Cundall, a major UK engineering consultancy firm, continues to grow as it has passed the £2bn mark for construction projects in Northern Ireland.
The company specialises in mechanical, electrical, civil and structural engineering.
Established in 1976 in the north east of England, Cundall now employs 900 people across 21 offices, working in 11 countries.
It first expanded into Northern Ireland 10 years ago but since the appointment of Cookstown man Tomas Neeson as managing partner in 2014, the firm has rapidly grown here.
Cundall’s workforce has increased four-fold in the past three years, with its project portfolio including the £220m upgrade of Ulster Hospital, Queen’s University‘s new Institute of Maths and Physics and recent renovations at W5.
Speaking about the growth, Mr Neeson said: “Cundall was originally asked to come to Northern Ireland to support major healthcare projects.
“We knew from the start, however, that there were more opportunities and we came with a view to recruit local talent.”
Mr Neeson said NI engineering talent has played a key role in success in its offices worldwide.
The managing partner said, “In the past 25 years they have helped lead and grow our international business and we remain committed to providing opportunities for as many graduates and trainees as possible to develop long-term careers in the built environment.
“We are constantly striving to offer more to clients and the recent expansion of our local offering to include fire engineering consultancy demonstrates this commitment.”
Recent accounts for Cundall showed its annual turnover has now passed £60m. Rolls-Royce, Jaguar Land Rover, Sainsbury’s, Facebook and John Lewis Partnership are among Cundall’s clients.
“We are constantly asking what more we can do, and are heavily invested in both the increasing health and wellbeing agenda in all occupied spaces, and in digital engineering, which will be transformational in our sector,” Mr Neeson added.
“Our success in Belfast is based on our practice-wide ethos of providing ‘clever friendly engineers’ who deliver innovative solutions and exemplary service. Our aim is to ensure clients receive an end product that is aligned to their brand aspirations and culture.”
Yvonne McNally, a mechanical associate at the Belfast office, said Cundall has worked across a range of major health, commercial, residential and education construction projects.
“Recent growth in Belfast has been exceptional and headcount has increased to help meet demand,” she said. “We also collaborate closely with the wider Cundall business, particularly our Dublin office, on projects for global brand clients.
“Further growth is anticipated locally, especially in the residential and commercial sectors. All of Cundall’s projects are led by our partners who are fully involved from conception to handover.
“The firm has also invested heavily in IT to ensure that staff and clients can fully access the talent available in our global network.”