Design 4 Structures (D4S), a structural engineering consultancy with a portfolio featuring prominent projects like Hong Kong Airport and the iconic 'lights corner' at Piccadilly Circus, has successfully secured a £400,000 loan.

This significant capital injection is aimed at enabling the firm to expand its operations and take on a greater volume of larger, more complex contracts across the UK and internationally.

The funding was raised from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II (MEIF II), with the loan being managed by Frontier Development Capital (FDC). D4S, which currently employs 60 staff across its Telford headquarters and its London office, has ambitious plans for the year ahead, intending to create ten new jobs. The company will also invest in Artificial Intelligence (AI) to develop more sophisticated modelling tools for its design processes.

D4S is unique in its offering, bringing together civil, structural, and construction engineers alongside modellers and technicians. It is thought to be the only consultancy of its type capable of advising on the entire design process right up to construction, including providing detailed specifications for all materials. The firm has seen a surge in demand following the introduction of the new Building Safety Act. This legislation, implemented in the aftermath of the Grenfell fire, now requires developers to provide far more detailed information regarding the designs and materials they intend to use.

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Founded in 1992 by a team focused on providing steelwork drawings and models, the company was acquired in 2011 by its current owners, Daniel Leech and James McNee, who were later joined by Jonathan Lock. Since the acquisition, D4S has expanded its scope to include structural, civil, and construction engineering, and has established satellite teams in Greece and Italy.

The consultancy advises a high-profile client list, including Wates, Skanska UK, and Berkeley Group. Its project experience spans diverse developments, from commercial buildings and high-rise housing to schools and hospitals. Notable projects include work on major UK sports venues like Everton, Tottenham, and Wembley stadiums. D4S was also responsible for designing the roof of Lucent W1, which houses the giant digital display at Piccadilly Circus, and the roof of Terminal 2 at Hong Kong Airport.

Dan Leach, CEO of D4S, highlighted the firm's competitive advantage, stating: "D4S is unique in its ability to design right through to the manufacturing and construction level, providing all the detailed information contractors need. This is opening up new opportunities for us and we now have a strong pipeline of projects with a construction value of up to £120m. This investment will help us grow our team to meet demand and provide the working capital required to take on larger contracts."

Ryan Cartwright of Frontier Development Capital praised the firm's trajectory: "Under the current management team, D4S has gone from a small Telford team to a leading structural design firm with an international presence. It is now uniquely positioned to help the construction industry navigate the challenges created by the Building Safety Act. This funding will enable the business to continue its growth and make the most of the opportunities that are unfolding."

David Tindall, Senior Investment Manager at the British Business Bank, also commented on the regional significance of the investment: "It is encouraging to see another ambitious Midlands born business building on its success and pursuing new avenues for growth in the UK and overseas with support from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II. We encourage other businesses across the region to explore the investment options available through the Fund to help scale growth."

The £400m Midlands Engine Investment Fund II covers the entire Midlands region, offering equity investment up to £5m and debt finance from £25k up to £2m. The fund aims to drive sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation and increasing the supply and diversity of early-stage finance for smaller businesses across the Midlands.