Chris Laughton

Expertise

Since re-joining the business in 2015, Chris has been pivotal in developing our national Engineering department. As the department grew it became apparent that it was too large for a single person to run and therefore was split into regions with Chris taking ownership of the Midlands becoming the Regional Manager. Under this role he grew the department employee numbers by 60%, through a rigorous recruitment plan and has increased the regions revenue twofold. In 2024 Chris was promoted to Technical Director.

With nearly 20 years’ industry experience and 10+ years post qualification, Chris has honed his skills in all areas of structural engineering and there is very little that he cannot turn his hand to. He has a diverse range of skills that include steel frame design, bespoke timber design solutions, both sub and superstructure design in all common materials both new build and refurbishment. He also has extensive experience dealing with historic listed structures and liaising with local authority conservation officers to ensure repair of the existing fabric wherever possible.

How do you help clients?

I help my new built clients realise their dreams in whatever construction project they have in mind. My greatest pleasure comes from seeing a design that I have undertaken start to become reality on site. Particularly when working within the insurance sector, there is nothing more satisfying than seeing a family who has had their home destroyed due to an insured peril moving back into their newly rebuilt/ renovated homes and start to rebuild their lives.

Experience

1. Structural engineering and solving complex construction problems.
2. Building expert assisting and advising private clients on how best to proceed in their specific scenario.
3. Reacting quickly where necessary. One project required full scaffolding and tin-hat on Christmas Eve to prevent weather ingress. This was arranged as a priority and completed within the day.
4. Addressing RFIs from contractors to keep momentum on site and not cause delays.
5. A client had been issued with a compulsory buyout letter relating to his property and was unsure on what to do. Through the Gateley Group I connected the client with the relevant person who could assist them.