WALLACE WHITTLE APPOINTS STRATEGY DIRECTOR TO DRIVE ENGLAND EXPANSION
Wallace Whittle, the independent MEP, sustainability and ESG consultancy, has taken another step in its expansion across England with the appointment of Colin Preston as Business Development and Strategy Director for the South of England.
The move comes as the firm builds on the recent integration of the Mecserve team into its London office, part of a broader effort to strengthen leadership capacity and deepen client relationships in key regional markets. The consultancy has been steadily extending its footprint beyond Scotland, targeting sectors where demand for technically robust and sustainability-led engineering services continues to grow.
Preston brings more than 30 years’ experience in the building services and construction sector, spanning commercial offices, residential schemes, retail, education and hospitality. His career combines hands-on technical expertise with senior business leadership, giving him a broad view of how engineering consultancies can adapt to shifting client and market expectations.
He began his career as an apprentice with Matthew Hall before moving into senior roles at WSP and later Mecserve, where he progressed from engineering and design-focused positions into business leadership. During that time, he led major projects for clients including The Crown Estate, Firmdale Hotels and British Land, alongside mixed-use developments across the City of London and the West End.
Colin Preston said: “As a people-focused business that values high quality and long-term partnerships, Wallace Whittle’s values align perfectly with my own. I’m excited to now build on the success the business has achieved in Scotland in the South of England. For me, it is about making the brand mean something with purpose and drive by delivering consistency, passion and a personal touch in everything we do.”
He added: “I see this as an opportunity to enhance Wallace Whittle’s strong foundations and support existing relationships while reconnecting with clients and contacts who share our focus on high quality and collaboration. The firm’s approach to nurturing talent and investing in the next generation is something I am also deeply passionate about being involved in.”
The appointment is intended to sharpen the firm’s strategic focus in England, with Preston working alongside an established senior team to support business development and long-term client engagement across the region.
Allan McGill, Managing Director at Wallace Whittle, said: “Along with our business growth plans for England we are delighted to welcome Colin to Wallace Whittle. Colin has joined us alongside the wider Mecserve team, however, he will be fully focused on developing and growing client relationships for the business. He will work closely with Craig Robertson, business development director for England, and Carl Saxon, regional director for South of England, in what is now a highly experienced team.”
Wallace Whittle is continuing to focus on opportunities in commercial offices, mixed-use developments and student accommodation, while also positioning itself to respond to emerging demand in adjacent growth sectors. By aligning leadership expertise across its offices, the consultancy is seeking to create a more integrated UK network capable of supporting complex, multi-site projects and long-term client partnerships.
