Patrick Parsons promote new managing partner

Patrick Parsons, provider of multi-disciplinary engineering consultancy services to commercial, industrial and residential developers, has promoted former Chief Operating Officer, Neil Hobbs, to Managing Partner.  He takes over leadership of the business from Gail Bamforth, who completed the successful implementation of a two and a half-year strategy to reshape the business for future sustainable growth.  She takes on the role of Non-Executive Director and adviser to the business.

Patrick Parsons focusses on helping clients assess, design, and overcome the most complex of engineering challenges across a range of sectors. Operating from four sites – its HQ in Birmingham, London, Wakefield and Ashvale - the business provides a range of connected engineering services including Structural, Civil and Geo-Environmental consulting engineering services, competences the firm has developed over many years, and for which it has built a strong reputation.  

Neil has wide-ranging business experience and has been with Patrick Parsons for over two years, playing an integral role in establishing the firm as a regional multi-disciplinary engineering consultancy.  He will focus on delivering Patrick Parsons’ growth plan alongside the leadership team - Conor Murphy, who heads up the Structural Engineering division of the business, Chris Storey, who leads Geo-Environmental services, and Stephen Grindley who is responsible for the Civil Engineering practice.

Neil Hobbs, Managing Partner, commented: “It is very exciting to have the opportunity to continue growing Patrick Parsons and to build on what has already been achieved under Gail’s leadership.  We want to be first choice when clients look for a resilient, mid-sized engineering consultancy - known for technical skill, creative delivery and distinctive service.”

Commenting on his appointment, Ash Reek, Chairman, said: “Neil’s experience and skills, understanding of the sector, and strengths in culture and transformation makes him the perfect choice to lead Patrick Parsons into its next chapter, working in partnership with the senior leadership team.”

The business has seen a strong performance in 2021. It has won several new key contracts, including: engineering design for the LOC8 Commercial Park, M20 Junction 8, for Clearbell Capital; the redevelopment of the Dylon textiles factory in Sydenham, South East London, for Weston Homes, which will provide 254 planned new homes with a gross development value of £100m; and the redevelopment of former police training center in West Bridgford, Nottingham, with McCarthy Stone, providing 86 retirement living apartments. 

Patrick Parsons has also recruited 8 new engineers [in the final Quarter of 2021] so that it can service growing work levels from both existing and new clients.