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Since he
joined the company exactly 25 years ago, Wardell Armstrong has grown from its
roots in the mining industry into a hugely diverse consultancy with 320 staff
and a £16million turnover, Mr Brown continued.
"We were an early investor in environmental
expertise and now environmental issues permeate every project we are involved
in.
"With an increasing focus on energy efficiency and
sustainability across all sectors, the demand for our expertise will be greater
than ever, from renewable energy to waste recycling; and from environmental
planning to sustainable construction techniques."
The firm’s recent move from Newcastle town centre
to new headquarters at Sir Henry Doulton House, where 130 staff are based, will
facilitate further expansion.
"We have the space and infrastructure to
accommodate 200 staff here at Festival Park and I would hope to see our national
workforce rise to around 500 within five years, both through organic growth and
acquisition," said Mr Brown.
A geologist specialising in the regeneration of
brownfield sites, Mr Brown said the company’s commitment to North Staffordshire
was stronger than ever.
"There is huge potential here in Stoke on Trent and
the pace of regeneration will accelerate over the next few years. We have been
involved in many regeneration initiatives and we will continue to play our part
in developing the city’s future."
Mr Brown is both a Chartered Engineer and a
Chartered Geologist. He is a board member of the North Staffordshire Chamber of
Commerce, a member of the CBI regional council and sits on the steering group of
Finest, the North Staffordshire professional services network.
Jeff
Smith, Managing Director for the last 12 years, becomes Chairman
and will focus more time on his specialist areas of coal mining and health and
safety.
"I would like to pay tribute to Jeff’s leadership.
He has given excellent strategic direction to the business during his years as
MD," added Mr Brown.
For more information contact
Colin W Brown on 0845 111 7777.
Notes: Wardell Armstrong LLP is an independent
consultancy with roots stretching back to 1837, today offering a unique mix of
professional skills and experience.
Core expertise in mining, minerals and geology has
been extended to encompass specialisms in ground engineering, civil engineering,
environmental sciences, waste management, land use planning, health and safety,
landscape planning, and renewable energy and sustainable development.
Providing consultancy services to both public and
private sector clients in the UK and overseas, the firm employs some 300
professional, technical and administrative staff. In addition to its Head Office
in North Staffordshire, it has offices in Cardiff, Edinburgh, Leigh, London,
Newcastle upon Tyne, Sheffield and West Bromwich. Its International division is
based in Truro. | 
