We take a look at how we successfully launched our new Midlands office in Birmingham’s iconic Cornwall Building on 1st July 2025 — and explore the bold, forward-thinking strategy that inspired this exciting expansion.
Neil Baines, Managing Director, explains how we decided to open a second office
I’d love to say it was all part of a long-planned strategic move. However, the truth is that it was more rooted in people, place and relationships. When Rob Wootton told us in late autumn 2024 that he needed to relocate back to the West Midlands for personal reasons, it set off a chain of events that led us to consider expanding. Rob didn’t want to leave the business, and we didn’t want to lose him, and so what began as a hybrid working compromise has culminated in the establishment of our new Midlands base
We were impressed by the potential opportunities that a Midlands presence could offer, and with Anne King's approach and depth of knowledge, combined with Rob's ability and enthusiasm - this gave us confidence that we could build a new network of contacts in the region. Our belief in the way we operate, our determination to make it work, and our patience to recognise a long-term opportunity all contributed to turning the idea into reality.
I didn't need much convincing about Birmingham because of family links, having visited since childhood, and having experienced the place and the people. What really sealed the deal was an introduction to Joanne Roney, the Chief Executive of Birmingham City Council, at MIPIM. When Joanne heard, we were planning to open a Birmingham office, the first thing she asked was, “What do you need?” When I replied that we needed office space, she introduced me to Rob Valentine from Bruntwood, and the rest is history. That warm, friendly, and welcoming response from both Joanne and Rob was the final piece of encouragement we needed. We’re grateful to Frank McKenna from Downtown in Business for making those valuable introductions.
We're officially open for business
So now, we're embracing the challenge ahead. We’ll continue to rely on the principles that gave us a 75% repeat client rate in our last financial year to help us integrate into the Midlands' built environment community, while remaining patient and consistent in our approach.
The North West already has an MEP consultant with multi-sector experience. One that offers opportunities for newcomers to enter the world of building services engineering, values strong public and private sector collaboration, and champions the role of the built environment in driving inclusive regional growth. Now, the Midlands does too.
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