March 2024_FBW acquires ARL Consulting Ltd.
FBW Engineering has completed the acquisition of ARL Consulting Ltd, a move which brings with it the opportunity to expanding our offering with a portfolio of clients in the food and beverage sectors.
In a strategic move, both businesses will maintain their autonomy and operate independently under the umbrella of FBW Group; FBW co-owner and ARL managing director Ian Hampson said: “We are delighted to acquire ARL – the next natural step in our growth strategy.
The deal offers the FBW group a chance to explore new markets and integrate additional expertise into our business.
FBW co-owner and ARL managing director Ian Hampson said “ARL is a well-respected brand in the water and effluent treatment sector, with an impressive client portfolio and a specialist skillset that we are proud to invest in moving forward.”
January 2023_Service Reservoir Isolation
FBW has worked with United Utilities, Costain, Eric Wright Water and MMB to deliver a multi-site, cross network service reservoir isolation programme.
To facilitate the inspection, cleaning and maintaining of a number of service reservoirs required a batch of projects that would allow these to be isolated from the water network, whilst maintaining water supply to customers.
Whilst the scope of works varied at each project, depending upon complexity of the local network, generally works consisted of secure temporary storage solutions and control changes to ensure water supply to consumers was maintained whilst large volumes of storage capacity were taken out of service.
Works have been completed around the North West of England at Low Abbey, Gorsehill, Winwick, Kerridge, Green Lane, Cross Hill/Heswall and Elmers Green.
Ian Hampson commented that, “The SR isolation projects have been extremely challenging. There are numerous interdependencies within the water supply infrastructure across the North West, meaning that taking several facilities offline at similar times has required meticulous design and planning.
January 2023_FBW supports BEIS project
FBW is proud to have supported Wastewise in the Hydrogen BECCS (Bioenergy with Carbon Capture & Storage) innovation funding.
Mike Dawber highlighted that “We have worked with Wastewise and WRM on a feasibility study into processing waste compost oversize to produce a biogenic feedstock source for hydrogen gasifiers. We plan to make a difference to how waste is treated in the UK and have a positive impact on the environment for the benefit of future generations.”
The Hydrogen BECCS Innovation Programme is part of the BEIS £1 billion Net Zero Innovation Portfolio ,which aims to accelerate the commercialisation of innovative clean energy technologies and processes through the 2020s and 2030s.
The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) brings together responsibilities for business, industrial strategy, science, innovation, energy, and climate change.
June 2021_FBW Engineering moves to new premises, prioritising hybrid working for colleagues
As working trends continue to change, North-West based FBW Engineering Services Limited has acquired new premises – leaving its longstanding office space in Golborne, and taking space at Thrive’s Atlas House in Wigan.
Directors Ian Hampson and Mike Dawber say the move will accommodate a new way of working, with colleagues at the engineering firm able to opt for hybrid working which sees them basing themselves between their home and the office.
Mike Dawber said: “Credible employers have radically shifted their offering this past year, protecting the wellbeing of their workforce and facilitating flexible ways of working.
“Presenteeism is long gone; no one needs to be in the same room as colleagues to see maximum productivity. This new space gives our team a great base, and a place to collaborate as and when they want to.”
The move comes after FBW consulted colleagues who determined that this was the best move for them. The team is now based in the new premises at Atlas House in Wigan and can be reached on 01942 294105.
March 2021_A spate of new client wins for FBW!
North-West based FBW Engineering Services Limited has secured a wealth of new clients, extending its international portfolio.
The team is now undertaking new engineering projects for global names including Viridor, Stantec, Bainbridge Electrical, and Anaergia – a global leader in the production of clean energy, fertilizer, and recycled water from waste streams.
Ian Hampson is director at FBW and said: “We really are thrilled to be working with these new clients on an exciting array of new projects – the details of which we hope to share very soon.
“We are proud to have a portfolio boasting some of the biggest names in construction and engineering, a testament to the hard work of our team who continue to deliver exceptional technical insight and results for our customers.”
February 2021_FBW completes technical due diligence project for Bio Capital
North-West based FBW Engineering Services Limited has advised Bio Capital on its acquisition of Redstow Renewables Ltd – an anaerobic digestion (AD) plant, from Downing LLP.
Operational since 2015 and located in Norfolk, England, Redstow has a total capacity of 4.5 MW Combined Heat and Power (CHP). It currently processes circa 75,000 tonnes of energy crop each year to produce biogas used to generate and sell renewable electricity under the Feed in Tariff regime and renewable heat under the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme. Redstow provides 95% of the electricity used by local RAF station RAF Marham, home to the RAF’s Tornado Force and the first British military base to run almost entirely on green electricity.
Bio Capital is a platform for investments in the UK AD sector and was co-founded as a joint venture between energy and infrastructure investment funds Helios and Equitix in 2018. Its portfolio includes gas to grid and electricity generation plants that utilise food waste and agricultural fuel sources.
Speaking of our team’s support on the project, director Mike Dawber said: “The expertise and technical knowledge within our team allows us to offer due diligence services such as these, with colleagues carrying out a range of technical appraisals on behalf of clients during the acquisition process.
“I am delighted that we have successfully completed our work on this high-profile deal and am proud of our team who have once again demonstrated their industry-leading abilities.”
August 2019: FBW achieves ISO14001 and 45001 certification
We are delighted to have received our ISO45001 certification – an accreditation which sets the international framework for establishing, implementing and maintaining an occupational health and safety management system, identifying and managing risks and opportunities, as well as a clear and effective path of communication and continual improvement throughout business.
Receipt of the accreditation was formalised in a presentation today, which recognised our efforts; it is the latest accreditation for FBW, which also holds the ISO9001 certification, as well as a number of other industry accolades.
Our director Mike Dawber said: “We are pleased to have again met the standards of an external organisations in upholding the expectations of modern businesses. We’ve always made the safety of people and our clients our top priority and this accreditation shows our commitment and desire to continuously improve our health and safety and also meet international standards.”
The ISO14001 certification also considers a business’ environmental impact, assessing an organisation’s commitment to acting ethically. Mike continues: “In our industry, we are naturally aware of the environmental impact that we have. We therefore put a huge emphasis on the efficient management of our resources, and focus on reducing waste. This accreditation again recognises our resource efficiency approach which will reduce our carbon footprint and our operating costs.”
Both of FBW’s ISO accreditations are internationally recognised frameworks, which will not only improve business performance but also empower employees with additional career development and training.
To learn more about ISO click here.
FBW-sponsored Tameside team is feeling "all white" ahead of their cup final!
FBW is proud to sponsor a number of great local causes and sports teams, including the Denton Youth U10’s White team - who are playing in their cup final in Tameside this weekend against AFC Stanley Reds U10s.
This team of talented young boys has gone through a transitional period with a number of new players joining recently – so they’ve certainly been finding their feet (!) over the last 12 months. Our Commercial and Financial Director Alan Forshaw comments, ‘We’re really pleased the team have made it to the Cup Final on May 7th, and we wish them all the very best of luck. They’re a great bunch of lads and we’ll be proud of them whatever the result. However, we’ll certainly be cheering them on and looking forward to their bringing home a well deserved trophy to Denton Youth.’”
March 2018: Say hello to Reece!
We’ve recently welcomed junior electrical engineer Reece Kelly into our team to assist our Electrical Design and Project Engineers.
20-year-old Reece, who lives in nearby Wigan, is fast becoming a CAD designer – producing various diagrams and schedules for our clients – as well as shadowing engineers and directors as they visit clients for site meetings and surveys.
Whilst working within our team, Reece is also continuing his professional development. Having completed his BTEC Level 2 and Level 3 Reece is now studying for his HNC – something he’ll complete this summer.
Speaking of his appointment, FBW Director Mike Dawber said: “Investing in bright, young talent is key for our business and we are proud to be supporting Reece both professionally and in his academic endeavors. He has already become a valuable member of the team.”
Added Reece: “I’m really pleased to have joined the FBW business and look forward to learning more about the projects we work on moving forward.”
October 2016: FBW shortlisted for two prestigious awards
FBW is delighted to have been shortlisted in two categories in this year’s Greater Manchester Chamber Of Commerce Wigan Business Awards!
We've firstly been shortlisted for the ‘Small or Medium Enterprise of the Year Award’, sponsored by Wigan & Leigh College. The award recognises an SME or enterprise from any industry that has been operating for at least two years and turnover up-to £5 million; judging criteria is based on factors including innovation, expertise and a solid vision for the future growth of the company.
The second award we are shortlisted for is the ‘Environmental Commitment Award’ sponsored by Lowri Beck; an award in recognition of SMEs that have identified the need and opportunity for innovation in the environmental field. Either working in the environmental sector, or as a serious adopter of environmental innovation. Judges will be looking at a commitment to improving environmental performance, innovation and engagement with the wider community
Now entering their tenth year, the annual awards celebrate business excellence across the borough, highlighting the achievements and hard work of a diverse range of Wigan businesses.
Mike Dawber, Operations Director at FBW said: “We are absolutely delighted to be shortlisted for two categories in these local awards. We pride ourselves on the delivery of quality to our clients through a depth of knowledge and experience, the recognition of this would be a fantastic reward of everyone’s efforts and commitment at FBW.”
The 2016 Wigan Business Awards are sponsored by NatWest with the award ceremony being held on Friday 18th November 2016.
March 2016: FBW announces MBO
FBW Engineering Services, a global, first class provider of process, mechanical, electrical and ICA engineering services has concluded a deal which secures the long-term future of the business.
Recently appointed directors Ian Hampson and Mike Dawber have led a management buy-out that will serve as an important facet in the development of the company over the coming years.
Since its formation in 1995, the company has proven its abilities in delivering complex, technical projects across the water, wastewater and waste to energy sectors and in 2015 the business reported a record turnover in excess of £2m
The buy-out will serve to continue this growth and maintain the continuity of management important to both clients and employees.
Whilst the deal allows founding directors Alan Forshaw and Martin Bleasdale to begin planning exit strategies both will remain actively involved with the business for the foreseeable future. Alan and Martin’s continued involvement is a crucial element to ensuring that FBW Engineering Services continues to support its clients with the same high level of professionalism that has helped it forge a reputation as a well-respected leader in engineering services in the UK and overseas.
Ian Hampson said: “This deal represents a fantastic opportunity for Mike and I, and also for the company. We have a long association with FBW and great confidence in the business and its people. We are well-positioned for future growth and are looking forward to exciting times ahead."
Alan Forshaw added: "We are delighted to have completed this deal. Ian and Mike have a good understanding of our customers' needs and the many strengths that exist within our business. Martin and I are confident and secure in the knowledge that the successful business we have established over the past 20 years, will continue to thrive in the capable hands on Ian and Mike.”
February 2016: FBW bolsters onsite laboratory resource
Working in collaboration with one of its long-term clients FBW are pleased to announce that newcomer to the FBW team, Iria Nicholas, has completed the establishment of the laboratory at the Reliance Street MBT.
33-year-old Iria Nicolas has relocated from Spain to join the engineering consultancy as chemical engineer. She brings with her a wealth of experience having worked in various ISO/IEC17025 accredited laboratories in her research along with polymer manufacturing, natural/synthetic fertilisers and textile industries in her home country.
An MSc graduate from the University of A Coruna, Iria holds a great interest in chemical industry, laboratory and recycle processes – all key growth areas for FBW. She explained: “I am delighted to have secured this position and to be working with FBW. I have a genuine interest in engineering and the environment and am honoured to be in a position to use my skills to assist our broad range of clients.”
Iria has now fully established the laboratory and standardised the analytical procedures on the project, working with the client engineers and process team to monitor the site’s Anaerobic Digestion Plant and ancillary services. She continued: “I am thrilled with this role and feel I have reached a pivotal point where my various professional paths have converged.
“I also enjoy the true purpose that this role brings and the good that this research can do in creating solutions for waste and creating energy from it. Working with such a knowledgeable and diverse team at FBW puts us in a great position to serve the energy from waste industry in the future.”
Reflecting on the progress that Iria has made, managing director Martin Bleasdale said: “We have enjoyed a fantastic 12 months and I’m delighted we’ve been able to continue to create jobs for great people.
“We pride ourselves on our collective skills and experience and Iria has undoubtedly bolstered this with her chemical engineering expertise. She’s a valuable asset to our team.
January 2016: FBW reaches pivotal service milestone
FBW Engineering Services Ltd, the global provider of process, mechanical, electrical and ICA engineering services, has reached a pivotal milestone in its support services portfolio having completed its 1000th HAZOP study.
The provision of HAZOP and ALM services is one of FBW’s major support service areas, with the company having completed studies for clients in many industries in the UK, Ireland, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and other parts of the world. Commercial Director Alan Forshaw explained: “This is a very important part of our business accounting for circa 10% of turnover. We’ve had some incredibly successful experiences working in new markets including several in the Middle East, the largest of which was a HAZOP and CHAZOP study for a complex $1.5Billion wastewater treatment facility in Qatar.”
The 1000th HAZOP study was completed during December, on behalf of one of our long standing clients. Managing Director Martin Bleasdale added: “HAZOP studies have become an integral feature in our service offering, our first having been completed almost twenty years ago on major projects such as the Shell Green MVSP in the mid 1990’s.
“Our USPs are our collective experience; we have trained several of our team to a high standard all of whom are experienced and capable of undertaking the roles of Chairmen and Secretaries in facilitation of HAZID, HAZOP, ALM, HAZREV, HAZCOMM and CHAZOP studies.”
With an impressive track record, FBW has many clients in the water, wastewater, waste recycling and waste to energy industries, including Costain, United Utilities, Balfour Beatty, J N Bentley, Tamar Energy, Keppel Seghers, Jacobs, Bilfinger and Montgomery Watson Harza, helping to deliver projects worldwide.
May 2015: FBW appoints two new directors
As it celebrates its twentieth year in business, Cheshire based FBW Engineering Services has today announced the expansion of its board of directors and a record turnover of £2 million.
Founding directors Alan Forshaw and Martin Bleasdale are now joined by longstanding employees Mike Dawber and Ian Hampson. The foursome will form a new senior management team which will help continue the expansion of the business as it works with more clients in the UK and overseas and builds on its milestone of £2million sales.
Speaking of the news, FBW managing director Martin Bleasdale said: “I am delighted to have reached this milestone, one which comes as we strengthen our leadership team.
“Mike and Ian have demonstrated their long term commitment and unwavering loyalty to FBW and have in recent years played a pivotal role in expanding our client base and we credit their involvement in our growth. It is for those – and many other reasons – that Alan and I decided to expand our board with them.”
Mechanical Engineering graduate Ian (43) joined FBW shortly after its inception working his way up from CAD technician to an experienced senior mechanical engineer. He will now undertake the role of technical director and said: “Throughout my career I have worked with Martin and Alan; I’ve watched them grow FBW into an international business and I am truly excited about the prospect of being involved at a senior level myself.”
Meanwhile newly appointed operations director Mike joined FBW fifteen years ago following the completion of his apprenticeship in electrical engineering. He added: “This is a fantastic opportunity for Ian and I.
“In the past decade in particular, FBW has flourished, entering new sectors and working with clients in multiple global markets and I look forward to being a part of even more growth in the future.” Mike will now be responsible for the management of the site based project teams and the safe, efficient delivery of construction projects, while Ian will manage and control FBW’s engineering outputs and technical governance within the company.
Mike and Ian form part of FBW which, since its inception, has generated 25 jobs for engineers in the North West region. A large part of the recruitment strategy has been to take on a number of apprentices and investing heavily in their training and development.
From humble beginnings in Warrington, the founders now operate from fully equipped premises in Golborne and have in recent years invested heavily in the addition of advanced technology and equipment. The company has more recently invested in training its team in 3D CAD and other emerging software systems such as BIM.
Reflecting on the sales and appointments, commercial director Alan Forshaw added: “It’s a cliché to say this, but the twenty years since we founded the business have flown by. We’ve continued to grow in that time because we’ve been able to adapt, change and keep abreast of the factors affecting our industry. It’s something which has helped us maintain our market position and I am extremely proud of what we have achieved.
“It was an obvious decision at this milestone to invite Mike and Ian to join us on the board. What makes this announcement all the more pleasing is the long association they both have with FBW and the fact that they are firmly embedded within the roots of the company. To know that mine and Martin’s hard work will be preserved by two fantastic engineers is great news for us, our team and our clients.”
An impressive track record, FBW has many clients in the water, wastewater, waste recycling and waste to energy industries, including Costain, United Utilities, Balfour Beatty, J N Bentley, Tamar Energy and Montgomery Watson Harza, helping to deliver projects worldwide.
April 2015: FBW celebrates twentieth year with £2m turnover milestone
Cheshire based FBW Engineering Services Ltd. is celebrating its twentieth year in business – news that coincides with an increase in turnover with sales exceeding £2 million.
Directors Martin Bleasdale and Alan Forshaw founded the business – which offers process, mechanical and electrical engineering and consultancy services – in 1995, growing it into an international practice serving clients in the UK, Europe, Middle East and the United States.
The pair has also created 25 jobs for engineers in the North West region, taking on a number of apprentices and investing heavily in their training and development.
Speaking of the news, managing director Martin Bleasdale said: “I am delighted that we have reached this significant financial milestone in our twentieth year of business. We have worked hard to create a sustainable and viable company, underpinned by steady growth and the careful assembly of a fantastic and expert team of engineers.”
From humble beginnings in Warrington, the founders now operate from fully equipped premises in Golborne and have in recent years invested heavily in the addition of advanced technology and equipment. The company has more recently invested in training its team in 3D CAD and other emerging software systems such as BIM.
Commercial director Alan Forshaw commented: “It’s a cliché to say this, but the twenty years since we founded the business have flown by. We’ve continued to grow in that time because we’ve been able to adapt, change and keep abreast of the factors affecting our industry. It’s something which has helped us maintain our market position and I am extremely proud of what we have achieved.”
An impressive track record, FBW has many clients in the water, wastewater, waste recycling and waste to energy industries, including Costain, United Utilities, Balfour Beatty, J N Bentley, Tamar Energy and Montgomery Watson Harza, helping to deliver projects worldwide.