SES appoints former Lonsdale founder to board amid record growth

Wates subsidiary SES has appointed Michael Hoodless, founder of the now-defunct Michael J. Lonsdale Group, as a non-executive director.

Hoodless, who founded Lonsdale in 1986 and grew it into one of the UK’s largest mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) contractors before its collapse in 2023, joins the board as SES looks to expand into new markets and technologies.

He will support the business in areas including governance, strategic growth and complex project delivery.

Engineering services firm SES is a standalone division of Wates Group, with more than 1,000 employees.

It posted record results for the year to 31 December 2024, with turnover rising 55 per cent year-on-year to £463.7m and pre-tax profit increasing by 60 per cent to £9.3m.

Executive managing director Rob Clifford said Hoodless’s experience in growing and delivering large-scale MEP projects would support SES as it pursues “long-term value creation”.

Hoodless said SES had a strong reputation for “innovation and integrity” and that he looked forward to shaping its strategy as it builds on recent momentum.

Lonsdale, once a top-tier MEP contractor, worked on major London projects including Bloomberg HQ, 22 Bishopsgate and the Peninsula Hotel.

The business ceased trading in October 2023 after a failed rescue deal with M+W Group. It owed creditors more than £100m.

SES specialises in the design and installation of mechanical and electrical engineering services. Its project sectors include public buildings, commercial developments, science and research, leisure, and industrial schemes.

Source: SES press release