FEATURES
Engineering access for the digital age
Data centres rarely make headlines for what sits underfoot – but in highperformance environments where uptime is everything, access systems play a critical role in safety, efficiency and longterm reliability.
For more than 100 years, Middlesbroughbased Lionweld Kennedy has been designing and delivering safe, durable and innovative access solutions for industries where performance is a prerequisite. Today, that heritage increasingly supports the infrastructure behind the hyperscale and colocation data centres powering the digital economy.
Lionweld Kennedy is a trusted partner to leading technology providers and data centre operators across the UK and EU, supplying precision-engineered access solutions at scale.
One flagship UK hyperscale development alone required 10,000 sq m of specialist flooring – a project that demonstrated not only manufacturing capability but also the planning, co-ordination and quality control needed to deliver in mission-critical settings.
These sites demand more than standard products. Access systems must support lightweight handling, rapid installation, long-term durability and superior load performance – while maintaining compliance throughout the build and operational lifecycle.
Lionweld Kennedy meets those requirements through an integrated delivery model, backed by dedicated project management, advanced 3D detailing and modelling for efficient coordination within federated models, UKand Ireland-based production facilities and a trusted installation team committed to accuracy and specification.
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Five years of progress
The company’ s product capabilities span market-leading steel and glassreinforced plastic access solutions, designed to suit everything from hightraffic plant areas to corrosion-prone locations.
Sustainability is also built in. Lionweld Kennedy is proud to be the first worldwide grating manufacturer to achieve an Environmental Product Declaration( EPD), providing independent verification and transparency across the product lifecycle – helping clients evidence progress towards ESG and net-zero objectives.
When Abigail Allick and Andrea Nicholls launched their health and safety consultancy in 2021, they were clear about their values: professionalism, commitment, approachability and strong community engagement.
Five years later, the founders of A & N Consultants have more than delivered on that promise.
Their achievements speak for themselves, with the business receiving a Special Recognition Award in the Small Business Category at the Construction Excellence North East Awards in 2025.
Since it began trading, A & N has seen consistent year-on-year growth, with current projections indicating continued increases in turnover in the coming financial year.
Based in Middlesbrough, the consultancy has built a strong and diverse client base, while both directors remain deeply committed to supporting organisations that promote opportunities for young people in the engineering and construction sectors.
As chair of the National Association of Women in Construction( NAWIC) Tees Valley, Andrea actively encourages women to consider and pursue successful careers in construction.
Abigail, meanwhile, supports young professionals as a committee member of
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Generation for Change( G4C) Tees Valley, helping to deliver training and networking events for those working in the built environment.
Both directors are also passionate supporters of the High Tide Foundation, a charity providing 11-16-year-olds with real-world work experience and career development programmes.
In addition, A & N has developed strong links with Middlesbrough College, which has awarded the company Gold Employer status.
At the heart of the business is a thriving, community-focused consultancy that has recently become an IOSH-accredited training provider.
Training is a key growth area for A & N, alongside plans to diversify and expand the range of services offered to clients.
The team has continued to grow, with business manager Samantha Lowdon and health and safety administrator Layla Scurr joining Abigail and Andrea.
Layla joined the company directly from Middlesbrough College as an apprentice in November and is progressing exceptionally well.
A & N is also supported by two specialist consultants who provide expertise in areas including fire safety and working at height. It’ s a close-knit, dedicated team that, according to Abigail, is delivering exactly
Safe hands – A & N Consultants’ directors Abigail Allick, second from left, and Andrea Nicholls, right, with business manager Samantha Lowdon and health and safety administrator Layla Scurr.
what the business set out to achieve.“ Our clients receive a truly personal service,” she said.“ We’ re also incredibly proud to be based in Teesside. While we work across the UK, we’ re a Middlesbrough business with strong local roots.”
Andrea added:“ Our ethos is about promoting both the region and the construction industry. We’ re passionate about encouraging young people into the sector and giving them real opportunities to succeed.”
With its blend of health and safety expertise, strong social values, community involvement, sustained growth and commitment to developing future talent, A & N Consultants has enjoyed an impressive first five years – and with solid foundations in place, the future looks equally bright.
Visit an-consultants. co. uk