The Next Generation Of Rda

When Restaurant Design Associates was founded by Roy and Judith Addyman in 2007, the North East based design and installation company employed just three staff people the Addymans knew from previous ventures.

Just a year later, the founders’ three children, Nick Bradley, Alex Bradley and Neil Addyman, joined the team and gained a good grounding in all areas of the business before falling into each of the three core departments; design, commercial and operations. Last year, all three stepped up to become directors of the firm and RDA is now recognised as one of the leading design and installation companies in the UK. Nick detailed the company’s evolution: “We’ve always had a strong family ethos at the core of the business and, although we’re stronger in numbers now, we like to think this remains the same today. Since RDA’s formation, we’ve received in the region of 1,700 enquiries, and have completed over 350 project installations.” The company’s headcount is now 23 which includes nine designers, three quantity surveyors and four project managers.

Nick commented: “I’ve quickly learned that (after the customer of course!) the staff are the most important element of a business. We think of them as an extension to the family and genuinely recognise our achievements as being a result of a collective contribution from everyone at RDA.” He reported: “To mark the company’s 10-year milestone this year, we closed the office for the afternoon and enjoyed a slap-up lunch with all the staff at Jesmond Dene House in Newcastle.

Naturally, one or two celebratory drinks followed!” RDA launched an ambitious 5-year growth plan 18 months ago based on increased turnover, which Nick reports is so far on target: “Our strategy involves an increase in our target markets. While historically the work has generally come to us, we now feel we have a strong and wide-ranging portfolio to enable us to actively sell into markets we previously haven’t operated in.” Nick said: “Over the years, we’ve developed associations with most of the well-known contract caterers and, as such, remain strong in all the typical markets they operate in, such as healthcare, education and B&I. “Most recently, we have been looking at a handful of opportunities within hospitality, defence, sport and leisure, all of which are key target markets for us presently. “We are also making inroads on the high street working directly for private clients. Furthermore, we are taking on an increased number of design projects internationally.” One of these internationally-inspired projects was for the first site of the LA-based The Counter burger chain in the UK, in Glasgow. Other recent projects the company has been involved in include staff dining for a law firm in Canary Wharf, which recently received industry recognition after it was shortlisted in the Restaurant and Bar Design Awards 2017.

Nick believes that the main market challenges for the firm include an increased expectation from diners. “Nowadays, everyone is used to eating out, be it casual or fine dining, in restaurants and bars where the service, food and interior design is of a high standard. As designers, this is something we relish, as it allows us to stretch our creative limits even further.” Nick concluded: “We’re well aware of the dangers of growing a business too quickly. It’s all about getting the balance right. Over the next few years, we’re confident you will continue to see RDA performing strongly in our core markets. I expect the contractcatering sectors will remain our largest, but look forward to opening more high-street restaurants and bars along the way.”