Liverpool based engineering consultancy, Curtins, celebrates 65 years of service

Curtins, the Liverpool-headquartered engineering consultancy, celebrated 65 years in the city with a unique exhibition at the Royal Liver Building.

The event welcomed industry peers, clients and partners, to reflect on Curtins’ contribution to the built environment across the Liverpool City Region. The exhibition showcased the consultancy’s legacy of engineering excellence, from post-war school building programmes to major regeneration projects across the waterfront.

Founded in 1960 by Bill Curtin in Aigburth, the business has grown from a local practice into a national consultancy with offices across the UK and Ireland. Curtins has played a pivotal role in shaping Liverpool’s skyline, with involvement in the conservation and adaptation of iconic sites such as the Royal Albert Dock, the Three Graces, and the India and Municipal Buildings.

Their work spans Liverpool and Wirral Waters, Kings Dock, Festival Gardens, Hind Street and the globally significant deep water container port, with collaborative work to regenerate the derelict industrial docklands on both sides of the Mersey.

Curtins’ commitment to the region extends beyond engineering. As an Employee Owned and Investors in People Platinum employer, the firm works closely with local institutions to support skills development, STEM engagement and career progression. 

Strong links between the consultancy and its founder remain. A highlight of the evening was a guest speech by Bill Curtin’s granddaughter, Helen Goddard who spoke of how Curtins has continued to build on Bill’s value-driven approach.  

Helen Goddard said:

“In an industry where profit comes before people, Curtins bucks the trend and puts a health and wellbeing lens onto the way it works internally and externally.”

She continued, “Curtins revives communities and spaces, creating places where people feel safe, connected and proud. They champion inclusive design, focus on greener, more sustainable practice. Curtins paves the way for a brighter future.

“Bill may have started the legacy of Curtins, but it’s the people that have been part of this business that have maintained that golden thread to make it what it is today.” 

As testament to their contributions in the region, Curtins was named Consultancy of the Year at the Insider Liverpool Awards 2025.

John Kelly, Director at Curtins comments:

“Throughout Curtins’ growth we have remained deeply rooted in Liverpool, with a legacy that is woven into the city’s fabric. 

Our exhibition has been a moment to reflect our journey and look ahead with industry peers to the future of the Liverpool City Region with pride, purpose, and in recognition that the relationships between people, are at the heart of everything we do.” 

Find out more about Curtins here.

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