Plowman Craven enters Australian market with Sydney headquarters

Plowman Craven has officially entered the Australian market with the opening of a new office in Sydney. This strategic expansion marks a major milestone for the company, paving the way to deliver its advanced surveying solutions to Australia’s property and construction industries. Plowman Craven is a well-established leader among international surveying firms.

Mark Howells has been appointed as managing director of Plowman Craven Australia and will spearhead the company’s regional strategy and growth initiatives. With over two decades of leadership experience in geomatics, real estate and engineering, he previously served as sales director at Plowman Craven in the UK. After relocating to Australia in 2023, he re-joined the company to support its ambitious plans for expansion in the region.

For more than 60 years, Plowman Craven has been at the forefront of geospatial data solutions, serving industries such as property, rail, infrastructure and logistics. As one of the UK’s largest surveying firms, the company also operates offices in the US and India. Backed by private equity funding from Agathos since April, Plowman Craven is accelerating its international growth, focusing on both expanding its digital services and establishing a strong presence in Australia.

Innovative data capture technologies

Plowman Craven provides a comprehensive range of services encompassing all aspects of surveying and geospatial data management. Its leasing surveys ensure precise measurements and facilitate the efficient management of leasable property areas. The company’s expertise in building information modelling (BIM) and consultancy helps optimize project workflows, enabling superior outcomes. Additionally, Plowman Craven offers structural and environmental monitoring services, employing both manual and automated methods to track structural changes and assess critical environmental conditions.

The company’s innovative approach extends to drone-based aerial and inspection services, providing safe and cost-effective solutions for complex surveys, including rail infrastructure assessments and challenging-to-reach environments. Custom laser scanning techniques are also used for precise floor flatness surveys, ensuring compliance with a wide range of global standards. These advanced capabilities, supported by innovative data capture technologies, deliver enhanced precision, faster project timelines and significant cost efficiencies.

Tremendous potential

Mark Howells expressed his excitement about the company’s Australian debut: “The launch of Plowman Craven Australia is a significant milestone for us. It’s a region that we are committed to and where we see tremendous potential. Our focus now is on the dynamic Sydney property market which, as economic conditions continue to stabilize in the coming months and into 2025, is set to see strong ongoing residential and commercial property demand."

“With a holistic service underpinned by innovation, client focus and collaboration, our ambition is to become the trusted geomatics partner of choice. We’re excited to introduce Plowman Craven’s advanced solutions to Australia and, as we continue to invest in skilled talent and advanced survey technologies for the benefit of existing and new clients operating in the region, look forward to sharing further announcements in due course.”

Commitment to growth

The company’s initial focus will be on delivering tailored services for the New South Wales property market, with plans to expand across Australia in the coming years.

David Locker, CEO of Plowman Craven, highlighted the significance of this expansion: “I’m delighted to announce the launch of our first Australian office, and to welcome Mark back to Plowman Craven. I’m confident that under his expert stewardship and with his extensive market knowledge, Plowman Craven Australia will grow from strength to strength."

“As a multi-disciplinary firm operating worldwide, Plowman Craven brings a truly differentiated offering. Combining substantial experience in property, advanced technology, in-house expertise, professionalism and dedication to strong client relationships, we can better identify opportunities and maximize value. With a proven 60-year track record of excellence at the forefront of survey and measurement innovation, we pioneer new technologies and techniques that enable us to deliver a consistently first-class service. We’re excited to now bring this to the Australian market.”

With a focus on innovation, collaboration, and client-centric solutions, Plowman Craven is poised to make a lasting impact on Australia’s property and construction landscape.