Liverpool civil and structural engineering firm Sutcliffe targets 54% revenue growth as new owner backs expansion. Jennie Lewis reports
Liverpool-based engineering and surveying firm Sutcliffe is targeting turnover of £10m within three years following its acquisition by Venn HoldCo, a buy-and-build investor assembling a portfolio of built environment consultancies.
Chief executive of Sutcliffe, Sean Keyes, says the deal will provide the right backing to accelerate growth from £6.5m in annual income.
Sutcliffe employs around 70 people and celebrated 40 years in business in 2025. Sean, who joined the business in 2001, will continue to lead its day-to-day operations and says for its customers it will be ‘business as usual’.
The growth plan is underpinned by sustained demand for development and public infrastructure, alongside the opportunity to expand the services Sutcliffe provides to new and existing clients.
Sean says: “The demand on our industry isn’t going away. The country needs more homes, better schools and hospitals, and the engineers, surveyors, planners and skilled trades needed to deliver them.”
“Sutcliffe has always been a Liverpool business at heart, but the work our clients need from us continues to grow.
“This partnership with Venn gives us the long-term backing to build on what we have achieved over the last 40 years.”
Sean Keyes received a lifetime achievement award at RICS UK awards on Thursday evening, marking his outstanding contribution to the built environment over more than four decades.
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Founded in 2024 by former HIG Capital partner Johannes Huttunen, Venn is pursuing a buy-and-build strategy focused on built environment consultancies.
Commenting on the acquisition, Johannes said: “Sutcliffe is exactly the kind of business Venn was created to back.
“It has four decades of profitable trading, loyal clients across housing, healthcare and education, and a genuine commitment to training and developing its own people.”
Sutcliffe was advised on the transaction by DSG Accountants and law firm Napthens.