A people-focussed business, with a wealth of experience and enviable track-record in project design and delivery.
Alan Wood & Partners is a people focussed business, led by the Board of Directors and Senior Management Team who bring a wealth of experience and expertise to our service offering.
Our project teams are Director-led, meaning our most experienced Chartered Engineers and Surveyors retain hands-on involvement in our projects and day-to-day contact with our clients.
They lead by example, mentor our teams, and foster a culture of technical excellence, enthusiasm, agility, teamwork, trust, professional development and inclusivity to deliver real benefits to you and your project.
Mark Barwood
Director and Equity Partner
Director and Equity PartnerBSc (Hons), CEng, MICE
With more than 40 years’ industry experience, Mark Barwood was well placed to lead one of the largest construction value projects we have ever been involved in. A well-respected and passionate advocate of engineering, he is keen to ensure it remains a career option for the next generation.
Mark joined Alan Wood & Partners in 2014, having worked for major UK based consultancies and tier one contracting organisations on a variety of high value projects across the UK, Europe and the Middle East. Mark joined the company in 2014 as Director of our, then new Lincoln office, within two years becoming a Board Director & Equity Partners.
At Lincoln he leads a team of twelve civil and structural engineers and building surveyors, all of whom benefit from his 40 years’ of experience in the industry.
Although Mark has worked across a large variety of construction sectors, he specialises in the delivery of multi-disciplinary complex industrial/process projects, both nationally and internationally and took the lead on the delivery of a £150m plasterboard manufacturing plant which produces over 50 million m² of board each year, one of Alan Wood & Partners largest construction value projects to date.
Mark’s Board responsibilities include business improvement and development and as part of this Mark leads on the company’s BIM Level 2 ISO 19650 Accreditation with Lloyds Register.
Mark is a passionate advocate of innovative, quality engineering and spends a great deal of time supporting and mentoring apprentices, trainee engineers and graduate engineers to ensure they continue to progress. He believes this is the key to creating a successful and sustainable team.
Mark is a Chartered Engineer and a Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers.
Mark Coates
Managing Director and Equity Partner
Managing Director and Equity PartnerBSc. MRICS, C.Build E, MCABE
A proud team player with a passion for helping people develop their skills, support and trust are key to Mark in heading up Alan Wood & Partners
Mark joined Alan Wood & Partners in December, 2012, as an Associate Surveyor and Project Manager and quickly set about expanding the company’s building consultancy services.
Since this time, Mark has expanded the team and added new services creating a department that now forms a significant part of our overall offering.
These achievements didn’t go unnoticed and Mark was one of five employees invited to join the board as equity Directors in 2015 and became Managing Director in January 2023. He is involved in the vast majority of building consultancy projects in their early stages, providing guidance and practical support where needed. Mark additionally has Board responsibilities for information technology, property and premises.
Notable projects include leading on the 10-year transformation of Hull Minister, an award winning project he described as a labour of love, along with being involved in a number of landmark projects across Hull including the Campus for Digital Innovation (C4DI) and Arco’s National Distribution Centre extension, all of which are part of Hull’s continuing regeneration.
As a compassionate and dedicated leader, Mark places emphasis on trust within the business.
“I believe passionately in teamwork, I played sports where trust and true teamwork really does make the difference between satisfactory and great results.
I strongly believe in building on the foundations laid by those who have worked and managed the business in the past and to develop and maintain our “can do” culture by striving to be the consultant of choice, the partner to work with and the place to work.”
He is a member of RICS and the Chartered Association of Building Engineers, with more than 35 years’ experience in the industry.
James Gibson
Director and Equity Partner
Director and Equity PartnerMEng (Hons), CEng, C.WEM, MCIWEM
Specialising in the water sector, James has led on the design and delivery of local, national and internationally renowned projects and is recognised as a flood risk, SuDS and drainage expert.
James heads up Alan Wood & Partners Civil Engineering service, leading a team of engineers in Hull and throughout our offices in Sheffield, York, and Leeds.
Specialising in flood risk and sustainable drainage he is the lead designer on the Yorkshire Water, Environment Agency, Hull & East Riding ‘Living With Water’ initiative, helping to protect the city and surrounding areas from the risk of future flooding.
James started his career in hydraulics and engineering associated with public wastewater treatment works, and then saw the opportunities in development led flood risk and drainage projects, covering residential schemes, new schools and new commercial and industrial schemes. He progressed through the ranks to become a Regional Director in AECOM with his career highlight being part of the leadership team that delivered the Jeddah Stormwater Drainage Programme, a £1Bn dams, channels and drainage project to protect lives and reduce flood risk after severe flooding affected the city.
He joined Alan Wood & Partners in 2014 and continued his fast career progression, becoming a Director & Equity Partner in 2015 and Head of Civil Engineering across the business.
James is closely involved in all civil engineering jobs, particularly on the technical design side and in managing client relationships where he is known for his strong track record of delivery.
A highly professional individual, he combines a keen client focus with a personable attitude, ensuring the smooth delivery of even the most complicated of projects.
Beyond his core role, James is responsible for finance in the business, reporting on financial matters to the Board. In this role he works closely with the accounts department to ensure the business operates on a sound financial footing.
James is a Chartered Engineer and Chartered Water and Environmental Manager; he is a member of the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management and holds a Masters degree in Civil Engineering.
Contact James
Kim Han
Director and Equity Partner
Director and Equity PartnerBSc (Hons), CEng, MICE, MIStructE
Kim Han brings 35 years’ of engineering experience to Alan Wood & Partners. Recruited to establishing our Leeds office, he has taken it from a standing start to a team of fourteen in under four years, with a multi-million pound annual fee income.
Kim has lived and worked in Leeds since graduating as a Structural Engineer in 1989, making him the perfect candidate to establish our office in the city.
He joined Alan Wood & Partners in April 2019 and our Leeds office officially launched a month later. Since then, he has grown the team to fourteen, including nine structural engineers, four civil engineers and a surveyor.
Kim started his career in a small structural engineering practice in Leeds which was bought out by the Waterman Group. Here he stayed for 11 years before moving to a medium-sized independent practice where he became an Associate and then a Board Director.
During his career, he has worked on some of the UK’s largest developments including playing a key design role in the flue gas-desulphurisation project at Drax Power Station and on the Sizewell B nuclear power plant in Suffolk.
Closer to home, he worked on the Debenhams department store in Leeds, as well as a number of high-rise residential and office developments and some of the largest warehouses in the country.
With a huge amount of technical knowledge, Kim is very hands on and is regularly asked for guidance on solving complicated engineering challenges by colleagues, architects, and contractors. He also puts his experience to good use in mentoring colleagues both from a technical engineering perspective, and also on how to work effectively with clients.
Kim is a Chartered Engineer with both the Institution of Structural Engineers and the Institution of Civil Engineers.
Chris Hudson
Director and Equity Partner
Director and Equity PartnerBEng (Hons), LLB (Hons), DipLaw, CEng, MICE, MCIArb
Responsible for the success and growth of Alan Wood & Partners’ North Yorkshire operations. Passionate about professionalism and quality, he brings more than 18 years’ experience in the design and delivery of major residential, industrial, commercial, power generation, and rail projects to the business.
Chris started his journey with Alan Wood & Partners as a Graduate Engineer in 2006. However, in 2008, he ventured into a role with a national Tier One contractor. During this period, he led the design of notable national railway station and depot refurbishments as well as large materials handling and power generation projects across the UK.
Returning to Alan Wood in 2015 as an Associate based in our York office, Chris was tasked with growing our operations in North Yorkshire – our York and Scarborough offices – where now, as Director, he leads a team of more than twenty engineers handling a multi-million pound annual fee income.
Chris was promoted to Director & Equity Partner in 2020 with Board responsibilities that include legal and statutory compliance, as well as taking the lead on employee engagement and marketing within the business.
Well known throughout the business for being approachable Chris is passionate about professionalism and quality and is dedicated to the personal and professional progression of his colleagues, helping them to achieve their career ambitions and personal goals.
He has a proven track record as a legal and expert witness and is a Chartered Civil Engineer and a member of the Institution of Civil Engineers and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.
Jonathan Saunders
Director and Equity Partner
Director and Equity PartnerBSc (Hons), MSc(Eng), CEng, MIMMM, FGS
As the founder of our Geotechnical and Geo-Environmental division, Jonathan Saunders has established Alan Wood & Partners as a leading consultant in the earthworks and foundations sector. With a wealth of experience on major projects, his expertise is in demand across the UK.
Jonathan joined Alan Wood & Partners in 2011 with the dual task of establishing the Geotechnical and Geo-Environmental division and our Sheffield office. Since then, the division has grown to a team of nine, and the Sheffield office has become the second largest in the company.
Jonathan graduated with a Degree in Geology in 1987, followed by a Masters Degree in Foundation Engineering in 1988, before career stints with Scott Wilson Group and Joynes, Pike & Associates.
During this time, he worked as the Geotechnical Engineer responsible for the foundation work for Chesterfield Football stadium and as the Resident Geotechnical Engineer for the A50 – the major trunk road linking Leicester and Warrington.
At Alan Wood & Partners, he was the Project Director on a £200m mixed use development at Brough in East Yorkshire, and completed the stabilisation of the cliff face beneath St Mary’s Church in Whitby, close to the famous Abbey Steps.
At Board level, Jonathan is responsible for HR and is known for his amiable and empathetic attitude towards those in his team and the across the entire company.
He is a Chartered Engineer, a Member of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining and a Fellow of the Geological Society.
James Shores
Director and Equity Partner
Director and Equity PartnerBEng (Hons), CEng, MIStructE
Highly experienced in all aspects of general engineering, James Shores specialises in complex temporary works. With a career spanning more than 20 years’ at Alan Wood & Partners, his innovative approach and dedication to his job, has seen him rise from Technician to Director, Board Member and Equity Partner.
After completing his studies in 2002, James joined Alan Wood & Partners. Initially stationed in Hull, he later transitioned to our York office where he dedicated a decade to his work.
Leading the civil and structural division from the Sheffield office, he guides a team of fourteen engineers undertake a diverse range of projects, encompassing concrete, steel, and modular solutions across various sectors. The team also spearheads temporary works, benefitting from James' extensive experience in this realm.
Actively involved in every civil and structural project undertaken at the Sheffield office, he plays a pivotal role in guiding his team towards delivering exceptional results.
James is widely acknowledged in the industry for addressing intricate projects that demand meticulous and thoughtful engineering solutions. His approachable attitude and handling of projects in a professional and methodical manner have earned him recognition, ensuring optimal outcomes for both clients and staff. His focus on maintaining long-term client relationships, having retained many clients for multiple years at Alan Wood & Partners.
Alongside his regional responsibilities, James’ is responsible for company insurance and information technology at Board level.
James is a Chartered Engineer and a member of the Institution of Structural Engineers.
Mike Coulman
Office Director
Office DirectorMEng, CEng, MICE
A highly experienced structural engineer, Mike Coulman brings a wealth of knowledge to Alan Wood & Partners. With expertise across a wide range of sectors, his renowned knowledge of modern methods of construction (MMC) is in high demand.
Mike joined Alan Wood & Partners as a Graduate Engineer in 2010, initially in our Scarborough office, but transferring to Hull after six months with the business.
His progression was fast, moving quickly from Graduate to Structural Engineer, Senior Structural Engineer, and Associate, to his current position of Hull Structures Office Director.
Heading up a team of fourteen people, Mike’s department provides expert structural design and detailing of substructures and superstructures, working across a wide range of sectors including commercial, healthcare, industrial and manufacturing, education, residential and defence.
He also has significant experience in providing solutions in steelwork, concrete, and timber, both traditionally and in MMC.
Social by nature, Mike combines being an effective team player with strong leadership skills, ensuring he is always approachable to colleagues wanting to discuss professional or personal issues. He prides himself on helping people in the business progress in their careers and is always on hand to provide mentorship and advice.
Mike is a Chartered Engineer and member of the Institution of Civil Engineers.
Caroline Neal
Finance Director
Finance DirectorCGMA, DipMA, MAAT
“Working at Alan Wood & Partners has enabled me to make the job my own and grow into my position.”
Joining Alan Wood & Partners in 2017 marked a pivotal moment in Caroline’s career. After successfully managing her own business, specialising in the installation of AV equipment, she decided to return to her finance roots. In 2013, she took on the role of an Account Assistant with a local business, which was later acquired by an ASX-listed company. Rapidly advancing through the ranks, she attained the positions of General Manager and Director.
Motivated by this progress, Caroline joined Alan Wood & Partners as an Accountant and Office Manager, subsequently ascending to the role of Finance Director in 2019. Overseeing a team of four in the accounts department, she also oversees HR and Personnel activities, ensuring methodical efficiency in business administration.
Her MAAT, DipMA and CGMA designations, coupled with the ongoing pursuit of chartered status with CIMA, reflects her commitment to professional development. Embracing her financial background, she has seamlessly integrated into the dynamic environment at Alan Wood & Partners.
“In my daily responsibilities, I've not only made the job my own but have also evolved within my position. I find that the analytical mindset shared by engineers and finance professionals alike is a breath of fresh air.”
Paul Sedman
Office Director
Office DirectorBEng (Hons) CEng MIStructE
Paul brings a wealth of experience across a large range of sectors to our Scarborough office, having worked on some of the UK’s best known infrastructure projects.
Paul joined Alan Wood & Partners in 2002 as an Engineer in our Scarborough office, specialising in the design of steelwork, reinforced concrete, masonry & timber, drainage and site supervision.
Over the past two decades, he has advanced from Engineer to Associate and latterly Office Director of our Scarborough office.
Paul’s expertise has led to our eight-strong team in Scarborough specialising in modular design, historic buildings and projects of architectural merit, including luxury private residences. However, the multi-disciplinary team also take on many other forms of work in the construction sector, partnering with a large and diverse client base in North Yorkshire and beyond.
Prior to joining Alan Wood & Partners, Paul amassed a large amount of experience across a wide range of sectors including health, rail, education, transport, retail and more.
Notable developments he has worked on include the University of Glasgow, Kings Cross Station, York Teaching Hospital, Nottingham University Hospital and the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station.
Paul’s love of sports underpins his attitude to work, both towards his colleagues and clients. A great team player who supports those around him with understanding and compassion, Paul leads our Scarborough office from the front to ensure we provide an optimal service to customers.
Paul is a Chartered Engineer and a member of the Institution of Structural Engineers.
Jenny Bulmer
Associate
AssociateBEng (Hons) CEng, MIStructE, CARE
An expert in old and new, Jenny brings a diverse set of skills and experiences to Alan Wood & Partners. She plays a vital role in maintaining our culture of fostering the next generation.
Jenny’s areas of expertise span two opposite ends of the construction spectrum. As a Conservation Accredited Engineer, she provides a full range of surveys and design solutions for heritage & listed buildings, ancient monuments and is an expert on traditional construction methods.
At the other end of the spectrum, Jenny is highly knowledgeable in the area of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), providing design services to some of the UK’s largest modular construction businesses. Jenny forged these two specialisations working in key roles prior to joining Alan Wood & Partners.
After some time as a research engineer for Corus, she joined a consultancy specialising in modular construction, which led to her amassing significant experience in the sector.
A subsequent move to NPS saw her provide design solutions to Wakefield Council across the Authority’s portfolio of historic buildings, enabling her to gather the experience and knowledge required to gain her conservation accreditation.
Jenny heads up the civils and structural team at our Sheffield office, in addition to her design responsibilities. She is a strong advocate for creating an approachable culture in her team and encourages a learning environment.
Jenny is a Chartered Engineer, Conservation Accredited Engineer and a Member of the Institution of Structural Engineers.
Simon Coupland
Associate
AssociateMCABE
Simon Coupland’s vocational route into the industry and experience of a wide range of disciplines enables him to bring alternative perspectives to the business
Simon joined Alan Wood & Partners in 2010 after 13 years’ with a firm of civil and structural consultants. Favouring a GNVQ in Construction and Design over the traditional degree route Simon initially worked as a draftsman.
Over his career, he has excelled in architecture and project management, as well as heavy civil and structural engineering. As a result of this rounded experience, he now holds the post of Associate for our civils and architectural teams in Hull, where he uses the experience he has gained to create designs that solve clients’ problems and deliver on their aspirations.
Simon leads a team of eight and personally specialises in architectural services and project management for commercial and industrial schemes. He led the architectural service on Arco’s National Distribution Centre and works extensively with leading holiday home manufacturer, Swift Group.
Having experienced many difference facets of the industry, accumulating significant experience across numerous sectors, Simon has seen the benefits of close team working and adopts this in his management style.
Simon is a member of the Chartered Association of Building Engineers.
Ben Hawkins
Associate
AssociateMeng (Hons), CEng (Hons), MICE
A Chartered Civil Engineer who has worked on some of the world’s largest infrastructure projects, Ben Hawkins brings almost unparalleled experience to Alan Wood & Partners. An Associate in our York office, Ben is leading and building our civils and highways team.
Ben joined Alan Wood & Partners in August, 2023. An experienced leader and creative problem solver, Ben is heading up and developing the highways and civils team offering within the York office. He brings with him more than a decade of experience working on huge global infrastructure projects, particularly in the highways sector.
After graduating in 2013, Ben joined the Leeds office of Jacobs where he worked on the smart motorway section of the M6 between junctions 16 and 19 and the Immingham A180/A160 junction to improve port access.
Still with Jacobs, he moved to Melbourne, Australia, where he worked on the West Gate Tunnel, at the time the largest infrastructure project in the southern hemisphere. Here he delivered the loading package for the widening of the freeway from four lanes on each side to six, the interfacing of the freeway with the tunnel portals, and led on the construction phase services.
On returning to the UK, he moved to Tony Gee where he worked on the £128m Wokingham Major Highways Project and was the Project Manager for the temporary works package on HS2.
With Alan Wood & Partners, Ben is heading the work on Lincolnshire Lakes, a proposed Garden City of 6 new villages and 5 lakes on the outskirts of North Lincolnshire, and is Project Manager on a portfolio of schemes for Morrisons Water Services via Yorkshire Water’s Living with Water Framework.
He became Chartered in July 2020 and is a member of Institution of Civil Engineers.
Ben Ions
Associate
AssociateMEng (Hons), CEng, MICE
A strong client focus and a love of mentoring ensures Ben Ions successfully drives our York office forward. A Structural Engineer by training, he also has in-depth knowledge and experience in civil engineering providing and well-rounded service to clients.
Ben joined Alan Wood & Partners in 2015 as a Structural Engineer but quickly became Chartered and rose up through the ranks of the business. He now leads a team of ten in our York office, taking responsibility for financial management, and workflow planning and output, to ensure all projects are delivered to the highest standard and on time.
Although his background is in structural engineering, Ben has developed an in-depth understanding of civil engineering over recent years. He has experience of a wide range of sectors, including residential and commercial, and is currently working with one of Europe’s largest renewable energy developers, providing civil and structural engineering services on grid-scale battery energy storage (BESS) facilities across the UK.
Prior to joining Alan Wood & Partners, Ben worked for AECOM, specialising in bridge inspection and maintenance for Network Rail before moving to an independent structural engineering practice in Durham, where he gained experience working on residential and commercial projects.
Approachable and personable, Ben is renowned for going the extra mile for clients. He enjoys mentoring apprentices within the business and values the opportunity to pass on the experience he has gained throughout his career.
Ben is a Chartered Civil Engineer and a member of the Institution of Civil Engineers.
Andrew Pell
Associate
AssociateBSc RICS
Having been chartered for nearly 30 years’, Andrew brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our Building Consultancy team. A diplomat by nature, he particularly excels in the field of contract administration.
Andrew is an integral part of our Building Consultancy offering, looking after a team of ten surveyors across our offices.
He joined the business in May 2015, working out of the Hull office, where he provides building surveying and project management services to a broad range of sectors, including commercial, industrial, healthcare and education.
Among the notable schemes Andrew has worked on are C4DI – Hull’s groundbreaking digital hub that brings together innovators and entrepreneurs – and Stage @TheDock, a 350-seat amphitheatre and former dry dock on Hull’s waterfront.
He has also worked closely in the pharmaceuticals and hygiene sectors, providing feasibility studies, contract administration, and project management services for various sizes of schemes including complex extensions and new builds within highly technical manufacturing facilities.
Andrew provides a full range of building surveying services, as well as conducting party wall work. He passes the knowledge and expertise he has amassed over his career by acting as an assessor for young surveyors moving through the ranks.
“I like the challenge of coordinating clients, contractors and design teams and working to arrive at the right solutions to generate results”
“I believe one of my strengths is the ability to communicate to all parties and find agreement where there is dispute, thereby helping projects to move ahead smoothly.”
Andy is a member of Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
Sarah Roberts
Associate
AssociateBEng (Hons), MSc, CEnv, MICE
Graduating with a Civil Engineering degree laid the foundations for Sarah Roberts to develop a strong technical reputation. Her many achievements include developing key elements of the UK contaminated land management guidance, helping to ensure people and the environment are protected from toxins in soil and groundwater.
Sarah joined Alan Wood & Partners eight years ago and is now the Associate in the Geotechnical and Geo-Environmental department of our Sheffield office. She leads a team of seven engineers and engineering geologists who carry out a broad range of work from desk top studies to site investigation and remediation to complex geotechnical design.
In 2001, she completed a Master’s Degree in Contaminated Land Management which led to her working alongside some of the biggest names in the industry to develop key elements of the UK guidance on assessing and managing contaminated land, in particular the impact of soil toxicology on human health.
She has been recognised as an expert in her field is known for providing innovative, sustainable, solutions to managing land affected by contamination.
During her time at Alan Wood & Partners, Sarah has implemented a training program for her team, to help our Geo-Environment engineers to become professionally qualified in their chosen fields. Known for her approachable and understanding attitude, Sarah has a passion for developing the engineers of the future and sharing her own knowledge and experiences.
Sarah is a member of the Institution of Chartered Engineers and is a Chartered Environmentalist.
Debbie Atkinson
Service Lead - Business Development and Marketing
Service Lead - Business Development and Marketing
Debbie Atkinson has gained a deep understanding of the construction industry through a series of marketing and business development roles. She now plays an integral part in the ongoing growth of Alan Wood & Partners.
Debbie started her career in construction in 2006 when she joined the pre-construction team of a well-known main contracting business, supporting the pre-qualifications and tender process. From here, she became the Marketing Manager for the same business, eventually moving into Business Development to fulfil her ambition of being more client and consultant facing.
Within this role Debbie was responsible for developing and implementing business development and marketing strategies to support the overall business plan. Specifically, she took charge of driving business development and marketing initiatives across the East of England, spanning regions such as North East, Humber, and Lincolnshire. Her role entailed identifying approximately £350 million in annual opportunities across diverse sectors, including health, education, commercial ventures, retail, public sector projects, civil engineering, and industrial and process industries.
Alongside this role, Debbie chaired the company’s charitable steering group and assisted with many of their CSR activities. She was involved in industry groups including Humber CATCH, the Humber Chamber of Commerce Business Peer Group, a member of the 4GoodFund Board (YORbuild Framework), representative at North East Process and Industrial Cluster forums and was the Company’s NEPO Civils Framework representative.
In 2022, Debbie joined Alan Wood & Partners as Lead on Business Development & Marketing, working with the Directors to develop and deliver the company’s business growth and CSR strategies.
Debbie qualified with a Diploma in Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing in 2010, achieving the highest grade in the Humber region.
Contact Debbie
Mani Ghomi
Service Lead - Civil Engineering
Service Lead - Civil EngineeringIEng, MICE, MCIHT
Mani Ghomi wanted to be a civil engineer for as long as he can remember. Now, with almost four decades in the industry, he brings sector-leading expertise to Alan Wood & Partners as our Service Lead of Civil Engineering.
Mani joined our Leeds office in September 2023. In this role, he is responsible for managing projects across multiple offices.
Under Mani’s guidance, the Leeds office specialises in drainage, highways and transportation for a national client base, providing all aspects of the design, management and site supervision of transportation planning and highway design, drainage planning and design and civil infrastructure.
During his career, Mani has established and managed multidisciplinary teams across the UK. Among his noted career achievements are Project Manager for infrastructure delivery into the Olympics Delivery Authority (ODA) for London 2012, Project Director for Masterplan development in Doha, including new townships and a football stadium to host the 2022 World cup and Engineer on the £400m M1 – A1 Link Road, a new six lane motorway in West Yorkshire.
Within the business, Mani has a particular interest in training and supporting colleagues to enable them to reach their full potential. He prides himself on giving young engineers the benefit of his many years of experience, developing and training them into fully qualified engineers.
Mani is a member of the Institution of Civil Engineers and a member of the Institution of Highways and Transportation.
Peter Drenon
Consultant
ConsultantEUR ING, BSc (Hons), CEng, MICE, FFBE
A Chartered Engineer, Peter Drenon joined Alan Wood & Partners in a business-change position to help drive the company forward. Over the past 12 years, he has played an integral role in achieving six-fold increase in turnover across the business.
Peter joined Alan Wood & Partners in 2012 after a varied and successful career spanning almost every aspect of the built environment.
A Chartered Engineer by training, he started his career with Cleveland Bridge in Darlington, moving on to work for developers, contractors, and building consultants. He has held Board level positions in global enterprises such as AECOM and WSP.
Peter continues to use the experience, knowledge and contacts to drive significant growth for Alan Wood & Partners. Over the course of his tenure, he has played a leading role in growing the business to six regional offices with an accompanying rise in turnover. He has spent many years bringing new engineers through the organisation and supported them during their careers.
Peter is known for his unwavering commitment to assisting clients, often going to great lengths to ensure their satisfaction. Additionally, he is recognised for his strong work ethic and dedication to his responsibilities.
He has been involved in numerous major projects during this career, including the iconic Humber Bridge and was the lead technical advisor to the lead lending bank, Deutsche Bank on the new Wembley Stadium.
Peter is a member of the Chartered Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE) and sits on the Humber Bridge Board. He is also a long-term member of the local branch of the ICE.
Contact Peter
Neil Read
Consultant
ConsultantCEng, MIStructE, MaPS
Rising from Technician to Managing Director over a 35 year career with Alan Wood & Partners, Neil Read has played a leading role in growing revenue and the geographical footprint of the business.
After leaving school at 16, Neil embarked on a four-year fabrication and welding apprenticeship, followed by a draftsperson apprenticeship, before joining Alan Wood & Partners in 1989 as a technician.
Here, he continued his education, first by completing an Engineering Council Degree in structural engineering and then becoming a Chartered Structural Engineer in 1998.
Neil become an Associate Structural Engineer and then, in 2003, he was seconded to open our York office which he ran for nine years.
In 2006, he became a Board Director, followed by a move to Sheffield to help establish that office and lead the structural engineering team in the city. He also played an integral role in launching our Lincoln operations.
Neil was promoted to Managing Director in March 2017, a position he held until stepping down to become a Consultant in December 2022. He now uses all the experience he has amassed to advise our structural engineering teams on the challenges presented by large and technical projects.
Neil has always operated an open-door policy with many colleagues and clients have benefited from this approach. Notable projects he has worked on include the offices of well-known Hull legal practice Gosschalks and the Twilight Zone of popular tourist attraction The Deep.
Neil is a member of the Chartered Institute of Structural Engineers and an Associate member of the Association for Project Safety.