National chartered surveyors, Bruton Knowles, has announced the launch of its new Utilities and Infrastructure (U&I) team. Part of the firm’s post-lockdown re-structure, the strategic decision will play a vital role in contributing to the economic recovery of these two key sectors, alongside being an area of potential growth for the business. 

The leading consultancy has over 35 years of experience in the U&I sector, having successfully delivered many of the UK’s major U&I projects over recent decades, resulting in a £6m turnover in 2019. The team has already worked with a long list of clients at the core of the industry, including: National Grid, Network Rail, Thames Water, HS2, Scottish Power, NET, Electricity North West, Northern Gas and Metro Alliance. 

Now with a revised formal structure, the new team will provide a nationwide service, offering fully comprehensive professional property services across the gas, water, electricity, road and rail industries. 

James Bailey, Managing Director at Bruton Knowles believes the focus must be on how UK plc can move forward its delivery of U&I, to boost the recovery of the UK economy: 

“U&I networks in the UK undoubtedly unlock economic growth, kick starting private investment and delivering better outcomes for society as a whole. However, many of the UK’s U&I structures require major refurbishment or replacing, and attention must be turned to much greater diversification in power generation. 

“Yes, we have seen U&I businesses quickly adapt and implement solutions during Covid-19 but we’re living in a new reality and these sectors need to look at long term effective planning, with the use of digital technology and innovation. This is where we step in - we know as a business Bruton Knowles has proven it holds the ability to support the U&I industry on its journey, and that’s the overall goal of the new U&I team.” 

Alongside James Bailey, the team will be headed up by Equity Partners Nigel Billingsley and Bill Simms, and consist of up to 50 key members of staff including Surveyors, Technicians, GIS Analysts and Land Rights Specialists. 

The U&I project team will be a core centre of excellence, combining individuals with over three decades of experience in the U&I sector into one, clear offer for clients. Specialist teams, across the North and South, will be assembled to handle road, rail, gas, water and electricity projects as required, headed up by experienced sector leads. 

James continues: “Although the past six months has been challenging, it has also given us time to reflect on the business. Our new approach is to focus on sectors with the most potential for growth, to drive the business forward whilst supporting the recovery of the UK economy. 

“For utilities and infrastructure, this resulted in putting together a team with over three decades of experience across these two key sectors into one, clear offer for clients. We recognise that project-led work is the norm for our clients today and so going forward, our new teams will mirror this. 

“We remain an independent organisation - small enough to care, big enough to innovate. As such, we are trusted by our clients and pride ourselves on integrity and agility, driven by passion. We very much become part of the team - it's a natural state of being for us, we roll our sleeves up and get on with the job in hand. 

“We are incredibly excited to launch Bruton Knowles Utilities and Infrastructure team. Looking forward, our ambition is to deliver a U&I solution which benefits not just the client, but UK plc.”