BE Design investment: backing sustainable growth in the built environment

Across logistics, industrial and data centre development, the pressure to deliver complex projects efficiently and sustainably is increasing. The challenge becomes even greater on brownfield and former industrial land, where ground conditions, infrastructure, environmental requirements and long-term performance all need to be considered together.

BE Design was built to address that complexity. Founded by Anna Tsartsari and Stephen Oakden, the Newark-headquartered business brings together civil and structural engineering, geo-environmental, highways, architecture, health and safety, mechanical and electrical engineering, and ESG expertise within one multidisciplinary consultancy.

YFM has invested from its Buyout Fund to support the next phase of growth for a business that has spent more than a decade building a strong reputation for technical excellence, sustainable placemaking and solving challenges on some of the UK’s most demanding sites.

The UK built environment consultancy market has remained resilient, supported by continued demand for sustainable development and the regeneration of complex sites. At the same time, projects are becoming more technically demanding and clients increasingly need advice that connects design, engineering, environmental performance and commercial reality from the beginning.

That combination creates a strong opportunity for specialist consultancies with the breadth to solve interconnected problems and the depth to deliver in demanding end markets. BE Design has developed that position across logistics, industrial, manufacturing and data centres, working with a long-standing client base across the UK and Europe.

What differentiates BE Design is the way its disciplines work together. Civil and structural engineers collaborate with geo-environmental, highways, architecture, M&E, health and safety, sustainability and ESG specialists, helping clients identify constraints earlier and develop coordinated solutions rather than treating each part of a project in isolation.

That approach is particularly valuable on brownfield developments, where unlocking a site can depend on understanding its history, ground conditions, infrastructure and environmental impact as one connected challenge.

Sustainability is not treated as a bolt-on service. It is considered from the outset and woven through the design process, underpinned by BE Design’s commitment to sustainable placemaking and practical solutions that support clients’ wider environmental and social goals.

BE Design’s growth has been built on long-standing client relationships and investment in specialist people. The business has strengthened its senior multidisciplinary team across a number of disciplines, increasing its capacity and range of expertise ahead of the next phase of development.

That investment in capability is matched by a strong emphasis on culture. Collaboration, innovation and technical excellence have shaped the business from the start, and preserving those qualities as the team grows is central to the plan for the years ahead.

Innovation is another important part of BE Design’s plans. The team is continuing to develop its own ESG platform, building on four years of work and early use with selected global clients. The aim is to help turn ESG ambitions into something more practical and measurable, complementing the consultancy’s engineering and sustainability expertise.

This combination of technical delivery, multidisciplinary thinking and proprietary capability gives BE Design a strong base from which to broaden its services and deepen its relationships with clients.

The investment will support BE Design as it expands its services, strengthens its position in core markets and continues to attract leading talent, while preserving the culture and client relationships behind its success.

A new London office marks the latest step in the company’s geographic growth. Over time, the team will also explore opportunities to build its presence in Manchester and Germany, alongside continued organic growth in its established markets. A consolidating sector may create opportunities to add further complementary capabilities through selective M&A.

Anna Tsartsari, CEO of BE Design, said:

“We’ve spent over a decade building a business known for taking on the sites and challenges others shy away from, and we’ve done it by investing in exceptional people. YFM understood that from our first conversation, and that’s exactly why this partnership feels right.

“This investment gives us the backing to keep investing in our people, deepen our culture and push innovation further, while staying true to the way we’ve always worked. It’s a huge moment for BE Design, and I couldn’t be prouder of what this team has built and where we’re taking it next.”

Dan Freed, Partner at YFM, led the deal alongside Oliver Wheatley, with Neil Inskip also part of the YFM deal team.

Dan said:

“Anna and Stephen have built a consultancy with a genuine specialism: the technical capability to unlock complex sites in end markets with real momentum behind them. The quality of the team, the strength of their client relationships and the clear opportunity for organic growth made this a compelling investment.

“We’re looking forward to working with Anna, Stephen and the wider BE Design team on the next stage of the journey.”

YFM will work closely with BE Design as the business scales, invests in its people and capabilities, and builds on its strong organic momentum.