Plowman Craven has acquired Gwalia Surveyors, strengthening its presence across Wales and the South West of England and expanding the surveying and geospatial expertise available to clients.
Under the deal, the business will continue to operate as Gwalia Surveyors, part of Plowman Craven, retaining the established name while gaining access to the wider company’s technology, resources and specialist capabilities.
Founded in 1982 by Bruce Lane and later led by his son Llŷr Lane, Gwalia has grown from a family surveying business into an established practice supporting construction and infrastructure projects with a combined value of almost £3 billion.
The acquisition brings Gwalia’s experienced team into Plowman Craven and forms part of the latter’s continued UK growth strategy.
David Locker, CEO of Plowman Craven, said: “Gwalia has built an outstanding reputation based on technical quality, trusted client relationships, and a commitment to delivering work to the highest standards. There is a strong alignment between our two businesses, particularly in our approach to clients, innovation, and people. Bringing Gwalia into Plowman Craven strengthens our capabilities and geographic reach, while giving the team access to the scale, technology, and breadth of expertise of the wider business.
“We are delighted to welcome Llŷr and the team to Plowman Craven and look forward to building on the strong foundations they have created.”
Four decades of surveying experience
Gwalia has worked on a wide range of technically demanding developments during its more than four decades in business.
Its portfolio includes BBC Broadcasting House in London, the Principality Stadium in Cardiff and the Snowdon Summit Visitor Centre in North Wales.
More recent projects have included Cardiff Central Square, The Triangle at Canary Wharf and John Lewis Birmingham.
The deal will provide existing Gwalia clients with continuity through the current team and relationships, while opening up access to Plowman Craven’s broader surveying, geospatial and digital capabilities.
For Plowman Craven, the acquisition provides an established platform from which to increase its presence in Wales and the South West, two markets with significant infrastructure and development opportunities.
Llŷr Lane, Managing Director of Gwalia Surveyors, said: “My father established Gwalia almost 45 years ago and cemented its reputation on technical ability, trust, and doing things properly. To take that heritage and secure its future as part of a business with the standing and 60-plus-year history of Plowman Craven feels like the right next chapter.
“I’m particularly proud that our people, who have shown incredible loyalty and played such an important part in Gwalia’s success, will continue that journey. There is a huge amount of knowledge and experience within the team, and I’m excited to see what they can achieve with the additional scale, expertise, and opportunities available within Plowman Craven.”
The acquisition continues a period of growth for Plowman Craven and combines Gwalia’s regional presence and established client relationships with the resources of a larger surveying and geospatial business.
For infrastructure clients, the enlarged operation will offer access to a wider range of specialist services while maintaining Gwalia’s existing presence and relationships across its core markets.
