Following a surge in new projects across the UK, Roberts Environmental has announced the expansion of its Newcastle team.

The firm has experienced a 50% increase in its instruction book compared to the same period last year and as a result has recruited three new members of staff.

In April, Roberts announced plans to double its workforce and expand into larger offices by 2020.  It has now invested in refurbishing its existing office on Grey Street to increase floorspace in order to accommodate new staff members and has committed to a new 5-year lease.

New recruits include, principal geotechnical engineer Chris Johnson, who has over eleven years’ industry experience, Chris Armstrong, a graduate geotechnical engineer and Nelli Flannery, an experienced environmental consultant.

Following the opening of a London office in August, Roberts has begun work on a number of new projects in the capital including ground investigation to facilitate the development of a care home site in Chigwell.

In Yorkshire, the firm has undertaken development feasibility work across two separate sites on behalf of Bradford-based principal contractor, HB Projects.

Closer to home, Portland Consulting appointed Roberts in relation to a new residential development in Sunderland and the firm is carrying out ground investigation work in Middlesbrough for Jennings Ford.

Managing director Jeff Roberts said: “2017 is proving to be a defining year for the firm and we are very pleased with the influx of new clients and projects. Having celebrated our fifth anniversary earlier this year, it is fantastic that we have been able to expand in line with our business goals, welcoming a total of four new staff.

“The skill set of our new recruits increases our technical expertise in foundation and engineering design. They also provide a link in expertise between the structural engineers we work with and our consultancy advice, providing a more comprehensive service to our growing client base.”