Watts Group has eight offices across the UK but is targeting Scotland for expansion as part of its business growth plan.

The firm has relocated its office in Edinburgh to Castle Street, in the centre of the city, where a new five-year lease has been taken out.

Since the start of the year, the company has secured a string of new commissions, including work for Menzies’ distribution business, Scottish Water and Viewpoint Housing Association. More contracts are said to be in the pipeline and close to being announced.

Andrew Murray, director in charge of Watts Edinburgh, told the Scotsman: “Following a period of consolidation during the recession we now have a clear vision and strategy for the future. Our move to new premises provides us with the platform from which we can grow our core surveying activities.

“In conjunction with our Glasgow office, we look forward to maintaining our current high service levels and expanding the business in Scotland.”

He said the practice was now “firmly focused” on expanding its current framework agreements and building long-term relationships with new clients.

“Our nationwide team of ­experts have built an enviable reputation in the fields of building surveying, project management and cost consultancy,” Murray added.

Watts, which was founded in 1967, also has offices in Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, London and Manchester.

The firm currently employs about 140 staff nationwide.