Co-founder of Liverpool chartered surveyor Actua takes full control of the firm in deal with business partner and says he is keen to expand with extra staff. Tony McDonough reports

Co-founder of Liverpool chartered surveyor Actua, Dave Sharp, has agreed a deal with long-term business partner and friend Simon Fullard to take full control of the firm.

Dave has acquired Simon’s half share of the business which is based in Liverpool city centre’s commercial district. They launched the venture in Liverpool 14 years ago.

Since 2011 the pair have focused on the health, education and hotels sectors together. Now Dave has a new plan for growth as he takes the helm. He said: “Simon and I have enjoyed the backing of a tremendous group of clients and colleagues over a decade and a half.

“After a period of consolidation I’m ready to push on with targeted growth that exploits our sectoral expertise.”

Recent projects completed by the Old Hall Street-based Actua team include the £150m Paterson Building at the Christie Hospital in Manchester and the £96m Sir William Henry Bragg building for the University of Leeds.

The firm is currently advising on the new Urgent & Emergency Care and Upgrade Programme at Arrowe Park Hospital in Wirral, and on Manchester Foundation Trust’s Project RED.

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The value of the buyout was not disclosed. In its most recent accounts filed on Companies House for the year to April 30, 2024, the firm had net assets totalling £95,825.

“A changing regulatory environment is also opening up new opportunities to provide advice and guidance around RAAC and the Building Safety Act,” added Dave.

“Continued momentum around retro-fitting estates and decarbonisation also offer scope for broadening our fee base, as do PFI hand-backs to the public estate. We’re already on the lookout for two new members of our team and will go from there.”