Walsh
Walsh IBS is a UK founder-owned mechanical and electrical building services contractor headquartered in Nelson, Lancashire, delivering integrated M&E installations, design, and maintenance to commercial, residential, education, healthcare, and public sector clients via tier-one contractors and developers.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1984
- HeadquartersNelson, United Kingdom
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Walsh does
Walsh Integrated Building Services Limited (trading as Walsh IBS) is a privately-held UK mechanical and electrical (M&E) building services contractor headquartered in Nelson, Lancashire. Founded in 1984 by Ian Walsh as Walsh Electrical Contractors Ltd, the company was incorporated in 1990 and rebranded to its current name in 2003 to reflect a deliberate move from electrical-only contracting into integrated M&E delivery. The firm serves commercial, industrial, residential, education, healthcare, banking, and public sector clients across England, and is currently marking its 40th year of operation with 101–250 employees. Its customer base spans tier-one UK main contractors (Galliford Try, Bowmer & Kirkland, Russell WBHO, Caddick Construction), developers (Peel Holdings, Allied London, Fragrance Group), universities (Manchester, Liverpool), and large end-clients (NHS Liverpool, Network Rail, Royal Bank of Scotland, Amazon, WeWork, Boohoo, Skipton Building Society).
The company delivers two complementary service lines. The Major Works division handles large-scale M&E installations and design-and-build contracts ranging from £250,000 to over £5 million, with individual projects reaching £8.3 million (Canterbury Hall, Preston — 191 student apartments) and £7.3 million (Municipal Liverpool hotel conversion). Core technical offerings include electrical installation (power distribution, lighting, fire alarms, voice and data), mechanical installation (HVAC, plumbing, gas, ventilation), CAD design, fire alarm and security/CCTV, building management systems, and, more recently, solar PV and EV charging infrastructure supported by in-house BIM capability. The Small Works division provides planned and reactive maintenance packages up to £200,000, plus facilities management contracts on a national basis.
Walsh generates revenue through bespoke project pricing via competitive tendering, design-and-build contracts, and direct appointments from consultants and main contractors. There are no published price lists; every contract is custom-quoted. Distribution is traditional enterprise field sales — direct bids, repeat business with known developers and contractors, and consultant referrals — supplemented by website case studies and client testimonials. The firm remains wholly founder-owned under Ian Walsh, with no external investment, no subsidiaries, and no M&A activity disclosed in the source data.
Walsh firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Walsh
- Legal name
- Walsh Integrated Building Services Limited
- Website
- https://walsh-ibs.co.uk
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1984
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Walsh IBS is a UK founder-owned mechanical and electrical building services contractor headquartered in Nelson, Lancashire, delivering integrated M&E installations, design, and maintenance to commercial, residential, education, healthcare, and public sector clients via tier-one contractors and developers.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Walsh industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Building Services Engineering (Mechanical and Electrical Contracting)
- NAICS
- Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors (238220), Commercial and Institutional Building Construction (236220), New Multifamily Housing Construction (except For-Sale Builders) (236116)
- SIC
- Electrical Work (1731), Services-Facilities Support Management Services (8744), General Bldg Contractors - Residential Bldgs (1520)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Building Automation & Controls (BAS/BMS) Contracting (IMAFALAE)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Hard Services (MEP/HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing) (BPABAAAA), Energy Services (Retrofits/Commissioning/Testing & Balancing) (IMAIABAI), Building Automation & Controls (BAS/BMS, HVAC Controls) (IMAIABAD)
Keywords
Where Walsh is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Nelson
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Walsh business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Major Works Projects: Project-based contracting for large-scale M&E installations on construction projects ranging from £250,000 to £5 million and above. Includes design and build contracts and traditional contract delivery.
- Small Works and Maintenance: Planned and reactive maintenance services, work packages up to £200k, including additional socket outlets, replacement air conditioning units and tailored solutions.
- Facilities Management Services: Ongoing facilities management services built around core mechanical and electrical engineering expertise, operating nationally on planned maintenance and management contracts.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Multi-year contract | Major Works - Projects £250k to £5m+ |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels3 records
Walsh product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Walsh Integrated Building Services Limited provides the full range of electrical and mechanical (M&E) engineering services for commercial, industrial, and residential clients across the UK. The company delivers integrated design, installation, and maintenance of building services including power distribution, lighting, HVAC, plumbing, fire alarms, security systems, PV solar, EV charging, voice/data cabling, and building management systems (BMS). Projects range from £130k small works to major developments exceeding £8.3 million.
Product overview
Walsh Integrated Building Services provides a comprehensive suite of electrical and mechanical engineering services operating nationally across the UK. The company operates as a single integrated offering with core services including electrical installation (power, lighting, fixed wiring, emergency lighting), mechanical installation (plumbing, gas, HVAC, ventilation), fire alarm systems, PV and EV charging solutions, security/CCTV, and voice/data installation. These services are delivered through a Major Works department handling projects from £250,000 to £5 million+, and a Small Works department for maintenance up to £200k. The company also provides full CAD design capabilities to support project delivery.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Electrical Installation Services Complete electrical installation services including power distribution, lighting systems, fixed wiring, and emergency lighting for commercial, industrial, and residential projects. Delivered as part of integrated M&E packages or standalone electrical works for main contractors, developers and property companies.
- Mechanical Installation Services Mechanical engineering services including plumbing, gas installations, air conditioning, ventilation, and heating systems installation and maintenance for commercial, industrial and residential buildings.
- Major Works Projects Large-scale M&E installation projects ranging from £250,000 to £5 million and above, including design and build contracts, traditional contract delivery, BIM-enabled projects and multi-floor refurbishments for main contractors and developers.
- Small Works and Planned/Reactive Maintenance Planned and reactive maintenance services and small works packages up to £200,000 for existing buildings, including additional socket outlets, replacement air conditioning units and tailored solutions for facilities management clients.
- Facilities Management Services Ongoing facilities management services built around core mechanical and electrical engineering expertise, operating nationally on planned maintenance and management contracts for building owners and operators.
- CAD Design Service Full computer-aided design service for electrical and mechanical systems planning, documentation and BIM support across project delivery.
- Fire Alarm Systems Fire alarm system installation, inspection and testing services for commercial and residential buildings as part of M&E packages or standalone fire safety works.
- PV Solar and EV Charging Points Solar photovoltaic (PV) system installation with 25-year performance guarantee and bespoke hybrid ballast roof mounting, plus electric vehicle charging point installation services for commercial, residential and infrastructure projects.
- Security, Access Control and CCTV Systems Security systems including access control and CCTV installation services for commercial, residential and public-sector buildings.
- Voice and Data Network Installation Accredited voice and data network installation services for commercial and residential building projects.
Quantifiable outcome
- Successfully delivered £8.3m Canterbury Hall development with 191 apartments
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Walsh
Customer profileNamed customers22 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Walsh technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Walsh partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Rosslee ConstructioncoreWalsh IBS completed M&E installation on the historic Mount Building and Lodge in Fleetwood alongside Rosslee Construction as main contractor. Project value £130k completed February 2021.
- Russell WBHOcoreWalsh IBS is working alongside Russell WBHO on Municipal Liverpool - transforming former council offices into a four-star hotel. Project value £7.3m, duration Feb 2021 to Oct 2022.
- Caddick ConstructioncoreWalsh IBS and Caddick Construction are working together on The Manchester College Openshaw Campus project. Walsh is delivering M&E services alongside Caddick as main contractor on this major educational facility development.
- Pershing (Bank of New York Mellon)minorFollowing successful work on the Royal Liver Building CAT A refurbishment, Pershing (a subsidiary of The Bank of New York Mellon) hired Walsh IBS directly for a CAT B fit-out achieving LEED accreditation.
- Peel HoldingscoreWorking alongside Russell Construction for Peel Holdings on the £33.5m Chatham Waters regeneration project. Walsh IBS contract value £3.85m for 193 apartments.
- Russell ConstructioncoreMain contractor on Chatham Waters project. Walsh IBS delivering full MEP package on 193 apartments in six and seven-storey buildings.
- Fragrance GroupcoreProperty developer Fragrance Group behind the £7.3m Municipal Liverpool hotel development where Walsh IBS is delivering M&E services.
- Bowmer & KirklandcoreMajor UK construction group awarded Walsh IBS the full electrical fitout including EV charge points and Solar PV on a 12-story multistory EV charging car park in Ancoats, Manchester.
- Russell WBHOcoreRussell WBHO engaged Walsh IBS for Cat A fit out (£4.4m) and Cat B fit out (£2.15m) for WeWork/Amazon at Hanover Building Manchester.
- Andrew Brown LeisurecoreClient for Crow Wood Leisure four-storey hotel project in Burnley. Walsh IBS delivered £2.8m electrical installation including HV/LV infrastructure upgrades.
- Galliford TrycoreMain contractor for Blessed Thomas Holford Catholic College extension where Walsh IBS delivered full MEP installation (£680k). Also worked on Royal Liver Building project.
- OverburycoreClient for Eden Biodesign laboratory refurbishment in Liverpool (£170k, 12 weeks) where Walsh IBS delivered complete M&E installation.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Walsh competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- TClarke: UK-listed mechanical and electrical contractor providing design, installation, and maintenance services to commercial, residential, and public sector clients. TClarke is comparable in scale and scope to Walsh IBS, both operating as specialist M&E contractors on projects of similar size and complexity.
- Imtech UK (Equans): Imtech UK was a major UK mechanical and electrical contractor before being absorbed into Equans (Engie Group), continuing to deliver integrated M&E services to commercial, industrial, and public sector clients. As a former leading specialist M&E brand, it remains directly comparable to Walsh's core offering.
- NG Bailey: The UK's largest independent mechanical and electrical engineering contractor, delivering integrated M&E services across commercial, industrial, and infrastructure sectors. NG Bailey is the most directly comparable UK specialist M&E peer to Walsh IBS in terms of service offering, customer base, and project delivery model.
- Dodd Group: Mid-sized UK mechanical and electrical contractor providing building services installation, maintenance, and facilities management across commercial, education, healthcare, and public sectors. Dodd Group is highly comparable to Walsh IBS in size, regional coverage, and integrated service model.
Broad incumbents
- Engie UK: UK arm of global energy and services group Engie, providing mechanical, electrical, and facilities management services to commercial and public sector clients. Engie's acquisition of Imtech UK and broader services portfolio make it a broad incumbent competitor to Walsh.
- Willmott Dixon: Major UK construction contractor with significant in-house mechanical and electrical services across commercial, education, leisure, and residential sectors. Willmott Dixon is a broad incumbent comparable to Walsh on integrated project delivery.
- Balfour Beatty: One of the UK's largest infrastructure and construction groups with significant mechanical and electrical engineering capabilities through its Balfour Beatty Kilpatrick division. Balfour Beatty is a broad incumbent competitor that competes with Walsh for major M&E packages but operates at significantly greater scale across the full construction value chain.
- Mace Group: Global construction and consultancy group with significant UK mechanical and electrical engineering activity through Mace MEP and its facilities management arm. Mace competes with Walsh on commercial and institutional M&E work as a much larger broad incumbent.
- Skanska UK: Major UK construction and infrastructure contractor delivering commercial, residential, and public sector projects with in-house mechanical and electrical engineering capabilities. Skanska competes with Walsh on larger integrated packages as a broad incumbent.
Others
- Bowmer + Kirkland: Major UK construction contractor that is both a customer of Walsh IBS (main contractor on multiple projects including EV charging car park and education schemes) and a comparable Tier 1 contractor in the broader UK building services market. Listed as OTHERS given its primary role in Walsh's data as a client relationship.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Walsh social profiles
Digital presenceWalsh financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Walsh leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
Walsh funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Walsh M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Walsh
What does Walsh do?
Walsh Integrated Building Services Limited provides the full range of electrical and mechanical (M&E) engineering services for commercial, industrial, and residential clients across the UK. The company delivers integrated design, installation, and maintenance of building services including power distribution, lighting, HVAC, plumbing, fire alarms, security systems, PV solar, EV charging, voice/data cabling, and building management systems (BMS). Projects range from £130k small works to major developments exceeding £8.3 million.
Is Walsh a public or private company?
Walsh is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Walsh founded?
Walsh was founded in 1984. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Walsh based?
Walsh is headquartered in Nelson, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Walsh make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Major Works Projects are the primary driver. The others are small Works and Maintenance and facilities Management Services.
Who are Walsh's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are TClarke, Imtech UK (Equans), NG Bailey and Dodd Group. Broad incumbents are Engie UK, Willmott Dixon, Balfour Beatty, Mace Group and Skanska UK. Bowmer + Kirkland is listed as an others.
Does Walsh have an API?
No public API is recorded for Walsh.
What industry is Walsh in?
Walsh's product category is Building Services Engineering (Mechanical and Electrical Contracting). Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAFALAE, Building Automation & Controls (BAS/BMS) Contracting, with a secondary code of BPABAAAA, Hard Services (MEP/HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing). Its NAICS code is 238220 and its SIC code is 1731.