Identity Consult expands reach with West Midlands acquisition

L-R - Andrew Milnes, Carl Dean, Mark Doherty

Award winning, independent development and construction consultancy Identity Consult (IC) has announced its acquisition of Carl Dean Associates (CDA), signalling its expansion into the West Midlands construction market.

IC, known for delivering excellence in project management, cost consultancy, employer’s agent, principal designer, and digital construction services throughout the UK, has already firmly established its footprint in Sunderland, York, Preston, and Salford. With the addition of CDA, IC now bolsters its presence with a fifth location in the UK.

Speaking of the deal, IC managing director Mark Doherty said: “We are delighted to formally announce our acquisition of CDA – a well-established practice with strong roots in the West Midlands market. This collaboration presents an exciting prospect for both businesses, allowing us to expand our client portfolio and extend our support in delivering new projects nationwide. We look forward to the mutual growth and success that this partnership will bring.”

CDA was established in 1993 nurturing a portfolio and specialising primarily in the Primary Care and Mental Health Sectors, together with the automotive sectors – contributing to the establishment of car dealerships nationwide. Offering a comprehensive suite of services including quantity surveying, cost and project management, and delivery services, CDA manages projects with values reaching up to £20 million.

Founder Carl Dean said, “This marks an incredibly exciting chapter for our firm as we join forces with IC, expanding both our portfolio and our expertise. The exceptional quality of IC’s services greatly appealed to us, and I am eager to enhance the level of service we can provide to our clients.”

Following a management buyout by the current directors in 2018, IC embarked on an ambitious growth trajectory, witnessing a significant expansion from 32 to 72 colleagues while investing in excess of £200K in the professional development of its workforce. Notably, the company achieved a turnover of £6.58 million in the last financial year and is on target for a turnover of £7 million for this financial year, demonstrating steady revenue growth.

Mark Doherty concluded: “We have long been dedicated to expanding our business, reinvesting to create employment opportunities and elevate services for our clients. Pursuing a strategic acquisition approach was always part of our vision, and we are thrilled that this has now materialised, aligning CDA’s client base with our expertise in sectors such as higher education, local government, and residential development.

“By joining forces, we can leverage our combined resources to better serve our clients and facilitate the realisation of their projects.”