Property consultancy Bidwells has doubled the size of its Bristol office as it targets further growth across the South West’s defence, aerospace and advanced manufacturing sectors.
The expansion includes appointments across project management and building surveying, with planning expected to become the next service added locally.
Led by partners Chris Clover and Sarah Davies, the team has moved into a larger office near Bristol Temple Meads after exceeding the firm’s original growth expectations during its first 18 months.
Bidwells adopted a strategy in 2024 to double the size of its overall business by 2030, identifying Bristol, Manchester and Edinburgh as priority expansion markets.
INDUSTRIAL CLUSTER
The consultancy said Bristol’s position as a centre for science, technology and advanced industry was creating demand for property expertise spanning buildings, infrastructure and specialist operational facilities.
The West of England has the UK’s largest aerospace cluster, worth more than £2.7bn according to the West of England Combined Authority. Filton is also described by Airbus as home to Northern Europe’s largest concentration of aerospace engineers.
Defence Equipment & Support, the Ministry of Defence’s procurement organisation, employs approximately 12,500 people, with most based at MoD Abbey Wood.
Bidwells’ regional clients include Bristol City Council, for which it is delivering major refurbishment projects, and Airbus. The consultancy was appointed to the aerospace company’s project management framework earlier this year.
FURTHER GROWTH
Chris Clover (main picture, inset), Partner in Project Management at Bidwells, says: “It’s a testament to the strength of the team and the culture at Bidwells that we are already ahead of our growth ambitions in Bristol.
“Our team’s growth has been built on a wide base of client demand, and we expect to keep growing, with planning likely to be the next service we add locally.”
Sarah Davies, Partner in Commercial Building Surveying at Bidwells, says the region’s specialist estates required sustained investment to maintain and improve their performance.
She adds: “Having a permanent team based in Bristol means we can work alongside clients as long-term partners on the buildings that matter most to them, whether that is a public estate refurbishment programme or a complex technical facility for a specialist occupier.
“The speed at which the team has grown shows how much appetite there is for that kind of dedicated local support.”
Bidwells said its Bristol operation would draw on expertise developed across its established science, education and technology markets while providing clients with a locally based delivery team.
