Franks Portlock expands to new premises entering next phase of UK growth

A new chapter of growth has begun at Franks Portlock with a six-figure investment that sees the Sunderland-based environmental consultancy relocate to larger headquarters and expands its workforce.

The £220,000 project has been supported with investment from NPIF II – FW Capital Debt Finance, which is managed by FW Capital as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II).

Founded by Stephen Portlock and Phil Franks in 2006 – Franks Portlock has grown steadily over the past two decades from a two-person operation working from a small business unit in Jarrow, into one of the UK’s leading asbestos and water hygiene environmental management consultancies.

Today, the company employs more than 110 staff nationwide and operates from offices in Sunderland, Rosyth (Fife), Sellafield (Cumbria), Burton-on-Trent and Middlesex.

By relocating from their current premises at Hylton Riverside Business Park, to a 5,720 sq.ft unit right next door, Franks Portlock has been able to double its space to create an enhanced working environment, including a newly fitted laboratory designed to support its expanding service offering. Eight additional jobs are being created, reinforcing the company’s commitment to regional investment and national service delivery.

The FW Capital investment has enabled Franks Portlock to incorporate private meeting rooms, dedicated training facilities, a large collaborative breakout space, and the latest in laboratory facilities alongside modern office accommodation.

Phil Franks, Director and co-founder at Franks Portlock Consulting, said: “We’ve had steady growth over the past two decades, and it’s thanks to the passion and hard work of our people. The dedication shown by our team — many of whom have been with us for years — continues to shape our strategy, develop innovative solutions and drive our commitment to excellence.

“Relocating to our new headquarters is a significant milestone and marks a further 10-year investment in the region.

“It gives us the space and facilities we need to support our expanding team and client base, while positioning us strongly for the future.”

“This move represents more than just a change of premises — it signals our intent to continue growing”

Franks Portlock’s nationwide operation continues to deliver consultancy, inspection, testing, training and management services in asbestos and environmental compliance. Six years ago, the company further strengthened its offering with the launch of a water hygiene division, broadening its expertise and accelerating growth.

The business supports organisations across a wide range of sectors, including marine, nuclear, healthcare, residential and retail. Its clients range from operators of single-site facilities to multi-site organisations across the UK. With extensive technical capabilities and UKAS-accredited Testing Laboratory and Inspection body no. 4155, the company delivers projects of all sizes while ensuring full compliance with UK safety regulations.

Over the last 12 months, the business has further strengthened its team with new appointments across a range of levels and geographical locations, including the creation of several key strategic roles.

Stephen Portlock, Co-Director, explained: “From very modest beginnings as a local start-up in 2006, we’ve built a business that operates right across the UK. This move represents more than just a change of premises — it signals our intent to continue growing, investing in our people and delivering the highest standards of consultancy and environmental management services. We’re excited about what the next chapter holds.”

The move was made possible with the support of investment from FW Capital, chartered building surveyor expertise from Lantern Building Consultancy, and a high-quality fit-out thanks to AMH Workspace

Lindsey McMenamin, Portfolio Manager at FW Capital, added “Franks Portlock Consulting has grown significantly and is recognised as a market leader in its bespoke field of environmental management. This success has resulted in the need to move to larger premises, which we have provided the required level of funding to assist with the moving and fit out costs.

“Helping businesses to achieve their growth aspirations is something we are passionate about and the NPIF II funding is helping Franks Portlock Consulting to scale up and stay ahead of its competitors thanks to this fantastic new facility.”

Having signed a 10-year-lease at Hylton Park, Phil Franks said: “The move has been driven by the need for more space because we have outgrown our previous site. I couldn’t be happier with the support and professionalism we have received on this journey from FW Capital, Lantern Building Consultancy, and the team at AMH Workspace.”

NPIF II – FW Capital Debt Finance can provide loans in the NPIF II area with a primary focus on the North West regions of Cheshire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Merseyside.

 The £660m Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIFII) covers the entire North of England and provides loans from £25k to £2m and equity investment up to £5m to help a range of small and medium sized businesses to start up, scale up or stay ahead.

The purpose of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II is to drive sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation and creating local opportunity for new and growing businesses across the North of England. The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II will increase the supply and diversity of early-stage finance for the North’s smaller businesses, providing funds to firms that might otherwise not receive investment and help to break down barriers in access to finance.