Beckett Rankine celebrated its 40th anniversary this November, marking the occasion with an evening reception at the Institution of Civil Engineers.
On Thursday, 13 November 2025, Beckett Rankine welcomed over 150 people to raise a toast, bringing together clients, collaborators, industry leaders, former team members, and friends of the company.
The event kicked off with a welcome address, in which each of the three Directors reflected on the firm’s journey, their proudest moments, and goals for the future. Then, guests were invited to browse a showcase of 40 impactful projects from the past 40 years while mingling over drinks and canapes.
Tim Beckett said, “Having a second 40th anniversary in my life must mean that I, and the firm, are now truly middle-aged! Thank you to all our staff, clients and fellow professionals who joined us at the ICE to celebrate this milestone.”
Gordon Rankine noted, “Celebrating the anniversary was quite overwhelming with so many friends and well-wishers enthusiastically sharing memories of various projects from over the years. And it was wonderful to see the happy and respectful interaction between young and old.”
James Smith added, “Reaching forty years is a milestone that speaks not only to the legacy Tim and Gordon built, but also to the momentum the whole team continues to drive. Celebrating with our clients, collaborators, and former colleagues was a reminder of how far we’ve come, and how much potential lies ahead.”
More than 150 guests joined Beckett Rankine’s celebration event
Beckett Rankine was launched on 28 November 1985 by Gordon Rankine, Tim Beckett and his father, Allan Beckett, and has since established a reputation for high-impact, high-quality engineering.
Gordon reflects, “It has been so fascinating to have seen maritime civil engineering evolve as we have grown and navigated through 40 years of global political changes, increased environmental awareness and opportunities to embrace technological advances.”
Growing to 40 employees across three offices in London, Bristol and Glasgow, the firm’s capability now encompasses maritime civil, structural and geotechnical engineers, together with naval architects and project managers.
“Our team has nearly doubled in recent years,” said James, “and the growth of our Bristol and Glasgow offices has shown how much capability and energy exists across the business. That breadth now allows us to deliver some remarkably complex projects for an equally wide range of clients, often at the forefront of what’s happening in maritime engineering.”
Beckett Rankine now employs the most specialist maritime engineers in the firm’s history.
Beckett Rankine’s portfolio has steadily expanded along the River Thames, around the UK, and into more than 35 countries. The consultancy has delivered truly transformational engineering, from improving ferry connections for communities in remote parts of the UK to masterplanning the world’s largest LNG port in Qatar.
The firm continues to strengthen its expertise in maritime infrastructure, including for ports, harbours and terminals, cruise and ferry services, waterfront facilities and urban regeneration. Beckett Rankine has also expanded further into the maritime heritage market, rapidly becoming the UK’s leading consultancy in the restoration and preservation of historic vessels and their docks.
“This has all been possible because of our clients,” explained Tim, “and we are fortunate to have some of the best clients who are a delight to work with. We have also had the pleasure of working with some of the world’s most celebrated architects, planners, environmental consultants and even artists. Long may that continue!”
In 2025, James Smith joined Gordon and Tim at the helm to steer the company’s future direction.
In a re-commitment to its core principles, Beckett Rankine has shared that its future will include:
- expanding further into markets that advance the net-zero carbon emissions agenda,
- reinforcing technical skills with technology investments, including AI applications to engineering,
- continuing investment in its people via the ICE-accredited graduate scheme and ongoing CPD opportunities, and
- enhancing STEM outreach and university engagement to inspire future engineers.
James remarked, “I’m proud to have the opportunity to help steer Beckett Rankine into its next chapter, and even prouder of the people who make it what it is. As we continue to train the next generation of engineers and take on increasingly challenging work, the future of the firm feels both exciting and well within our reach.”
For more information, including the anniversary video and project showcase, visit 40 years of Beckett Rankine.
