Ridge appoints two industry leaders, Mark Dewhurst and Austin Wikner, who bring a wealth of experience in cost management and MEP services, respectively. These strategic appointments further enhance Ridge’s expertise, reinforcing the company’s commitment to expanding its services and growing its presence across the UK, particularly in the North and London.

Driving Growth in London – Ridge hires Austin Wikner from WSP

Austin Wikner brings over 20 years of experience in building services engineering services, having previously led the London MEP team at one of the world’s largest engineering firms. His deep understanding of the London market, particularly in the private sector, and his leadership in high-rise residential projects make him a key asset to Ridge’s expanding offering.

Austin’s most notable project, South Quay Plaza in Canary Wharf, spanned nearly a decade, from concept design to completion. His ability to lead large-scale, complex projects has established him as a trusted leader in the London market.

Commenting on his appointment, Austin said: “Ridge offers the ideal blend of history, heritage, and forward-looking growth, making it the perfect environment for my expertise in the London market. Having thrived in working with private sector clients, I’m confident that now is the right time for me to contribute to Ridge’s continued success. My goal is to establish the Ridge London MEP team as a leading force in the industry, and I’m eager to bring the best engineers and clients onboard to help us achieve this.”

Expanding commercial expertise in the North – Ridge hires Mark Dewhurst from Arcadis.

Mark Dewhurst joins Ridge with over two decades of experience in cost and project management, having worked on some of the most iconic projects in the North of England. Known for his strong relationships and leadership in large-scale commercial and residential developments, Mark will play a pivotal role in driving Ridge’s growth in the North.

Mark’s career highlights include leading the £116 million Co-operative Group’s Head Office project and delivering the Royal Horticultural Society’s largest gardening project in Europe, RHS Bridgewater. His expertise has earned him a reputation for delivering complex, high-profile projects that meet the highest standards of quality and client satisfaction.

Commenting on his appointment, Mark said: “Ridge has a strong heritage and partner-led culture. The opportunity to contribute to Ridge’s growth, particularly in the North, while maintaining a hands-on, approach is what drew me here. My aim is to establish Ridge as the go-to firm for cost and project management in the North and replicate that success across the UK.”

The addition of Mark and Austin reflects Ridge’s commitment to strengthening its position as a leader in the UK property and construction sectors. With Mark focused on bolstering Ridge’s presence in the North, and Austin leading the charge in London, Ridge is poised for significant growth in both regions.

Adrian O’Hickey, senior partner at Ridge, said: “We are thrilled to welcome both Mark and Austin to the Ridge team. Their combined experience in cost management, project management and MEP services adds tremendous value to our offering. These appointments reflect our ambition to deliver exceptional projects and client service across the UK.”