A Biddulph born-and-raised entrepreneur has seen his lockdown business in the final four for a national award.

ICI Architecture could win in the 'Construction and Building Services Start-Up' category at the annual 'StartUp Awards National Series'.

Biddulph resident Jordan Kirkham (26) founded the company in November 2020, and immediately found success both nationally and internationally.

ICI - who have an office on Chapel Street in Congleton - are industry leaders in architecture services, and utilise the best of technology to provide a premium service.

Jordan's firm covers architecture jobs from private properties, offices and even theme parks. Pictured is example of ICI's work, which turned an old lorry park into an exciting and green leisure complex. (Image - ICI Architecture Design Facebook)

Jordan - who describes himself as an Architectural Technologist - was educated in Biddulph, before going on to start his own business during the second lockdown.

"ICI architecture started in the middle of the pandemic," Jordan said. 

"So we were expecting one or two projects to start but by Christmas we had over 35, including an international one at that point.

"But fast forward to April last year we ended up getting a [regional] start-up of the year award, and now we are up to 116 projects across the UK and internationally."

Biddulph: We'll find out if Jordan wins in June. (Image - Alexander Greensmith)

Now up for recognition again, ICI Architecture saw off a list of over 2,500 nominees, now making it into the top four.

"We entered the 'National Start Up Awards' a couple months ago," he explained.

"We basically wanted to give it a go and see what happened, and then low and behold, we have been shortlisted down to the final four.

"It came as a huge surprise. If we won the award, it would mean so much.

Biddulph: Jordan and his team are based in Grosvenor House on Congleton's Chapel Street. (Image - ICI Logo)

"Winning the award makes all the hard work seem real, it's nice to get that validation and recognition as well. It would just be amazing to be honest."

Thanks to the success of his first company, Jordan is now looking to expand with spin-off companies which would 'fill the gap' that he identified in the market.

"At this stage, we are in the process of launching another company called 'designology group'," Jordan teased.

"[Which we envision] is to do with interior design and that is focused on people, place, planet and space.

"With that particular company it is all to do with sustainability, a lot of people are being pushed into being more sustainable and carbon neutral, and that's where that brand will assist those customers.

"So, with that company we are looking at interior fit-outs, say for offices or hotels or restaurants and things like that and we are just in the process of launching that one."

Jordan and his team of five will expand further, even before the second companies launch there were already discussions of a third interior design company.

This future company will help clients with interior design layouts through the use of virtual reality and the metaverse, helping companies to get their products in digital spaces.

"To be honest it started as we spotted a bit of a gap in the market," he added.

"We spotted that a lot of clients cannot seem to interpret 2D plans.

"So, producing a layout in 3D, using virtual reality, they can gain a better understanding (of interior plans). This new company would allow them [the clients] to experience their office before they get started in real life."

From designing for theme parks in Dubai, to lavish private properties closer to come, Jordan is a Biddulph-born hard-worker who at such a young age is already getting national and international recognition.

"I've lived in Biddulph all my life. I went to Biddulph High School [on Conway Road]," he also said.

"I then went to Newcastle College and the University of Derby, before starting my own business.

"My favourite thing about Biddulph is the country parks.

"Where I live, Biddulph Grange is just around the corner from me, which I'm lucky to have.

"My favourite restaurant is Roti on the High Street."

We'll know if Jordan and ICI can go one further than the final four, when the winner will be revealed at the StartUp Awards National Series on June 16.

Biddulph: Why not support Jordan's business for FREE by liking them on Facebook?

ICI Architecture Studio can be called via 01260 602005 or emailed via [email protected].

Their website can be found here.

You can also find more about Congleton - Biddulph's neighbouring town Jordan's business is based in - by visiting our sister site Congleton Nub News.

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