Chartered surveyor to boost headcount by 160

Chartered surveyor Bruton Knowles is to expand its workforce by 160 staff in what it is calling a “landmark” year as it celebrates its 160th anniversary.

The firm, which has 200 staff, said it has had a strong start to the year with a number of new business wins.

A recent restructure saw the establishment of four national teams – utilities and infrastructure, building consultancy, commercial and valuation.

In the past six months alone, Bruton Knowles has seen its headcount grow by 20%, meaning it has already smashed its 2021-22 15% recruitment target.

This was announced at the outset of the firm’s new financial year last August.

Since then, 40 new staff have joined the business, 34 of which sit within the national teams. Utilities and infrastructure is by far the fastest growing division, at 38%, with 15 additional hires coming on board.

Twelve have also now joined valuation, four building consultancy and three commercial. The remaining six new starters enrolled in corporate, rural, and planning roles.

HR director Neil Young said: “Based on the current pattern of growth across Bruton Knowles’ work portfolio, our forecasts predict an upward recruitment trend. This is reflected in our HR plans and means staff numbers are now higher than they were at pre-pandemic levels.

“We continually review and adjust our recruitment targets to ensure our overall HR approach is strategically aligned with Bruton Knowles’ commercial objectives. Our intention is to grow our staff base even further during this milestone year whilst also empowering all employees to meet their full potential.”

The firm has offices in Birmingham and Nottingham.