ERM, one of the world’s leading sustainability, environment and risk consultancies, is expanding its operation in Wales, with the aim of doubling in size over the next two years.
ERM’s new office in Swansea – which will be a springboard for growth – was officially opened today ( Monday October 31) by Business Minister Edwina Hart. She welcomed ERM’s business plan to double in size over the next two years, creating up to twenty new jobs.
“Energy and environment are identified as key sectors in the Welsh economy with potential for high growth and the creation of green jobs. It is therefore good news to hear that an international company like ERM has recognized the potential to grow its business in Wales and is investing in the area .
“ERM joins an ever growing number of successful companies working in this sector in Wales where there are significant opportunities and a number of major investments underway and planned over the next decade.”
The company initially opened a temporary office in Wales staffed by two people to support BP at Llandarcy and Baglan Bay. It proved so successful ERM decided to expand operations in Wales and has already created eighteen well paid jobs for graduates and experienced environmental consultants.
ERM has taken over the ground floor of the Ethos building on SA1 which will provide a platform for further growth in the region. The company plans to create new jobs and service a range of UK and international clients in the region, including SSE, GE, 3M, Tata, NPower and Tesco, as well as the Welsh Government and a number of Local Authorities.
“We see this as a great place to do business and are delighted to build a presence in Swansea,” commented Steve Matthews, ERM’s Managing Partner in Wales & Ireland. “Our core business sectors include, power and renewables, oil and gas, mining, manufacturing and regeneration, and all are all seen as vital to Wales’s economy over the next decade and beyond.”
ERM is keen to form links with Welsh universities and colleges and employ graduates in Wales. It also plans to work with local schools to raise awareness of environmental and sustainability issues and encourage pupils to consider careers in these sectors.
Whilst providing a local service, the ERM Swansea office is also part of a UK-based international business employing more than 3600 staff in 40 countries. Key ERM service areas to both private and public sector clients include Sustainability and Climate Change, Impact Assessment and Planning, Contaminated Site Management and Performance and Assurance.
ERM landmark projects in the region include acting as lead consultant for The Works, the £350m regeneration development on the former steelworks site at Ebbw Vale, a project which is promoted as an exemplar for its holistic approach to sustainable development.
Other high profile projects include the proposed Abernedd Power Station in Baglan, where ERM has provided Environmental Impact Assessment and Planning services and South Hook LNG in Milford Haven, where ERM has played a lead role in supporting the company on health, safety and risk programmes over the last 5 years.
ERM’s Swansea team are also involved in major projects around the world, including projects in Ireland, Turkey, Africa, South America, and Australia.
Added Steve Matthews: “Our ambition is to help Wales be at the forefront of sustainable business in the future. This should generate significant growth for the Swansea office and we expect to provide career opportunities for talented individuals who want to help us achieve that goal.”