Engineering consultancy swoops for Welsh competitor

Rutland-headquartered consulting engineers Smithers Purslow has acquired Welsh rival Byrom Clark Roberts (BCR).

A new board comprising of Smithers Purslow directors Andrew Bussey and Stephen Fraser and BCR directors Paul Vipond, Andrew Gooud and Shona Penfold has been created to take the newly expanded company forward.

The consultancy, which also has an office in Nottingham, will see its staff numbers increase to over 100 as a result of the deal.

Fraser said: “BCR is the perfect fit for us – the firm is well-established in the north while we have a strong presence in the south and midlands – giving us a bigger UK footprint. We’ve known and worked with BCR for 20 years and the sectors they operate in complement our key areas of focus.

“Our proven ability to manage and simplify complex building issues has enabled us to avoid the economic stalemate caused by Brexit uncertainty and consolidate what is already a thriving business, broadening the services and support we’re able to give clients.”

Vipond added: “Smithers Purslow is a growing multi-disciplinary company, similar to us, that shares our values of technical excellence, professionalism and integrity, and operates in comparable building consultancy fields. We bring to this newly-formed group our expertise in architecture and forensic/expert witness work which will enable all engineers/surveyors to work across a broader range of clients, projects and disciplines.

“Bringing the companies together extends our services to clients across the country, strengthening the Group’s national presence and reach.”