Bucknall Austin - General - UK, Bucknall's Go for Global
Date: 15 Dec 2006
Property and construction consultancy Bucknall Austin is set to become a worldwide force following a deal that will see it join forces with Rider Hunt and Levett & Bailey to create a global practice.
The new-look practice will be a world top three cost consulting, project management and advisory practice and will bring together three businesses and 1,800 people under a common umbrella.
With more than 70 offices across Asia, Australasia, Europe and North America, including 11 operations in China, it will help existing clients evolve with the changing dynamics of global business while offering staff the chance to gain experience across the world.
Commenting on the launch of the new practice, Andy Ritchie, regional director at Bucknall Austin, said: "We want to achieve global best practice and become the natural consultant of choice.
"With the ever increasing movement of capital across the world, it is increasingly important that we are able to provide global support for our clients, but it is crucial that we do so with like-minded partners who offer the same levels of trust and confidence as we do.
"The world continues to get smaller and I know we will be well placed moving forward with this powerful practice to meet our clients' ever-changing needs, help them exploit new markets and offer our team the most compelling career prospects."
Graham Hastie, Sheffield office managing partner comments "We are excited by the opportunities that the global practice will bring to our Yorkshire operation, which should bring more challenging projects from existing clients who are globalising and help us achieve real scale benefits and exploit new markets.
"The opportunities for staff to share international knowledge, ideas and experience will also be a valuable tool when it comes to attracting and retaining the best staff - a crucial issue for the industry as a whole, but one that will become particularly pertinent to the North West once construction work on the London 2012 Olympics gets underway.
"While benefits for clients have already seen us find project managers in Saudi Arabia for one client and help another expand its operations in China and the United States, employees will also get the opportunity to develop their skills and careers through overseas secondment and relocation opportunities."
External consultants have already interviewed staff at all levels in the three businesses worldwide to advise on common culture and values and to recommend a common global brand, though the Bucknall Austin name will continue to be used for the foreseeable future. A final decision on the global identity is expected in December this year.
Bucknall Austin's Managing Partner Graham Hastie announcing the new global alliance.
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