Member Article

RLB Birmingham celebrates ten years as a global practice

Colmore Row based Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB) Birmingham has recently proudly celebrated ten years since the formation of the independent global practice.

RLB was launched in 2007, in response to growing globalisation and increased customer requirements. Since then, the firm has gone from strength to strength with now some 3,600 employees, including 120 employees in Birmingham, in 120 offices across the world, working with prestigious clients such as London Olympics 2012, Sydney Opera House and the HSBC Headquarters Building in Hong Kong.

Adam Ellis-Morgan, managing partner at RLB’s Birmingham office, says: “Being part of a global practice enables Birmingham to draw on expertise from around the world providing us with a competitive advantage across the numerous construction sectors. As we need specific expertise, it also provides a unique opportunity for staff to work in offices around the world, to experience the different cultures and alternate construction environments whilst growing in their professional roles.

“There are interesting times ahead for all in the industry. The biggest challenge is finding and retaining emerging talent. Encouraging people into the industry is key to maintaining a healthy working environment within RLB and we place succession planning at the core of what we do with some fantastic initiatives such as the David Bucknall Scholarship award, our Protégé scheme and we have recently introduced a futures board for the next generation of senior managers.”

Ann Bentley, Global Chair of RLB commented: “It is my great honour and pleasure to congratulate and thank all who have contributed to the success of RLB over the last ten years. Our thanks are extended to the many customers and partners who have continued to work with us on projects, adding to an extensive list of achievements across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North America and Oceania.

“Since the formation of our global practice, RLB has enjoyed close working relationships with many in the local and international property and construction industry. The nature of our business means that our futures are interdependent and accomplishments in each of RLB’s 120 offices reflect success for us all.

“At RLB, we are committed to creating value for our customers through our four core services – cost management and quantity surveying, project and programme management, building surveying and health & safety, and advisory services.”

Following two centuries of progression and growth, three major companies with common values – Rider Hunt, Levett & Bailey and Bucknall Austin – joined together to form the Rider Levett Bucknall global practice on 23 June 2007.

In the following decade, the global practice expanded its worldwide portfolio into Africa with seven offices, established a new business in Malaysia and Myanmar, opened new offices in China, Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, the Philippines, and further consolidated new business across the Middle East and Caribbean.

Through the collaborative efforts of the global practice and the skills and passion of its people, RLB has enjoyed remarkable growth and achievements in the past ten years. RLB continues to build on global knowledge and local expertise as an independent leader in the industry, helping to shape the future of the built environment.

Key sectors of specialisation include education, energy, healthcare, hotels and leisure, infrastructure, mixed use, offices, public and civic, residential, retail and sport. As the firm brings new projects to life, it will continue to contribute to the future direction of major cities across the globe over the next decade.

RLB has released a book to commemorate its tenth anniversary in 2017, ‘Confidence Today Inspires Tomorrow; Celebrating a Decade of Achievement’.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Rider Levett Bucknall .