Charles Andrews Ltd

Charles Andrews Ltd Charles Andrews Ltd is a independent Multi-disciplined Building Services Consultancy established in 1945

From 1880 to 2026: Delivering modern infrastructure to a historic icon. 🤝🔋We are thrilled to announce that we have reach...
13/08/2026

From 1880 to 2026: Delivering modern infrastructure to a historic icon. 🤝🔋

We are thrilled to announce that we have reached Practical Completion on the major refurbishment of HMP Norwich, working alongside VINCI.

Since commencing works in 2022, this project has been an incredible engineering journey. Completely refurbishing a live, high-security facility originally built in the 1880’s came with an extraordinary set of challenges. Our role was to completely overhaul the building services infrastructure – integrating modern, energy efficient M&E systems while carefully preserving the prisons historic Victorian character.

Balancing complex spatial constraints, strict security compliance, and architectural heritage required meticulous design and a highly collaborative approach.

The project successfully upgraded the facility’s operational efficiency, security systems, and environmental performance, all while strictly respecting the building’s historic fabric. Seeing it cross the finish line and be successfully handed over, fit for the future, is a testament to what expert engineering and strong partnerships can achieve.

2027 is closer than it looks: Navigating the Future Buildings Standard.The landscape of M&E engineering is shifting. Wit...
08/06/2026

2027 is closer than it looks: Navigating the Future Buildings Standard.

The landscape of M&E engineering is shifting. With the government’s recent confirmation that the Future Homes and Buildings Standards will become mandatory for new residential dwellings from March 2027, the industry is officially on the clock.

For developers and architects, the "wait and see" period is over. These regulations aren't just minor tweaks; they represent a fundamental shift toward "net-zero ready" buildings, requiring:

¡ Low-carbon heating as the default (the era of the gas boiler is ending).

¡ Significantly tighter fabric standards to minimise heat loss.

¡ Mandatory solar PV and heat recovery systems in a wider range of non-domestic projects.

The Director’s Insight:
Our Managing Director, Neil Walker, and Director Adam Woods have been closely monitoring these legislative milestones. Their advice? Design for 2027, today.

New Residential Buildings currently in the planning stage may not break ground until the new standards are in force. Retrofitting a design mid-construction to meet the 2027 uplift is costly and inefficient. By integrating high-performance heat pumps and advanced ventilation strategies now, we ensure our clients’ assets are protected against "compliance shock" and future-proofed for a decarbonised grid.

At Charles Andrews Ltd, we’ve spent 80 years staying ahead of the curve. Whether it’s navigating the new Building Safety Regulator (BSR) framework or hitting 2027 energy targets, we’re here to lead the way.

Does your current M&E strategy account for the 2027 transition? Let’s discuss how we can de-risk your next project.

What a week! Leeds did not disappoint. 🏛️✨And just like that, it’s a wrap! Three intense, inspiring days of discussions ...
22/05/2026

What a week! Leeds did not disappoint. 🏛️✨

And just like that, it’s a wrap! Three intense, inspiring days of discussions around investment, regeneration, and the future of the UK's built environment.

Here is a quick snapshot of our week:

Day 1: Connection & Momentum 🤝 Our MD, Neil Walker, and our Business Development Coordinator, Collette Woods kickstarted the week at the drinks event hosted by Everlast Group at Katie O’Briens Irish Tavern. Brilliant energy and fantastic new relationships forged right out of the gate.

Day 2: Deep Dives & Innovation 💡 A packed day of meetings and high-value networking. We co-sponsored the wine with Aldrock for the Go Dutch Lunch, which was a massive success! A huge thank you to Claire Bennett for organising such a seamless event, and to everyone who attended—it was a fantastic mix of businesses with perfectly complementary services.

Day 3: Future-Facing Collaboration 🔮 We wrapped up the week focusing on actionable next steps. It's clear that despite macroeconomic headwinds, the industry's appetite for high-impact collaboration is stronger than ever.

A Huge Special Thanks 🙏
A massive thank you to the organisers for putting together such engaging, jam-packed, and high-value events.

Most importantly, thank you to everyone who took the time to grab a coffee, share an insight, or catch up with us. The real value of these three days is always the people.

✨ MDA Consulting.
✨ Bowmer + Kirkland Ltd.
✨ J M Architects.
✨ Willmott Dixon.
✨ Jefferson Sheard Architects.
✨ Enevo Group.
✨ Team Leicester.

Now, it's time to follow up on all those business cards and turn these conversations into action! 📈

If we didn’t get an opportunity to catch up please do drop us an email and we would love to arrange a coffee or lunch: - [email protected]

Engineering for healthcare requires more than just technical skill - it requires an understanding of patient safety and ...
14/05/2026

Engineering for healthcare requires more than just technical skill - it requires an understanding of patient safety and clinical precision. Our Director, Adam Woods, brings nearly 20 years of experience in MEP systems for hospitals and veterinary practices. When the environment is critical, the engineering must be flawless.

BREEAM is the world’s leading sustainability assessment method for buildings, setting the benchmark for how environmenta...
06/05/2026

BREEAM is the world’s leading sustainability assessment method for buildings, setting the benchmark for how environmentally responsible, resource efficient, and healthy, any building really is, from concept and design through to day to day operation.

But BREEAM isn’t just about ticking boxes or achieving a badge. It’s about making smarter decisions that deliver long term value.

That’s where our qualified BREEAM Assessors come in. We work alongside clients, the wider design team, our inhouse MEP designer specialists, and of course our Contractor partners, from the earliest stages to turn ambitious green goals into practical, cost effective solutions, which actually work.

Talented BREEAM assessors and in general BREEAM Developments, in turn provide:

✨Reduced energy and water costs.
✨Healthier, more comfortable spaces for occupants.
✨Improved asset value and market appeal.
✨Clear pathways to higher BREEAM ratings, without unnecessary spend.

With expert guidance at every step, we help you maximise credits, avoid costly redesigns, and deliver buildings that perform better for people, the environment, and ultimately profit.

Better for the planet. Better for the budget. Better for the people who use these building every day.

If you’re planning a new development or refurbishment and want sustainability to work for your project, not against it, our BREEAM Assessors are here to help.

“Early involvement from the BREEAM Assessor helped us avoid unnecessary costs and achieve a higher rating than expected. The advice was practical, clear, and genuinely added value to the project.”
Tim Wood - VINCI Facilities - Management Unit Lead | Justice | Midlands Projects | Building Solutions

We’re heading across the Pennines and we’re excited about what’s ahead!From 18th–21st May, the Charles Andrews Ltd team ...
01/05/2026

We’re heading across the Pennines and we’re excited about what’s ahead!

From 18th–21st May, the Charles Andrews Ltd team will be in Leeds, engaging with industry peers, exploring new ideas, and showcasing our passion for people‑focused building services design.

As Building Services Consultants, we’re looking forward to connecting with industry leaders, developers, and local authorities to discuss how we can continue to drive innovation and sustainability in the UK’s built environment.

Whether you want to discuss:

✨Net Zero carbon strategies and practical routes to compliance.
✨Large‑scale residential or commercial MEP design.
✨The future of the UK’s services infrastructure.
✨Building performance, energy efficiency, and operational optimisation.
✨Designing for occupant comfort, health, and wellbeing.
✨Low‑carbon heating, cooling, and renewable energy solutions.
✨Environmental, Social, and Governance, planning requirements, and regulatory challenges.
✨Delivering resilient, future‑ready buildings.
✨Or even the football scores…...we’d love to catch up!

Attending? Drop a comment below or DM us to schedule a coffee. See you in Leeds!

Did you know that the buildings we design directly influence how people feel, focus, and cope with stress? Thoughtful bu...
28/04/2026

Did you know that the buildings we design directly influence how people feel, focus, and cope with stress?

Thoughtful building services design can make everyday spaces calmer, healthier, and more productive.🏢✨

The buildings we design don’t just shape the use of spaces, they shape the wellbeing of their occupants. From air quality and acoustics to lighting and thermal comfort, good building services design helps reduce stress where people live, work and enjoy their leisure time.

This , we’re looking beyond the blueprints. From optimizing natural light to ensuring high-quality ventilation and effective acoustic comfort, our building services engineering team focuses on creating healthy environments that promote productivity and peace of mind.

Stress isn’t just about workload or internal feelings, it’s about the environment experienced. The right building services design can quietly reduce stress, day after day. When buildings are designed with people in mind, stress levels fall and performance rises.

Great design isn't just about efficiency, it's about the well-being of the occupants. Let’s work together to build smarter, less stressful spaces together.

Address

Manchester
M171DZ

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+44 (161) 848 9955

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