Mott MacDonald is coming through this downturn in fighting form, managing to expand its worldwide reach while maintaining high quality on its projects as well as excellent health and safety

Engineering consultant of the year, sponsored by Balfour Beatty

Mott MacDonald

Mott MacDonald has defied the downturn to deliver consistently high class projects across the globe, against a backdrop of strong and stable business performance. Over the past year, the company has extended its global reach to include France, Turkey, Serbia and Japan, and established a permanent presence in Uganda as part of a long-term strategy to develop regional bases in Africa. Eighty per cent of its work in 2010 was from repeat business, which is testament to the quality of its projects and its approach to partnering and innovation. Highlights of its recent work are as diverse as the Manchester Joint Hospitals scheme, where its design solutions enabled construction of an extremely complex facility without interrupting healthcare provision for one million patients a year, and the unique Marsh Arab School project near Basra, Iraq, which combines modern and traditional designs, including reed cladding, to revive a lost heritage. The company was also lauded by judges for its approach to health and safety, with latest records showing a 27% drop in accidents.

Arup

Arup remains one of the world’s leading players when it comes to innovation in engineering. Despite the downturn, it continues to invest in training and development through the recently launched Arup University and its civil engineering apprentice scheme.

Atkins

The engineering giant has made significant and timely acquisitions in the US and Denmark, giving it a strong platform for growth as other markets struggle. Under the leadership of chief executive Keith Clarke, it has positioned itself at the forefront of green engineering.

BDP

BDP is a true champion for integrated working, and has established itself as an industry leader when it comes to Building Information Modelling - a tool much lauded by the government. The effective delivery of the firm’s projects is testament to the success of its methods.

Mott MacDonald

Mott MacDonald has defied recession to deliver consistently high class projects across the globe, against a backdrop of strong and stable business performance. Eighty per cent of its work in 2010 was from repeat business - a testament to the quality of its projects.

Ramboll

When it comes to sustainability credentials, Ramboll is a tough act to beat. The engineer is working on all of the three largest windfarms currently under construction in the world, and it is also enjoying huge growth in demand for its waste-to-energy expertise.

Red Engineering

Red Engineering is one of the few firms that can already say it is emerging from recession more profitable than it has ever been. The practice’s profit has soared by 40% over the last year, and its UK business has climbed by 80% over the last three years.