Engineering consultant Clarkebond (UK) Ltd ceased operations just three months after its acquisition by Independent Design House Group (IDHG). The move marked the end of a 77-year legacy for Clarkebond, a firm that had operated as a respected player in the engineering consultancy sector.

In September, temporary works specialist IDHG acquired Clarkebond in a deal aimed at nearly tripling its workforce and boosting annual turnover to over £10 million. The acquisition brought 90 Clarkebond employees into IDHG, increasing its total headcount to 140 across offices in London, Maidstone, Bristol, Exeter, Darlington, Ireland, and Poland. The deal promised to enhance IDHG’s capabilities, transitioning the company into a multi-disciplined engineering consultancy providing services from concept to on-site construction.

IDHG leadership touted the acquisition as a transformative step, and the synergy between the two firms was expected to be mutually beneficial for both. The “game changer” deal was a reflection of quality and forthcoming opportunities. However,  despite the complementary customer bases and the expanded project delivery capabilities, cracks started to appear shortly after the acquisition.

Reports from insiders reveal that management practices under IDHG clashed with Clarkebond’s established culture, leading to the departure of key staff. Redundancies followed, which insiders claim disrupted contract performance and undermined the firm’s ability to deliver on projects. By mid-December, Clarkebond abruptly entered liquidation, leaving employees shocked and uncertain about their future.

Clarkebond’s financial records for the year ending December 31, 2023, showed shareholders’ funds of £1.5 million and cash reserves of £320,000. Despite these figures, the firm’s integration into IDHG proved unsustainable, marking a swift and unexpected collapse of a company with decades of industry experience.