Providing technical advice and consultation in the building services sector requires a close eye on an ever-changing world of techniques, materials, regulations and guidelines.
In a sector where every stage of the supply chain needs to constantly move and innovate to meet the expectations of developers and clients, as well as hitting sustainability and carbon emission targets, there are some steep learning curves to be navigated.
MEP Concepts is a dynamic consultancy that specialises in building services, engineering, sustainability and energy; it has built a reputation over ten years for providing clients with technical advice in the construction and development of property in the new build and refurbishment sectors.
Its services begin with strategic energy advice at the planning and concept stage and then move on to MEP Building Services Design consultancy for the outline, design development and construction stage of projects.
Mark Kirbyshire, who founded the company in 2013, believes that bringing together extensive engineering experience and combining that with a strategic approach is key to delivering sustainable solutions that add value to clients’ projects.
He said: “Building services is constantly innovating and we are working on some exciting projects. With a team of four directors, all highly experienced in our own fields, we can off er clients the support and advice they need throughout projects, from concept to completion.
“But what we are also committed to is developing the next generation of building services experts. We pride ourselves on the fact that all our consulting engineers are fully qualified in their field of expertise, be that in MEP design, sustainability or energy related, and we currently have three members of our team who are just starting on their journeys to becoming the experienced workforce of tomorrow.”
Olabisi Sobowale (Bisi) – Graduate Building Services Engineer
Bisi was first interviewed at MEP Concepts in 2021 and the firm was pleased to be able to offer her a one-year placement during which the team endeavoured to give her as much practical exposure to building services engineering as possible, in a role supporting senior engineers and directors.
This was a during the period immediately after Covid restrictions were lifted and involved work on a wide variety of projects and applications. Upon completion of her placement, MEP Concepts agreed to sponsor Bisi through her final year at university, during which she completed her MEng (Hons) in Architectural Environment Engineering.
After completing her degree in 2023, Bisi returned to MEP Concepts and enrolled onto its graduate training scheme, with a view to becoming a Graduate Mechanical Building Services Engineer.
Since then, she has gained a wealth of experience and knowledge and is now an integral member of the team. She is highly skilled in utility applications, as well as in complex 3D building modelling for heating and cooling load assessments, overheating, and building regulation compliance.
Bisi has expressed her desire to develop as an engineer and to attain chartered status and MEP Concepts will endeavour to support her as her career develops.
Sam Melville – Electrical Design Engineer
Sam was recruited into the business in 2025 and has already impressed with his ability to work independently and self-sufficiently. Coming from a mixed background of consulting and contracting design, he already brings valuable sector experience.
Having worked on data centres, schools and care homes previously, Sam is eager for more exposure to different sectors and situations.
Since joining MEP, his role has expanded to include refurbishment as well as new build schemes such as office and industrial refurbishment, along with detailed dilapidation inspections.
The plan is support his progression to a senior role within the MEP Concepts team.
Joe Hill – Junior Sustainability Consultant
Joe is the newest team member of the team and comes from a very different background; he was training to be a Michelin-starred chef, before becoming disillusioned with the entertainment and food industry.
Having decided on a career change, Joe expressed a keen interest in building sustainability. MEP Concepts met Joe to discuss his interests and skills, and how they might transfer to a role within the business. His keenness to learn and adapt was clear, so much so that, in his own time, he sought to upskill by enrolling in the government-provided Understanding Environmental Sustainability TQUK Level 2 course. Joe has successfully completed this with a Merit grade.
His ingenuity and initiative for self-development impressed the MEP Concepts team, and he began in-house training on the industry and environment in September last year. He has been extremely useful and resourceful from day one; so confident in his ability to transition into the world of energy and sustainability, he has proven to embody, ironically, one of the most important elements of sustainability: adaptability. He can now independently visit projects, conduct surveys and collect data for reporting and advising clients.
After his probation period, the plan is for him to undertake a formal training programme for specific software and also gain formal qualifications to attain HNC or HND levels, with potential progression onto a graduate programme and eventual peer recognition into the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers or the Energy Institute.
Mark Kirbyshire added: “Young people come into this sector with new knowledge and innovative ideas and while we are committed to training them, they can also end up educating us on what’s new and different within the industry.
“Construction and building services is badly in need of new, skilled people coming through the ranks and we are delighted to be supporting that, and enhancing the services we can off er as we do so.”
Contact MEP Concepts on 01908 062819, email enquiries@mepconcepts.co.uk or visit the website here.
