Business Details
35 Years
experience
Trusted Civil & Structural Engineering Consultancy in Manchester
Established in 1991, H B L Associates is a forward-thinking civil and structural engineering consultancy dedicated to solving complex construction challenges with innovative solutions. Our nationwide service spans sectors including theme parks, leisure, residential, commercial, industrial, waste and recycling, and education. With a collaborative approach, we provide end-to-end support from pre-acquisition assessments to project handover, leveraging over three decades of expertise. Our multi-disciplinary team delivers tailored engineering services, combining analytical precision with creative problem-solving to ensure buildable, commercially viable outcomes.Recognised for excellence, we were shortlisted for 'Best Place to Work - SME Consulting Firm' at the New Civil Engineer Awards, reflecting our commitment to workplace culture and client satisfaction. Our portfolio includes landmark projects such as the UK's first flying theatre at LEGOLAND Windsor and the wing rollercoaster 'The Swarm' at Thorpe Park, demonstrating our leadership in unique engineering challenges.
Services
Structural Engineering
Civil Engineering
Special Projects
Infrastructure Design
Sustainable Drainage Systems
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years of experience in civil and structural engineering consultancy.
- Our nationwide service covers diverse sectors including theme parks, leisure, and residential developments.
- We offer integrated multi-disciplinary services combining civil and structural engineering expertise.
- Our team delivers innovative solutions for complex projects like the UK's first flying theatre.
- Recognised for workplace culture through nominations at the New Civil Engineer Awards.
Services
Structural Engineering
H B L Associates provides comprehensive structural engineering solutions for projects ranging from theme parks to residential developments. Our expertise includes designing complex structures like the UK's first flying theatre and Thorpe Park's wing rollercoaster. We combine analytical precision with creative problem-solving to deliver buildable, commercially viable designs from project inception to handover.
Civil Engineering
Our civil engineering services focus on practical, cost-effective infrastructure solutions. We specialise in sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), flood risk assessments, and coordinated designs using industry-leading software. As a multi-disciplinary consultancy, we often act as both civil and structural engineers, ensuring seamless integration across projects in sectors like healthcare, energy, and commercial development.
Special Projects
HBL excels in unique engineering challenges, including the largest LEGOLAND Windsor extension and Europe's tallest high ropes course. Our approach combines decades of experience with innovative thinking to simplify complex projects for clients. We deliver bespoke solutions for technically demanding sectors such as marine mammal rescue centres and immersive entertainment attractions.
Infrastructure Design
We provide end-to-end infrastructure design services, from early-stage concept to detailed delivery. Our capabilities include below-ground drainage systems, sustainable urban drainage strategies, and flood risk management. Using advanced software, we ensure coordinated solutions that interface seamlessly with all design team members across residential, industrial, and commercial projects.
Sustainable Drainage Systems
Our sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) expertise addresses flood risk and water management challenges. We develop innovative strategies that integrate with natural environments while meeting regulatory requirements. These solutions are tailored to specific project needs across sectors including housing developments, leisure facilities, and commercial sites, ensuring both environmental and commercial viability.
People
Abdul Ben Ghalbon
Director
With extensive experience in structural engineering, Abdul leads strategic project delivery at H B L Associates. His expertise spans complex construction challenges across diverse sectors, ensuring technically rigorous yet commercially practical solutions for clients.
Andy Smith
Director
Andy oversees HBL's civil engineering division, specialising in infrastructure design and sustainable drainage systems. His leadership ensures innovative, cost-effective solutions for projects ranging from healthcare facilities to commercial developments.
Liam Massey
Director
Liam focuses on special projects, applying his expertise to unique engineering challenges like theme park attractions. His work includes landmark designs for Thorpe Park and LEGOLAND Windsor, demonstrating HBL's technical leadership.
Matt Shanly
Principal Engineer
As principal engineer, Matt leads technical delivery for complex structural projects. His 20+ years of experience ensure high-quality engineering solutions that balance innovation with practicality across residential and industrial sectors.
Richard Walmsley
Engineer
Richard contributes to HBL's multi-disciplinary projects, combining civil and structural engineering expertise. His work supports integrated solutions for clients in commercial and infrastructure development sectors.
Questions
What sectors does HBL Associates specialise in?
We work across leisure, residential, commercial, industrial, waste and recycling, education, healthcare, and energy sectors, delivering tailored engineering solutions for each.
Can HBL handle complex or unique engineering projects?
Yes, we specialise in technically challenging projects like theme park attractions, including Thorpe Park's The Swarm rollercoaster and LEGOLAND Windsor's flying theatre.
Do you offer nationwide services?
We provide civil and structural engineering consultancy services across the UK, with offices in Manchester and London supporting nationwide project delivery.
What accreditations does HBL hold?
While not explicitly stated, our 30+ years of experience and recognition as 'Best Place to Work' finalists demonstrate our commitment to engineering excellence and workplace culture.
What makes HBL different from other engineering firms?
Our combination of structural engineering heritage since 1991, innovative approach to complex projects, and multi-disciplinary team delivering integrated civil and structural solutions sets us apart.
