Turner & Townsend plans ambitious global expansion

QS and project manager Turner & Townsend aims to nearly double the turnover of its international division in the next five years, which would make it equal to the UK operation.

The target was set this week by Vince Clancy, the international division managing director who took up the post last month. He was formerly UK managing director of cost consultancy at T&T.

The international arm now accounts for about 30% of T&T’s £75m turnover, but Clancy said he wanted to take more advantage of the international potential. He said: “We want to create a critical mass for our international businesses.”

Clancy said he aimed to expand the firm’s global presence by concentrating on key markets such as oil and gas, mining, high technology and retail. He said the plan was to provide services for clients in America, Africa, Europe, Australia and Asia.

Clancy emphasised that the strength of the international operation was that the global offices were wholly owned by T&T. He said: “The rule is that where we have an office, we have staff and management.”

To make his point he cited the example of its joint venture with technology firm Siemens, which was formed in 2000 to manage the expansion of the Siemens’ microchip facilities throughout the world.

T&T has since taken full ownership of the joint venture, called Siemens Industrial Building Consultants.

It is also working on the Chinese headquarters building of Siemens in Beijing (pictured).

We will probably set up an office in Dubai in the near future

Vince Clancy, Turner & Townsend

The firm has been appointed project manager on the 59,000 m^2, 30-storey block, which will be in the Wangjing district. The scheme is due for completion in 2007, designed by Taiwanese architect CY Lee, which also built the world’s tallest tower, Taipei 101, in the capital of Taiwan.

The firm also wants to establish a presence in the Middle East. Clancy said: “We see the potential there. We will probably set up an office in Dubai in the near future.”

Clancy’s was assigned his new role as part of a management reshuffle. His predecessor, Tom Harrison, will become UK managing director, taking over from Alistair Wilson. Wilson is to retire on 1 May. Harrison said the management shake-up was timely. He said: “It’s right for a bit of a rotation and change.”

Clancy’s old role will be taken by Bruce McAra. The restructure also includes the promotion of project management boss, Bill Woolgar, to the T&T board.

The changes come as the firm’s UK operation takes a renewed interest in the commercial sector. Clancy said: “Public spending will not remain as it is forever.

“Now is the time for us to invest, as there are signs that the commercial sector is coming back.”