A property consultancy that has helped drive town centre regeneration, deliver vital infrastructure for future generations and improve the energy efficiency of North Yorkshire homes is celebrating its 10th anniversary.
Align was established in September 2016 and has grown into a multi-disciplinary business employing almost 200 architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, project managers, sustainability specialists and commercial agents working across the north of England.
Over the past decade, the company has built a reputation for delivering complex projects across the public and private sectors, ranging from town centre regeneration programmes to sustainability initiatives that help reduce carbon emissions and tackle fuel poverty.
The North Yorkshire Council-owned business, which operates from regional offices across the North of England including Northallerton, Durham, Otley and Penrith, has also developed a strong reputation beyond project delivery.
It has received national and regional recognition for its sustainability expertise, as well as helping to create career pathways for almost 50 young people through its popular apprenticeship programme.
Align’s first-ever apprentice, Cameron Storey, remains with the company today and has built his entire professional career with the business. Joining in 2017, he completed a five-year degree programme funded by Align before going on to achieve Chartered Building Surveyor status through the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
What began as an apprenticeship has developed into a successful professional career, with the 27-year-old now leading major projects across North Yorkshire and beyond.
Mr Storey said: “When I joined Align, I was looking for an opportunity to build a career in the industry. The support and encouragement I received throughout my training gave me the confidence to develop professionally and progress towards becoming chartered.
“Achieving MRICS status was a proud milestone and has opened up a range of new opportunities at Align. I have since taken on greater responsibility, leading major projects and supporting clients.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of my journey is being able to support the next generation of apprentices. I benefited enormously from the guidance of experienced colleagues when I started out, and it’s important to me that I can now help others who are at the beginning of their careers.”
Cameron is now one of 49 apprentices who have been offered a pathway into the construction industry through Align's apprenticeship programme, with the company working closely with schools, colleges and universities to help inspire the next generation of professionals.
The business has grown significantly since its launch, completing 62 projects in its first year, all for North Yorkshire Council. Today, Align is managing more than 350 live projects and secured 51 frameworks for a range of clients including local authorities, housing providers, NHS organisations and businesses. The company has completed more than 1,000 projects with a combined value of £500 million.
Its team of architects and engineers developed the design for the new 84-bed accommodation block at Bewerley Park outdoor learning centre in the Nidderdale National Landscape, as well as the recently completed restoration of Whitby Old Town Hall.
The company is involved in the design of the £21 million redevelopment of Catterick town centre, while its commercial agents led negotiations for the letting of The Summit Indoor Adventure Centre in Selby and the sale of the civic centre at Stone Cross in Northallerton, which is set to be transformed into a residential care facility.
Align’s award-winning sustainability team is also working with the council on plans for the rollout of energy efficiency upgrades to hundreds of homes across North Yorkshire.
This close partnership contributed to the council being named local authority of the year at the national Energy Efficiency Awards 2024. Align was also recognised nationally, winning social responsibility company of the year and finishing runner-up in the national energy consultancy of the year category.
The company’s success has also been reflected with a host of individual accolades, including Northallerton-based apprentice architectural technologist Ellen Campbell, 23, who won the Women in Property National Student Award last year.
The managing director of Align, Ron Walton, said: “The past 10 years has been an incredible journey and our success has been built on the hard work, commitment and talent of our colleagues. I am immensely proud of what they have achieved.
"We have delivered, and continue to deliver, a wide range of projects that are improving communities and helping to shape the future of North Yorkshire and beyond. That success has been built on close collaboration with our clients and partners, and we are particularly proud of the strong relationship we have developed with North Yorkshire Council over the past decade.
“Celebrating this milestone isn’t just about reflecting on the past, it’s also an opportunity to look to the future. I’m excited to see Align’s legacy grow even further as we continue to evolve, embracing artificial intelligence (AI) not only to stay relevant but also strengthen and secure our position in the future.
Chair of the board at Align, Nic Harne, added: “Align is a highly valued partner that provides a wide range of expertise and has helped deliver major regeneration schemes, sustainability projects and infrastructure improvements across the county.
“Its ability to bring together specialists from a range of disciplines has enabled the council to deliver projects efficiently and achieve positive outcomes for residents, businesses and communities.”