ILC ARTICLE

Smithers Purslow acquires Byrom Clark Roberts

31st October 2019

Rutland-based consulting engineering and surveying firm, Smithers Purslow (SP), has acquired its northern and Wales-based counterpart, Byrom Clark Roberts (BCR), increasing staff numbers to over 100 working from 10 locations across the UK.

SP employs 70 staff in Glaston, London, Reading, Exeter, Nottingham and Newcastle; BCR has 31 staff in Manchester, Chester, Leeds and Llandudno.

The buy-out completed on 28 October follows a period of phenomenal growth for SP. In five years turnover has grown by 25% per annum – from £1.7m in 2014 to £5.1m – and the firm’s directors are confident this acquisition will propel turnover to £8m in the next two years.

SP’s core business is handling complex insurance claims and solving challenging construction/ property issues and legal disputes for the insurance sector; BCR offers similar services outside this sector, including expert witness support and architectural consultancy.

SP director, Stephen Fraser comments:

“BCR is the perfect fit for us – the firm’s 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.”

BCR director, Paul Vipond agrees:

“Smithers Purslow is a growing multi-disciplinary company, similar to us, operating in comparable building consultancy fields and with shared values of technical excellence, professionalism and integrity. We bring to this newly-formed Group our expertise in architecture and forensic/expert witness work and our partnership 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.”

The new board comprises SP directors Andrew Bussey and Stephen Fraser and BCR directors Paul Vipond, Andrew Gooud and Shona Penfold.

To find out more visit www.smitherspurslow.com

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Founded in 1978, Smithers Purslow handles high net worth and complex building, construction and property claims for the insurance market.

In 2016, SP was the first in the professional services sector to be given Platinum Investors in People status and, at the time, was one of only 16 businesses to achieve this accolade worldwide. The firm recently secured the same Platinum status, underlining its commitment to support and reward staff.

Founded in 1925, BCR has grown as a result of mergers with Frederick Hill, the Moxham Clark Partnership, Alex Roberts Associates and SIX Architecture. Its multi-disciplinary practices specialise in architecture, building surveying, civil and structural engineering and expert witness consultancy.