Bridget Ashcroft

We are sad to announce the death in December 2011 of our much-loved office manager Bridget Ashcroft, after a brave fight with cancer. Since joining us in 2007, Bridget became a good friend to all of us and she kept us tidy and organised with just the right balance of firmness and gentle humour, while never letting the kettle get cold or the biscuit barrel empty! She kept all this going even while being a wife and mum and fighting her illness, and we will always remember her courage and kindness.

Our Recycling Champion

Lotty the dog makes sure all our environmental strategies are fully implemented. After a brisk walk (for physical and mental well-being) she investigates all the waste paper bins in the office to make sure that everyone is getting at least 5 (biscuits) a day. Then, the surplus paper is thoroughly shredded and while the number-crunching and phone calls are being dealt with, there's time of an afternoon nap. And to ensure working hours are not excessive, she sits by the door when it's time to go home!

We don't do corporate golf!

On 15th May we turned out to ride in the 100km charity "sportive" cycle ride organised by AECOM, the multinational technical and management support services company. True to their word, as with the previous year the event was impeccably organised by Matthew Palmer. Just behind the elite Group A riders, Andy and Charles came in first and second in group B on a very windy day. We raised a bit of cash for RedR, the engineers' charity for disaster relief and for Addenbrookes Charitable Trust and we can also proudly boast a 50% staff turnout for the event!

A van called Derek

Our trusty van has been named by Charles's children - not the most obvious choice but it seems to have stuck! Derek will be out and about with Andy, helping clients and contractors alike with their construction projects. Charles's car is called Bob, by the way.

VAT changes 2011

The standard rate of VAT changes from 17.5% to 20% on 4th January 2011. This is applicable to professional fees and cannot ordinarily be reclaimed except in the case of religious building or charity projects. We remain committed to providing sound advice and value for money for our clients, through the use of efficient design and prompt, helpful service.

Mike Rayner

In memory of our colleague and friend Mike Rayner, who passed away in October 2010 after a career dedicated to the highest quality of draughtsmanship.

I am indebted to Mike for having passed on his knowledge and experience, and for his generous companionship.

IStructE Membership obtained!

(Sept 2010) Following the exacting seven-hour exam earlier this year, Charles has now been awarded full membership of the Institution of Structural Engineers, recognising his commitment to the profession and many years of engineering experience. Charles has been a Chartered Engineer and member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers since 2004.

James is back!

Returning from Spain, James Logan is back to join our team, bringing plenty of experience and a good deal of extra capacity for turning projects out in the shorter timescales that nearly every client needs. Having built a house in the UK and renovated a couple in Spain, attention to practical details are always to the fore.

A successful summer for Michael White

This summer we were privileged to have a talented young student from Durham University spend a couple of months' work experience with us. This has been rewarding and great fun, blending real "muddy boots" site work with intensive analysis and comparison of taught material with the application of theory to live projects. Michael has shown a real talent and aptitude, and we wish him well in his studies.

2000 Projects and counting!

Welcome to Andy Chapman

(March 2010) We are delighted to welcome Andy Chapman to our team. Andy comes to us with over thirty years' experience in engineering and manufacture of structural and architectural metalwork.

Filling the role of Structural Technician, he will be out & about gathering information from site and providing technical assistance for the benefit of architects, clients and contractors. He will be based at our new premises in Sawston, and con be contacted on our new telephone number (01223) 833555.

We look forward to an exciting year ahead, working hard and helping our clients and colleagues in a more comprehensive, efficient and cost-effective manner than ever before.

The Big Move

(January 2010) For us, the first big development was the relocation of our offices from Chesterton to Sawston, just South of Cambridge. We have been sad to leave Chesterton of course, after more than six years of hard work building the practice within its friendly and diverse community.

Sawston however offers us the extra space we need for expansion, with facilities and amenities to match. The reduction in commuting distance for us should also mean greater productivity and better access to our clients, wherever they are.

Please note our new telephone number (01223) 833555, operational from 18th January 2010, and our address is given on the contacts page.