THE engineering consultancy behind the Tees Barrage white water centre has continued its rapid expansion with the acquisition of a Birmingham based business.

Stewart and Harris, which has become the latest addition to Newcastle's Patrick Parsons Group, was established in 1981 and employs 26 staff. 

The acquisition was a strategic move by Patrick Parsons as it continues to expand its presence across the UK.

The firm, which this year celebrates its 50th anniversary, has been involved in several landmark contracts, including the conversion of London Olympics white water course into a facility which can be used by generation of canoeing enthusiasts.

In 2011, it firm completed work on a £4.6m upgrade of the Tees Barrage course in Stockton. The project included the installation of four large Archimedes screws to generate the flow of the water around the course.

Six years ago Partrick Parson had eight staff and just one office. The latest acquisition takes the firm's headcount to 100 staff over offices in Newcastle, London, Birmingham, Glasgow, Chester, Huddersfield and Dubai.  

Peter Stienlet, managing director, of the firm, said: “Stewart and Harris has a fantastic team of experienced consulting engineers and the ethos of the two companies is very similar. From the experience we have from our other offices across the country, we know that there is potential to grow Stewart & Harris to double its current size in the next few years.”

John Dyson of Stewart and Harris said: “We’re really looking forward to being a part of the Parsons Group. Patrick Parsons has an excellent reputation within the industry and the acquisition will present opportunities for us to be able to offer further engineering services such as building services, geoenvironmental and energy to our clients.”