Our history
Geotechnical has become a leading provider of geotechnical and geospatial surveys, through 6 decades of experience. Our ability to capture and deliver high quality data enables our clients to make informed decisions, allowing safe, cost effective and sustainable design solutions.
The 1960s
The company was established in 1961 in Gloucester.
It initially offered high quality rock coring services to Clients around the UK, using a customised light-weight drilling rig towed on a single axle trailer behind a Landrover. Complementary soil sampling system were devised on the same rig to enable a continuous profile of all ground materials from the surface to depth. The office expanded from one to eight rigs by the end of the decade.
A soil and rock testing laboratory was added, and a team of Engineering Geologists for geotechnical report writing. A full ground investigation service was now offered.
Unusually for the time, the Drillers were paid a salary, rather than on piece-work. All staff shared in the success of the company. The collaborative, team-work culture was established, encouraging high quality work and great Client service.
25 employed staff.
The company was established in 1961 in Gloucester.
It initially offered high quality rock coring services to Clients around the UK, using a customised light-weight drilling rig towed on a single axle trailer behind a Landrover. Complementary soil sampling system were devised on the same rig to enable a continuous profile of all ground materials from the surface to depth. The office expanded from one to eight rigs by the end of the decade.
A soil and rock testing laboratory was added, and a team of Engineering Geologists for geotechnical report writing. A full ground investigation service was now offered.
Unusually for the time, the Drillers were paid a salary, rather than on piece-work. All staff shared in the success of the company. The collaborative, team-work culture was established, encouraging high quality work and great Client service.
25 employed staff.
The 1970s
With the Gloucester office thriving, a new office was established in Normanton, West Yorkshire to serve Clients further north in England and into Scotland. The Northern office expanded steadily through the decade to become of similar size. The operating model, equipment and staff structure were replicated for operational efficiency. More ambitious projects were taken on, and services were offered to a wider range of Clients. Further equipment innovations were introduced and the pro-active culture was embedded. The company was starting to ‘play in the big league’.
50 employed staff
With the Gloucester office thriving, a new office was established in Normanton, West Yorkshire to serve Clients further north in England and into Scotland. The Northern office expanded steadily through the decade to become of similar size. The operating model, equipment and staff structure were replicated for operational efficiency. More ambitious projects were taken on, and services were offered to a wider range of Clients. Further equipment innovations were introduced and the pro-active culture was embedded. The company was starting to ‘play in the big league’.
50 employed staff
The 1980s
hile both offices continued to offer ground investigation services, significant investment was made at the Northern office into larger drilling rigs, capable of exploratory core-drilling to greater depths. Worked for the National Coal Board, and on a long-duration project to investigate abandoned limestone workings in the West Midlands. There was strong, steady and successful expansion of the business through the decade.
A subsidiary, Geosonde, was set up to carry out remote underground surveys of flooded cavities and mines using innovative sonar technology.
The company’s founders retired, and the ‘baton was passed’ to the next generation.
100 employed staff.
hile both offices continued to offer ground investigation services, significant investment was made at the Northern office into larger drilling rigs, capable of exploratory core-drilling to greater depths. Worked for the National Coal Board, and on a long-duration project to investigate abandoned limestone workings in the West Midlands. There was strong, steady and successful expansion of the business through the decade.
A subsidiary, Geosonde, was set up to carry out remote underground surveys of flooded cavities and mines using innovative sonar technology.
The company’s founders retired, and the ‘baton was passed’ to the next generation.
100 employed staff.
The 1990s
An economic recession kicked off a decade of change for the company – radical modernisation, re-organisation and reorientation. The Northern office and Geosonde were closed, the spare assets were sold, and the money was re-invested in the development of the innovative multi-purpose ‘Pioneer’ drilling rig, which went on to lead the modernisation of the UK ground investigation industry. The Gloucester office emerged from the changes as lean, fit and dynamic.
35 employed staff.
An economic recession kicked off a decade of change for the company – radical modernisation, re-organisation and reorientation. The Northern office and Geosonde were closed, the spare assets were sold, and the money was re-invested in the development of the innovative multi-purpose ‘Pioneer’ drilling rig, which went on to lead the modernisation of the UK ground investigation industry. The Gloucester office emerged from the changes as lean, fit and dynamic.
35 employed staff.
The 2000s
Ground investigation for both geotechnical and geo-environmental assessment became the norm. This suited the techniques of the Pioneer rig, which recovered a continuous sample of the ground, whether ‘soil’ or ‘rock’, in a plastic sleeve.
The company invested confidently in the second generation of its Pioneer rigs. More Clients were impressed with the offering, and the company grew steadily.
Two innovative ‘slope’ climbing drilling rigs were developed: firstly the P45 for continuous soil sampling, then the award winning P60, offering full Pioneer sampling and testing facilities on steep slopes with an accompanying working platform.
The geotechnical and geo-environmental engineering teams were expanded, and the company moved to significantly larger premises in Gloucester. Expansion of the soil and rock testing laboratory, and reorganisation of all facilities in the new premises.
120 employed staff.
Ground investigation for both geotechnical and geo-environmental assessment became the norm. This suited the techniques of the Pioneer rig, which recovered a continuous sample of the ground, whether ‘soil’ or ‘rock’, in a plastic sleeve.
The company invested confidently in the second generation of its Pioneer rigs. More Clients were impressed with the offering, and the company grew steadily.
Two innovative ‘slope’ climbing drilling rigs were developed: firstly the P45 for continuous soil sampling, then the award winning P60, offering full Pioneer sampling and testing facilities on steep slopes with an accompanying working platform.
The geotechnical and geo-environmental engineering teams were expanded, and the company moved to significantly larger premises in Gloucester. Expansion of the soil and rock testing laboratory, and reorganisation of all facilities in the new premises.
120 employed staff.
The 2010s
Another economic recession – the big one – ushering in years of austerity and tricky times for the industry. Modernisers challenged Traditionalists. Other technologies and practices were steadily incorporated into ground investigation. Clients likewise adapted to the new situation.
The company pushed ahead initially, expanding to 180 employed staff, before cutting back and becoming leaner and more focused. There was investment in the third generation of Pioneer rigs, and enhanced P60 slope-climbing rigs. Geospatial surveying services were brought on board.
140 employed staff.
Another economic recession – the big one – ushering in years of austerity and tricky times for the industry. Modernisers challenged Traditionalists. Other technologies and practices were steadily incorporated into ground investigation. Clients likewise adapted to the new situation.
The company pushed ahead initially, expanding to 180 employed staff, before cutting back and becoming leaner and more focused. There was investment in the third generation of Pioneer rigs, and enhanced P60 slope-climbing rigs. Geospatial surveying services were brought on board.
140 employed staff.
The 2020s, so far
As the industry continues to consolidate and re-form through acquisition, the company remains (proudly) privately owned and independent. It is now probably the largest such company in the industry, and is working with major Clients across the UK and occasionally in Europe on exciting projects.
The next generation of leaders are coming through, and are looking to the future with confidence.
The company’s culture is as strong as ever, with ‘positive engagement’ as our guide to all business relationships.
170 employed staff, with a large network of sub-contractors, suppliers and associates.
As the industry continues to consolidate and re-form through acquisition, the company remains (proudly) privately owned and independent. It is now probably the largest such company in the industry, and is working with major Clients across the UK and occasionally in Europe on exciting projects.
The next generation of leaders are coming through, and are looking to the future with confidence.
The company’s culture is as strong as ever, with ‘positive engagement’ as our guide to all business relationships.
170 employed staff, with a large network of sub-contractors, suppliers and associates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Well, the company started out as rock coring specialists, and certain rocks contain dinosaur fossils, and dinosaurs capture the imagination of people of all ages. The Stegosaurus logo was born and has endured – it’s unusual, visual, recognisable and fun. It seemed like a good idea ‘back then’, it’s well known throughout the industry, and continues to serve us well.
Independence allows us to put people and projects first. It gives us the freedom to make the right decisions without compromise, to act quickly, and to stay true to our values. We are guided by experience and integrity, not external pressures. That independence helps us build lasting relationships, deliver honest advice, and remain focused on quality, trust and long term success.
Since 1961, we have been building experience across some of the most complex and demanding ground investigation projects in the UK. We retain the largest independently owned ground investigation fleet in the country, have developed much of our own equipment, including our award winning slope climbing drilling rigs, and operate a full geospatial division alongside our geotechnical services. High standards, straight talking, and a commitment to getting the data right. That is what we are about.
People stay because this feels like somewhere they belong. We are an independent, family founded company and that is reflected in how we treat our team. We look after each other, through the good times and the more challenging ones, and we take the development of our people seriously. Everyone who joins us has the opportunity to grow, to take on real responsibility, and to build a career that is both purposeful and balanced. In return, we expect high standards, and in our experience, people who share that outlook tend to thrive here. We are all working towards the same goals, and there is something genuinely rewarding about being part of a team that takes pride in doing things properly.
We are fully accredited
Geotechnical Engineering Ltd holds audited and voluntary accreditations from globally recognised professional bodies, to demonstrate our commitment to upholding the highest technical, health and safety and ethical standards, providing reassurance to our clients.
Find out more about why we do what we do
We are passionate and about Engineering Geology and if you are too, we’d love to hear from you.
