Oxfordshire construction boost as Ingleton Wood doubles workforce just one year after office move Tuesday, 12th December 2023

Ingleton Wood has announced it has more than doubled its workforce due to strong business demand after celebrating the one-year anniversary of moving into larger premises.

The Practice moved to its new office at Thorney Leys Business Park in Witney following increased demand for its multi-disciplinary services, resulting in the growth of its Oxfordshire based team, from a team of eight to 20 currently. 

Ingleton Wood has seen particular growth in heritage, leisure and residential sectors across all disciplines including sustainability, structural engineering, and building services engineering, and is seeking to expand further.

Peter Webb, Director of Building Services Engineering at Ingleton Wood, oversees the Practice’s development across Oxfordshire and the wider region, said: “To see our team expand at such a rate is very encouraging and speaks volumes about the quality and breadth of our multi-disciplinary services in a range of sectors.

“When moving into our office in Oxford we had a clear desire to expand our team, allowing us to meet the needs of our new and repeat client base throughout Oxfordshire and surrounding areas. Each additional team member provides key skills that will help to build our multi-disciplinary offering to support private and public organisations, helping to design, create and project manage high-quality, energy-efficient and eco-friendly buildings.”

Notable project highlights over the past 12 months include supporting the regeneration of the historic Grade II listed Carriage Works in Swindon, multiple sustainability projects in partnership with English Heritage and the upgrade of numerous leisure centres for Freedom Leisure. 

As part of the Oxfordshire expansion, a new structural engineering team has been formed to meet the rising demand from the industry. Josh Lawrence, Senior Associate Structural Engineer, joined the Oxford team in January 2023 and is leading its growth; two more engineers joined Josh in September.

When asked about his first 12 months at Ingleton Wood Josh said: “I am so pleased to be part of this wonderful team in Oxford that continues to grow but retains a real sense of togetherness and everyone pulling in the same direction. 

“Structural and Civil Engineering is now firmly part of the core services delivered from Oxford and we are delighted to work alongside our colleagues in Building Services and Sustainability. 

“This is a really exciting time for the office and for me personally as we look to build on the last year and move into 2024.”

Ingleton Wood is a proud local employer and where possible supports the development of young people looking to get into the construction industry. Alongside the opening of the new Oxford office in 2022, Ingleton Wood employed Drew Gullen, who is studying towards a Building Services Design Engineering Degree Apprenticeship.

Reflecting on the past 12 months with Ingleton Wood, Drew said: “My first 12 months here at Ingleton Wood have absolutely flown by. The team here in the Oxford office have been really supportive for my development, they are always free to answer any queries about the engineering world and support my learning.

“I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to work for Ingleton Wood, they are wonderful company. Not only are they helping tackle climate change with their sustainable approach to the construction industry, but they are willing to invest time and money into their employee’s development.”

The Oxford team is continuing its growth plans with an active search for a lead Building Surveyor currently underway.