An ambitious North East engineering firm has welcomed a new director after securing a series of high-profile project wins.
Simon Taylor has joined Northern Engineering Solutions (NESL) as a company director and shareholder, following a career spanning more than 20 years in the utility sector. The firm based in North Shields specialises in mechanical, electrical and process engineering solutions with clients including Pragmatic, CPI, and the RAF. Simon isn’t new to the business, having supported the company on projects as an external consultant since 2017.
He said: “Having worked with the team at NESL over a number of years, we’ve built a close relationship and together we offer a varied but highly complementary set of skills and experiences. I’ve watched and supported the business to grow to where it is today. We have a strong plan to accelerate and consolidate our growth over the coming years, and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
Newcastle-born and bred, Simon started his professional career with Northumbrian Water after gaining an MSc in Environmental Management. Further senior management roles followed in water and wastewater management, including a six-year stint in the Middle East at senior levels in government and private sector organisations. This culminated in his appointment as Managing Director of the Riyadh water and wastewater company for Veolia Environment. In this position, Simon was accountable for managing over 4,000 staff and an annual OPEX budget of $250 million.
His skills will complement those of company founder, Mark Davey, who has an accomplished background in mechanical and industrial engineering. He started searching for a new business partner after co-founder Mark Hodges took early retirement on health grounds.
Mr Davey said: “Mark and I are immensely proud of what we have achieved with Northern Engineering Solutions. I’d like to take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Mark and his wife, Christine, for everything they’ve poured into the business. Having started from a kitchen table 15 years ago, the company has grown to what it is today through hard work, perseverance, and a drive for delivering quality solutions time after time. Together we have delivered projects around the world, which is no mean feat for a small firm.”
“We are excited to welcome Simon into his new role, and I’m looking forward to taking the company to the next level together. He has a wealth of experience and brings new energy in driving forward planned change, preparing the organisation for the next phase in its growth journey, ensuring NESL’s solid reputation continues long into the future.”
Northern Engineering Solutions’ services include high and ultra-high-purity process pipework, effluent treatment, cleanrooms, and 3D process engineering design. It works across the defence, pharmaceutical, semiconductor, and process manufacturing sectors.
