Business Details
47 Years
experience
Expert Structural Engineering Solutions
Thomas Consulting has been delivering structural and civil engineering excellence since 1979, combining over four decades of industry experience with cutting-edge technology. Our team of chartered engineers and technical specialists provides tailored solutions across residential, commercial, industrial, and infrastructure projects nationwide. We prioritise safety, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness while utilising BIM integration and 3D modelling to address site-specific challenges. With offices in Chorley, Lancaster, and Shrewsbury, we maintain collaborative relationships with clients, architects, and contractors to ensure optimal structural outcomes.Our expertise spans foundation design, nuclear assessments, flood risk management, and expert witness services, supported by continuous professional development and industry accreditations. We demonstrate our commitment to innovation through sustainable drainage systems, biodiversity initiatives, and advanced construction methodologies that balance technical precision with environmental responsibility.
Services
Structural Engineering
Civil Engineering
Geotechnical Assessments
Expert Witness Services
Pre-Planning Drainage
Flood Risk Management
Foundation Design
3D Modelling
Sustainable Drainage
Nuclear Structure Analysis
Details
- Year established: 1979
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of structural engineering expertise across diverse sectors
- Our BIM-integrated workflows optimise project efficiency and accuracy
- Chartered engineers with specialist knowledge in nuclear and seismic assessments
- Nationwide service with localised office support in key UK locations
- Commitment to sustainable practices through biodiversity-focused drainage systems
Services
Structural Engineering
Our structural engineering services cover complete building systems from concept to completion. We specialise in steel, concrete, and timber designs for residential, commercial, and industrial projects. Our engineers deliver seismic assessments, foundation solutions, and structural appraisals using advanced finite element analysis to ensure safety and compliance.
Civil Engineering
We provide comprehensive civil engineering solutions including highway design, drainage systems, and flood risk assessments. Our team manages SuDS strategies, vehicle tracking simulations, and hydrological analysis to create sustainable infrastructure. We handle projects from initial surveys through to construction phase support across urban and rural environments.
Geotechnical Assessments
Our geotechnical services identify subsurface risks through Phase 1 PRAs and intrusive testing. We conduct borehole analysis, infiltration tests, and chemical contamination assessments to inform foundation design. This ensures safe, code-compliant construction on brownfield and greenfield sites while addressing environmental considerations.
Expert Witness Services
We provide CPR Part 35 compliant expert reports for construction disputes. Our engineers investigate structural failures, design defects, and construction-related injuries. We support legal proceedings through mediation, arbitration, and court testimony, offering technical clarity on complex engineering issues.
Pre-Planning Services
We prepare flood risk assessments, drainage strategies, and contamination reports for planning applications. Our team coordinates with statutory authorities to address SuDS requirements, highway approvals, and environmental regulations. This ensures developments meet current planning policies and gain necessary consents.
People
Kieron Hounslow
Director
With over 35 years' experience, Kieron leads structural projects from our Chorley office. His expertise spans multi-storey buildings and complex refurbishments, combining technical precision with practical construction knowledge to deliver client-focused solutions.
Phil Howden
Director
As a business owner for 27 years, Phil specialises in structural engineering with 40+ years' experience. He focuses on innovative design solutions and forensic analysis, providing expert witness services for complex construction disputes and remedial projects.
Paul Bailey
Director
Paul has developed expertise in structural appraisal and problem-solving over his 30-year career. He leads technical teams in delivering commercial and industrial projects, ensuring designs balance functionality, safety, and cost-effectiveness through collaborative client engagement.
Steve Bridges
Director
With 22+ years in construction, Steve manages our Lancaster office. His chartered engineering background supports highway design, drainage systems, and infrastructure projects, combining technical leadership with operational management expertise.
Julian Pearson
Director
Julian specialises in civil engineering with 10+ years' experience in water management and infrastructure. He coordinates environmental assessments and flood risk strategies, ensuring sustainable drainage solutions meet regulatory requirements across development projects.
Questions
What engineering services do you offer?
We provide structural, civil, geotechnical, and environmental engineering services, including expert witness support and pre-planning assessments for residential, commercial, and industrial projects.
How long have you been in business?
Thomas Consulting has delivered engineering solutions since 1979, with our directors collectively holding over 200 years of industry experience across construction sectors.
Do you work nationwide?
Yes, we operate across the UK from offices in Chorley, Lancaster, and Shrewsbury, supporting projects from initial design through to construction completion.
How do you handle planning requirements?
We prepare flood risk assessments, drainage strategies, and contamination reports to meet planning conditions, working with local authorities and environmental agencies to secure development approvals.
What sustainability practices do you use?
We integrate biodiversity-focused drainage systems, sustainable materials, and life-cycle assessments into projects, ensuring environmental compliance while maintaining structural integrity and cost efficiency.
Reviews (1)
Thomas
Apr 23, 2021
Report
AVOID. See email below
In our initial conversation I made it clear that I wanted the services of a structural engineer to check the recent work that had been undertaken to repair some subsidence before I bought the property. We discussed that while the outside work was obvious to see, internally some cracks were on show when I first viewed the property. Since then some decorating had been done and my concern was that they had literally 'papered over the cracks'. I also emailed over several documents from the sellers insurance and building contractor, one of which states clearly internal cracking
In our initial conversation I made it clear that I wanted the services of a structural engineer to check the recent work that had been undertaken to repair some subsidence before I bought the property. We discussed that while the outside work was obvious to see, internally some cracks were on show when I first viewed the property. Since then some decorating had been done and my concern was that they had literally 'papered over the cracks'. I also emailed over several documents from the sellers insurance and building contractor, one of which states clearly internal cracking
