Gleeds

Gleeds is an independent global property and construction consultancy with a history spanning over 150 years. The firm was founded in London in 1875 by Richard C. Gleed, initially focusing on quantity surveying and bills of quantities. Over the years, Gleeds has expanded its service offerings, evolving to meet the continuous changes and developments within the built environment. The company will celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2025, reflecting its long-standing presence and adaptation in the industry. Gleeds' history includes the establishment of 'Gleed & Belcher, Surveyors' in 1902 by Herbert and Percival Gleed, which later became 'Gleeds Sons & Co' in 1912. The firm opened its second office in Bristol by 1928, a city where only one other quantity surveying firm existed at the time.

Gleeds provides a diverse range of services across various stages of the property lifecycle. These services are broadly categorised into project leadership, commercial independence, digital augmentation, and sustainability and ESG. Under project leadership, the firm offers advisory, building surveying, development management, facilities management, health and safety, information management, project controls, and programme and project management. Commercial independence services include contract management, cost management and quantity surveying, cost verification and assurance, due diligence and funders representative, procurement advice, taxation, grants and insurance, value management, and whole life costing. The company also leverages digital solutions such as data analytics and transformation, digital, data and technology training, digital PMO, digital twin, material price tracking, and project benchmarking.

Headquartered in the United Kingdom, Gleeds operates with a global footprint, maintaining approximately 80 offices in over 28 countries across six continents. This extensive network allows the firm to combine global knowledge with local expertise, ensuring tailored solutions for clients worldwide. Gleeds established its first offices in America in 2002, with expansion into cities like Atlanta, New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and Charlotte. Further international growth included the development of its Middle Eastern business in 2005, with offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Qatar, followed by the establishment of Gleeds India in 2010, and offices in Australia and Hong Kong in 2012. The company's impartial intelligence, as an independent business, ensures that advice is provided in clients' best interests, helping them achieve optimal value from their assets.

Gleeds is committed to creating a fairer, greener, and more inclusive world, integrating responsible business practices throughout its operations. The firm's ESG strategy, "Together for a sustainable future," focuses on three priorities: People, Project, and Planet. This includes inspiring its people and communities, supporting clients' sustainability goals, and making a meaningful difference locally and globally. Gleeds' carbon reduction targets are aligned with the Paris Agreement, aiming to limit global warming to 1.5°C and achieve science-based Net Zero emissions by 2050. The company also advises clients on sustainable practices, from planning to operation, including Net Zero carbon strategies, renewable solutions, and energy management. Social impact is a key consideration, with the firm looking to achieve positive effects on society through its projects and corporate culture.

While Gleeds is a broad consultancy, its expertise extends to sectors relevant to Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA). The firm lists "Residential" and "Education" among its key sectors. In the education sector, Gleeds has partnered with institutions such as Georgia State University on campus projects in the United States. This experience in both residential and educational developments positions the company to provide comprehensive consultancy services for student accommodation projects, encompassing aspects from initial development management and cost control to project delivery and ongoing facilities management. The firm's commitment to sustainable innovation and digital solutions can also be applied to create efficient and environmentally conscious student living environments.