Company History
The Beginning: Maddocks and Lusher
John Lusher and David Maddocks set up a structural engineering business from their homes in Ipswich.
The Founders
Colin Matthews, a former colleague, joins the engineering duo and the partnership of Maddocks, Lusher and Matthews (MLM) is established.
Office Space
The company’s first office officially opens at 20 Museum Street, Ipswich.
Growing Portfolio
MLM’s expanding client base results in more than 2,000 live projects.
Beyond Ipswich
Larger premises are found at a former hairdressing salon at 4 Soane Street, Ipswich. A second office is opened at 60 West Stockwell Street, Colchester.
Expanding Services
A Civil Engineering division is launched, along with the foundation of a Central Services team.
On The Move
Rising employee numbers leads to the 1978 opening of a new, larger office in London Road, Ipswich. The company’s turnover reaches £1million.
Going Digital
The company gets its first computer.
Milestone Moments
Live projects hit the 10,000 mark, whilst employee numbers rise to more than 30 people.
Silver Celebrations
MLM celebrates its 25th anniversary with a champagne reception at country house hotel, Maison Talbooth, in Dedham.
What Recession?
The recession encourages MLM to explore new business strategies – opening new regional offices in Cambridge and Chelmsford.
Green Approach
An Environmental Services team is established.
Building Control In The Capital
London office opens and MLM Building Control is formed, becoming one of the first independent Approved Inspectors in England and Wales.
Executive Move
MLM appoints its first Chief Executive, Stephen Beales. The company’s first website is also launched.
Rising Numbers
Employee numbers reach almost 100, whilst Norwich gets its first office in Cringleford.
Official Opening
This year marks the opening of a Kent office in Ashford.
High Point
Company turnover hits £10million.
International Market
MLM establishes its first overseas office in the Middle East, leading to the start of the company’s international presence.
Numbers Count
A Thames Valley office is opened in Wokingham – marking the company’s eighth UK office.
National Presence
New office opens in Birmingham. UKTI mission leads to the opening of MLM Brasil, in São Paulo.
Rapid Expansion
Offices open in Bristol, Southampton and Cardiff. MLM Acoustics division is formed.
Best Company
MLM receives a 1 Star Best Company accreditation, which is retained in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019.
Merge
MLM merges with Fluid Structures.
Rebrand Launched
After celebrating our 50th year, we introduce our new brand.
MLM Foundation Established
Launch of the MLM Foundation, a charity funding programme in partnership with UKCF.
Acquisition
Swedish consultants Sweco acquire MLM Group, creating MLM Group part of Sweco.
Our Vision
MLM is a leading multidisciplinary design, compliance and specialist services practice operating across the UK and internationally.
