2021 saw the company welcome valued new members to the team, put finishing touches to several large works in progress and win contracts for prestigious new projects.  Our teams continued to excel in delivering the high-quality finish we pride ourselves on, despite logistical and technical difficulties caused once again by the pandemic.

Last year our staff raised money for a multitude of worthy causes by taking part in arduous and challenging sporting events.  Finally, the business focussed on the sustainability measures we can take, to reduce the impact of our work on the planet.

The team at The Carlton Tower Jumeirah worked hard to bring the project to completion in time for launch.  The iconic hotel in the heart of Knightsbridge closed its doors for the first time in 60 years for a complete overhaul which included raising the ceiling height of the foyer, whilst supporting the 18-storey tower above.  The team brought to life the incredible designs of 1508 London, with beautiful suites and the breath-taking Talise Spa, housing London’s largest swimming pool lit with natural daylight.

Below: The project at The Carlton Tower Jumeirah is completed.

In late Spring, hospitality returned in England and key projects including Nomad London and The Carlton Tower Jumeirah finally opened. Both hotels garnered vast amounts of press coverage at launch and are a proud addition to our hospitality portfolio.

NoMad London saw the team commit to a full restoration of a listed building by converting the historic Bow Street Magistrates Court and Police Station, into a world-class, luxury hotel.  The project involved major demolition, a soaring glass roof atrium and a retained period façade.  Edward Kent, the Board Director who oversaw the project said: ‘The team are extremely proud of what we have achieved for NoMad London.  The restoration of culturally valuable, listed buildings in built-up, central London always present huge challenges but this is what we thrive on.”

Below: NoMad London opens in late Spring to a a swathe of positive press coverage

The museum team were thrilled to be appointed at the world-famous Hunterian Museum in the Royal College of Surgeons in London, 18 years after completing our first fit-out of this incredible space.

In Scotland, the prestigious New Eidyn development in Edinburgh sold its first phase of apartments far quicker than expected. The team at BECK Scotland continued working throughout the year to deliver more of the highly sought-after properties, with unrivalled views over the city.

In June, Nottingham Castle reopened and welcomed visitors into its beautifully refurbished exhibition spaces.  The museum team delivered one brand new gallery and five fully renovated galleries for a highly engaging and immersive visitor experience.

Face-to-face conferences also returned.  We attended the Hospitality Leadership & Design Conference at the stunning Rosewood London.  Another former hospitality project from the BECK portfolio.

Below: The new galleries at Nottingham Castle are unveiled.

In July, the BECK Summer party went ahead, outdoors on the bank of the River Thames in beautiful Windsor.  The team enjoyed Pimms, lawn games and a delicious meal, after many months of dedication and hard work throughout the pandemic.

In September, we opened The Festival of Hospitality, with a Californian themed, evening drinks reception at Bermonds Locke, another former BECK project.  We went on to offer guided tours of Nomad London and The Carlton Tower Jumeirah as part of the schedule of events.

Below: Opening The Festival of Hospitality at Bermonds Locks

With Covid-19 restrictions eased in Scotland, BECK Scotland finally hosted a launch event on the spectacular roof terrace of The National Museum of Scotland.  Corin Dougall, Director for BECK Scotland said: “It was fantastic to bring so many people from the industry in Scotland face-to-face and officially celebrate the launch of BECK Scotland.  I’m proud of and excited by the positive feedback on what we have achieved so far.”

Below: Guests enjoy a sun filled evening, on the roof terrace of The National Museum of Scotland

BECK staff have always taken a passionate interest in worthwhile causes.  Project Manager, Simon Hand, took part in the JLL Property Triathlon to help raise money for Crisis UK.  Technical Services Manager at BECK Scotland, Ryan Malcolm took part in the Buccleuch Property Challenge to help children living on the Scottish boarders.  Finally, 12 members of staff took part in a golf day hosted by The Lucy Rayner Foundation, which raises awareness of the signs & symptoms of physical & mental ill health, in young people.

Below, left to right: Simon Hand completes the JLL Property Triathlon, BECK Staff enjoy a golf day for The Lucy Rayner Foundation and Ryan Malcolm takes part in the Buccleuch Property Challenge.

As Quarter 3 came to an end, we were delighted when the GMT Bar at the Hard Rock Hotel, won Bar & Leisure project of the year at the Mixology Awards in London.  Designed by Scott Brownrigg, the circular bar is an abstract portrayal of a master disc dropping into a record player. It was design developed, set out and manufactured within our in-house joinery workshop.  The team created full scale mock-ups and laboured on every detail, to bring our client’s vision to life.

Below: The GMT Bar at the Hard Rock Hotel, London.

As the year entered its final quarter, the team at the Imperial War Museum put the finishing touches to the brand-new Holocaust Galleries in London.   Two decades ago, we fitted out the first incarnation of the exhibition and were honoured to return in August 2019 to carry out the latest works.  ‘Secrets of the Imperial War Museum’ aired on Channel 5 over the course of several weeks, featuring the new galleries.  The galleries themselves were formally opened in October, by the Duchess of Cambridge, to a multitude of positive reviews and press coverage.

Below: The Holocaust Galleries at The Imperial War Museum, London.

The team were thrilled to be appointed for the fit-out of the UK’s first Six Senses hotel at The Whiteley, the re-imagined space of the Grade II listed, iconic building in London’s Bayswater.  The project will create a luxurious 111 key hotel, close to Hyde Park and Kensington Palace.   Brian Hutchison, BECK’s Pre-Contracts Director, said: “The Whiteley’s Six Senses tender has been a fantastic journey for us, built on new relationships with a great client team.  The scheme, when complete, will deliver Six Senses aspirations around sustainability whilst achieving the exceptional quality expected of a BECK project. “

Below: CGI image of the planned restaurant in the new Six Senses Hotel, at The Whiteley in London.  Courtesy of Finchatton.

In November we hosted evening drinks at the majestic Magistrates Ballroom and Bar in NoMad London for clients across the board in the hospitality, interiors and museums sectors.  In his welcome speech, Managing Director Chris Galloway reflected on the successes and challenges of the year.

Later that month, NoMad London won an incredible five awards at the AHEAD Awards for Restaurant, Event Spaces, Lobby and Public Spaces, Hotel Conversion and the coveted Europe Hotel of the year.  The hospitality team gave a new lease of life to a beautiful but derelict building, full of history.  It’s an incredible project which we are proud to have in our portfolio.

Below: Drinks at the Magistrates Ballroom and Bar in NoMad London.

We closed the year with the welcome news that efforts by the Sustainability Forum had eliminated the use of around 15,000 plastic bottle a year across the business.  We had also regularly donated timber offcuts from our workshop to a local college.  The team were energised and inspired to continue increasing our sustainability efforts in 2022 and beyond.

Ends.