Plowman Craven, one of the UK’s leading surveying and geospatial companies, has acquired Gwalia Surveyors, a well-established surveying practice with a strong presence across Wales and the South West of England.
Going forward, the business will operate as Gwalia Surveyors, part of Plowman Craven.
Founded in 1982 by Bruce Lane and later headed up by his son Llŷr, Gwalia has roots as a family business that has seen impressive growth. The company has contributed surveying and consultancy services to construction and infrastructure projects comprising nearly £3 billion.
The acquisition will see Gwalia’s experienced team join Plowman Craven, strengthening the company’s geographic reach and capabilities while giving clients access to a broader range of surveying, geospatial, and digital expertise.
With a proven track record spanning over four decades, Gwalia has worked on numerous high-profile and technically demanding projects, including BBC Broadcasting House in London, the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, and the Snowdon Summit Visitor Centre in North Wales. More recent projects include Cardiff Central Square, The Triangle at Canary Wharf and John Lewis Birmingham.
David Locker, CEO of Plowman Craven, said: “Gwalia has built an outstanding reputation based on technical quality, trusted client relationships, and a commitment to delivering work to the highest standards. There is a strong alignment between our two businesses, particularly in our approach to clients, innovation, and people. Bringing Gwalia into Plowman Craven strengthens our capabilities and geographic reach, while giving the team access to the scale, technology, and breadth of expertise of the wider business.
“We are delighted to welcome Llŷr and the team to Plowman Craven and look forward to building on the strong foundations they have created.”
Llŷr Lane, Managing Director of Gwalia Surveyors, said: “My father established Gwalia almost 45 years ago and cemented its reputation on technical ability, trust, and doing things properly. To take that heritage and secure its future as part of a business with the standing and 60-plus-year history of Plowman Craven feels like the right next chapter.
“I’m particularly proud that our people, who have shown incredible loyalty and played such an important part in Gwalia’s success, will continue that journey. There is a huge amount of knowledge and experience within the team, and I’m excited to see what they can achieve with the additional scale, expertise, and opportunities available within Plowman Craven.”
The acquisition supports Plowman Craven’s continued UK growth objectives and provides Gwalia’s clients with continuity of existing relationships alongside access to the wider capabilities of the Plowman Craven business.
