Neil embarked upon his career in Structural Engineering after leaving school at age 16 gaining an Apprenticeship as a Fabrication and Welding Engineer. He commenced work in a local fabrication shop for a Structural Engineering company based in the North East of England. After completing his apprenticeship Neil moved to an American company where he was successfully selected to work in their UK-based structural drawing office. Following the completion of his training programme Neil moved to the United States to work in one of the firm’s large manufacturing facilities where he learned how to design structural framed buildings for clients spread across the United States.

After his return to the UK, Neil was encouraged by the firm’s Partners to join Fairhurst and in 2005 he joined us as a Structural Technician. From those early days with the Firm, Neil was mentored by the Partners and senior staff all of whom provided him with support, guidance and the right opportunities to progress in his career. This proved to be a big draw for Neil and he quickly progressed through the ranks to be a Technical Director in our Newcastle office. Neil became TIStructE with the Institute of Structural Engineers in 2008 having been one of the firm’s first Technician members. He continues to manage some of the Firm’s key clients including John Lewis Partnership and with the assistance of his team, they successfully deliver many innovative schemes for them and other clients.

In 2022, Neil became a Partner of the Firm which was a significant achievement having started out life as an apprentice in the industry. This is an achievement that Neil is extremely proud of and he actively encourages other young professionals thinking about coming into the industry to follow this path. His hard work and determination with support from hugely experienced senior peers proved to be a successful recipe.