The Scotsman

A Scottish firm is to become the first architecture practice in the UK to launch a franchise scheme, which it hopes will see 20 Scottish practices operating under its banner by 2010. Kenneth Martin, who set up Hamilton-based Block Architects three years ago, is creating the franchise structure in a bid to expand his business without enlarging his original niche firm, which concentrates on small, local projects with a build cost of under £1 million. He is looking for architects keen to set up their own practice, but who want the support of a larger company with business experience. Martin, who has recently expanded into a three-man office from his original home base, said: "A lot of architects can create buildings, but they do not think in a business-like way."