Member Article

Durham-based building services set to expand following 40% increase in turnover

Durham-based building services Avoca Consulting Engineers is set to expand following a 40% increase in turnover last year.

Delivering building services to the construction industry, Avoca has strengthened its business model with the promotion of principal engineers, Mike Seaward and Richard Hooper to directors, in a move which will reportedly secure the company’s long-term growth and success.

The promotions come after a period of steady organic growth, helped by the success of offering additional services, such as sustainability consultancy and 3D Building Information Modelling (BIM)from in-house experts to serve the changing demands of the industry.

Mr Seaward joined Avoca in 2012 as principal electrical engineer with over 14 years’ experience in the construction industry. He has since established a strong base in the education and commercial sectors, successfully delivering a number of schools and offices throughout the UK.

With this promotion Mr Seaward will assume responsibility for the company’s electrical team along with a keen interest to nurture new talent by proactively supporting and expanding the knowledge of the junior engineers.

Until recently a large proportion of Avoca’s workload was carried out in the south of the UK, however, with momentum gaining in the region, Avoca’s team of 20 are proud to be currently workingon some of the North East’s most innovative engineering schemes including; LiveWorks Offices, Newcastle University’s Neptune National Centre and Ramside Hall Hotel and Spa.

Mr Seaward said: “I am very proud to take on this role and I am looking forward to being influential in shaping the future of the company and our young engineers.”

Mr Hooper, also brother of MD Mark Hooper, joined Avoca in 2008 as a mechanical design engineer following 12 years of progression from a site based heating and ventilation engineer.

Mr Hooper’s expertise covers a diverse range of sectors, from small domestic installations to multi-million pound industrial process design schemes. Richard will head up the mechanical team implementing a new system for managing projects.

Richard said: “I’m proud to be part of this successful business. My earlier site based experience allowed me to gain an excellent understanding of the practical requirements of a project along with a great foundation to develop my commercial awareness, two aspects which I am very keen to instil in all of our junior engineers.”

Managing director of Avoca, Mark Hooper, said: “It’s always fantastic to see colleagues progressing, but it’s really special to welcome these colleagues to the role of director.

“Over a period of years, both Mike and Richard have made significant contributions to the business, helping to build new client relationships, improving the management of Avoca, and bringing on the next generation of colleagues.

“I am very proud of the training we provide and the culture we have of promoting from within. We have high standards and I look forward to the next phase of Avoca’s growth.”