3. Sector Trends Impact
   The architecture sector in the UK has been influenced by several dynamics: a steady demand for sustainable and energy-efficient design, increased adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM), and fluctuating construction activity tied to economic cycles and government infrastructure spending. For a micro-enterprise like Colin and Gavin Humphrey Architects, these trends translate into niche opportunities but also pressures to adopt technology and differentiate through expertise. The ongoing demand for refurbishment and smaller-scale projects may benefit such firms, whereas competition for large commercial projects is dominated by larger practices with extensive resources.

4. Competitive Positioning
   Colin and Gavin Humphrey Architects Limited positions itself as a small, likely boutique architectural practice with limited scale but potentially specialized service offerings. Strengths include low overheads and agility to serve local or bespoke projects, supported by a stable financial footing without excessive liabilities. However, compared to larger competitors or medium firms with diversified portfolios and greater capital investment, this company may face challenges in scaling operations, investing in advanced technologies, or bidding for larger commissions. The 75-100% ownership by a single director suggests centralized decision-making, which can be efficient but may limit strategic diversification.