Member Article

Scientific research experts move to new Midland home

An independent firm which specialises in scientific research and investigations has planted new roots in the West Midlands after moving its operations to Solihull.

Kenneth Pye Associates Ltd provide geomorphological and sedimentological services to organisations across the UK and has relocated from Berkshire to the University of Warwick Science Park’s Blythe Valley Innovation Centre on Blythe Valley Business Park.

The company, which is run by scientists Ken Pye and Simon Blott, specialises in coastal, estuarine and marine consultancy work relating to development, environmental management and planning, but also undertakes work on rivers, lakes, deserts and soils, including civil and criminal law forensic investigations.

Its client list includes organisations such as the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), Countryside Council for Wales, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, the Environment Agency and the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquatic Science (Cefas), along with solicitors, developers, local authorities and other firms of environmental consultants across the country.

Ken, a former professor at Reading and London universities, launched the consultancy 11 years ago and said the new central location would serve the business well given its work across the UK.

“We provide specialist consultancy support to organisations all across the UK and overseas, ranging from analysing erosion and flood risks, to sedimentation rates within estuaries and environmental risk appraisals at nuclear power stations,” he said.

“When the tenancy at our previous offices in Berkshire came to an end we looked around for a base in the Midlands and Blythe Valley Innovation Centre offered us everything we were looking for.

“We often hold forums with our consultants so having access to meeting rooms at the centre is extremely useful, and having the option to take further space when we require it suits us well too.”

Nigel Shaw, centre manager at Blythe Valley Innovation Centre, said Kenneth Pye Associates fits the model of business the University of Warwick Science Park is experienced in supporting.

He said: “Kenneth Pye Associates are experts in a very interesting field and their services are well sought after by a whole host of organisations, from police authorities and insurance providers to environmental agencies.

“The nature of the company’s work means Ken and Simon and their consultants are working all over the UK and further afield and taking a tenancy of an office with access to large meeting rooms when required suits them extremely well.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Pete Squires .