A Helensburgh architects firm who specialise in new whisky distilleries is targeting further growth as it expands its customer base internationally.

Organic Architects was set up by Gareth Roberts and his wife Andrea Wise during the financial crash of 2008 and since then have secured domestic and commercial work, both locally and nationally.

Now the company is working on projects across the world including in Myanmar and China.

They have recently benefited from Business Gateway Argyll and Bute’s support, including accessing funding via the Local Growth Accelerator Programme, which is funded by Argyll and Bute Council and the European Regional Development Fund.

Gareth said: “We set up from home in 2008, after housebuilders basically stopped building, and since then have steadily grown.

"We are now a team of five architects, based in a former church building in Helensburgh working on a variety of projects across the UK and beyond. In the last six years we have specialised in designing distilleries but we continue to provide eco-friendly housing and domestic services such as extensions.

“We successfully applied for funding via Business Gateway to upgrade our marketing and online presence which was crucial to our growth.

"Our brand image and website is an important shop window for us, especially as many of our clients are based elsewhere. Having a strong brand allowed us to develop our own identity which is essential in a competitive industry.”

Organic Architects was set up to provide eco-friendly designs for housing and commercial buildings and have taken this experience into its distillery work.

After working on 12 distilleries, Organic Architects are aiming to secure further projects within the food and drink sector, whilst continuing to provide an affordable, high quality service to domestic clients.

Gareth added: “Our first distillery was Ardnamurchan, on a wonderful Highland site and from there we have gained a reputation for designing beautiful distillery buildings on sensitive sites.

"We have just overcome numerous planning issues to gain planning permission for a significant new building on top of Dartmoor. Whether it’s a site in Devon, Scotland or China we do it all from our Helensburgh base which we’re very proud of.”

Barbara Halliday, business adviser, Business Gateway, said: “Organic Architects is the perfect example of how a business can work with clients anywhere in the world whilst being based right here in Argyll and Bute.

"With our support Organic Architects are strengthening their brand image and improving their website to help them attract clients both at home and abroad.”

For more information visit www.organicarchitects.co.uk.

To find out more about how Business Gateway can help you set up and develop your own business call 01546 605 459 or visit www.bgateway.com.