Meinhardt chooses Birmingham for overseas investment

(L-R) Meinhardt (UK) Managing Director, David Sharp with Regional Director, Jason Fox and Civil and Structural Director, Patrick Hayes.

One of the largest independent engineering consultancies in the world has chosen Birmingham for the expansion of its operations in the UK.

Meinhardt has invested in new offices in Birmingham’s Two Snowhill as it looks to capitalise on a growing workload in the Midlands region.

The multidisciplinary consultancy has appointed Jason Fox as its Regional Director, with responsibility for operational growth and project delivery. Jason, who is Chair of the Birmingham branch of construction and property business club, Interact, has over three decades of experience in the built environment.

Meinhardt took the strategic decision to locate its office in Birmingham because of the city’s bustling property sector, and has placed itself in the heart of the city in close proximity to major transport hubs.

The company is already working on the high profile Timber Yard development in Birmingham’s Southside development district, where it is providing civil and structural design consultancy services on behalf of the Galliard Homes and Apsley House Capital partnership.

Meinhardt’s new Birmingham office is recruiting talent from the local market and will be supported by its established London office where it employs in excess of 100 people.

Jason Fox said: “I’m incredibly excited to be spearheading Meinhardt’s investment into new regions, with the opening of our Birmingham office. There is a real hunger to grow the business in the Midlands and create a sustainable and thriving team, and I have been impressed by the level of support and commitment that is being invested.

“We are already working on significant projects in the city and the creation of our Birmingham office not only seeks to capitalise on the wealth of regional opportunity, but shows our commitment to serving our existing client base as they look towards this region as a key strategic focus for development.”

Meinhardt (UK) Managing Director, David Sharp, said: “Birmingham is geographically placed to lead development for the Midlands and we feel that the time is right for us to invest here. There is a real feeling of energy and pride when you walk around the city, and it’s clear that public bodies have exciting plans for the region and have set out a strategy for investment to facilitate this.

“Consultancy is all about collaboration and so our staff is selected on their ability to engage with people. This is one of Jason’s real strengths and combined with his technical knowledge and experience, he is well placed to lead the growth of our regional business. We intend to be an active member of the local market that helps to shape the future of the Midlands through world-class developments.”

From its global headquarters in Singapore, Meinhardt has been involved in UK and international projects that have helped transform many of the world’s major cities for more than 60 years.

Meinhardt employs more than 4,500 technical staff from its 47 worldwide offices, providing integrated engineering services in the areas of civil, structural, building services, façade and other related engineering disciplines.