A Bristol structural engineering consultancy founded 75 years ago has been acquired by a global temporary works specialist, making it part of a business now capable of offering a much wider range of services.
Clarkebond, which has offices in Exeter and London as well as its headquarters on Cumberland Road, operates across the UK and in global markets for industry, developers and governments. 
Its projects have ranged from Bristol’s Being Brunel museum and the nearby McArthur’s Yard housing development to hotels, shopping centres, hospitals in Guildford and Myanmar and a hydropower plant in Liberia.
Following its takeover by engineering design consultancy Independent Design House Group (IDHG) – which also has an office in Bristol – it is in a £10m turnover business employing more than 140 people.
IDHG, which has almost trebled in size as a result of the Clarkebond acquisition, will now be headquartered in Bristol. Financial details of the deal have not been disclosed.
IDHG was founded in 2011 in Rochester, Kent, by CEO Tim Burt and Wojciech Wisniowski as a specialist in the field of temporary works design in areas such as scaffolding and civil and structural engineering.
Expansion into Poland and Bristol followed, along with more engineering disciplines, with managing director Ian Fernandes-Johnson joining in 2020. 
Tim Burt will remain as CEO of the enlarged group with Wojciech Wisnowski as partner, Ian Fernandes-Johnson as managing director of the UK division and Michal Rzaski overseeing IDHG Poland.
The senior team also includes Clarkebond’s head of finance Brian Davis and commercial director Neil Marks, who remain in their roles.
Neil Marks said: “The opportunities that this deal provides for our staff, the additional services that both companies can now offer and the additional infrastructure that IDH brings to the company aligns with our vision to provide outstanding engineering for communities and place.
“It will increase our competitiveness so that Clarkebond can continue in pursuit of that vision and grow to be a stronger and more resilient company.”
IDHG CEO Tim Burt added: “This is all about the mutual development and growth of the companies involved for the benefit of all of our customers, employees and the wider IDH Group.”
IDHG managing director Ian Fernandes-Johnson described adding the skills and strengths of Clarkebond to IDHG’s existing capabilities as “a game changer”.
He added: “The move transitions IDHG to a multi-disciplined engineering consultancy, providing services from concept through to construction on site.
“In my very first meeting with the Clarkebond team, my overriding impression was how much they care about the work they deliver, which resonated with me and the IDH approach. Exciting times indeed.”
