Engineering Stack
Explore the MARCH Engineering Stack and the services that support every stage of the asset lifecycle, from design and delivery to maintenance and optimisation.
Design & Consultancy is one of nine capabilities within the MARCH Engineering Stack.
Our teams support projects from early definition through to delivery assurance, combining technical leadership with a clear understanding of safety, compliance, operability and long-term asset performance.
Services range from user requirement specifications and front-end engineering design through to automation strategies, technical management, training and specialist consultancy.
Successful project delivery starts with a clear understanding of functional, operational, regulatory, safety and performance requirements. A well-developed User Requirement Specification (URS) provides traceability from design through to verification and handover, creating a shared understanding of project objectives and requirements. The result is clearer scope definition, reduced ambiguity during design and delivery, and greater confidence that solutions will meet business, regulatory and operational requirements.
A control philosophy defines how a system should behave during normal operation, start-up, shutdown, fault conditions and abnormal events. It provides a shared reference point for designers, operators and commissioning teams, helping ensure a consistent approach throughout delivery. The result is greater consistency across control implementation, reduced commissioning risk and safer, more predictable plant performance.
Front end engineering design develops the level of detail needed to support confident investment and delivery decisions. Option studies, layouts, single line diagrams, philosophies, schedules and early risk identification provide a stronger foundation for project approval and detailed design. The result is better cost certainty, reduced technical risk and a smoother transition into detailed design and construction.
Automation systems deliver the greatest value when architecture, standards and lifecycle considerations are aligned from the outset. An automation strategy defines control architectures, platform standards, cybersecurity principles, scalability requirements and lifecycle management approaches across single sites or wider estates. The result is a more resilient and maintainable automation environment, reduced long-term support costs and greater confidence that future investments can adapt as operational needs evolve.
Recovering and reusing helium can help reduce operating costs and improve security of supply for critical processes. Helium recovery and purification systems capture, process and return helium for reuse, combining mechanical process equipment, control systems and safety functions into a single solution. The result is lower helium consumption, improved sustainability and greater resilience where a reliable helium supply is essential.
Delivering repeatable engineering solutions across multiple assets, sites and programmes requires a consistent approach to design, governance and delivery. Standardised methodologies, controls and technical solutions help maintain quality while reducing complexity at scale. The result is cost efficiencies through standardisation, accelerated programme delivery and consistent technical quality across large estates.
Successful delivery often depends on effective coordination between multiple specialist contractors and disciplines. Technical and managerial oversight helps align scope, design, safety and quality requirements throughout the delivery lifecycle, reducing the risk of gaps between work packages. The result is accountable delivery, improved safety and quality outcomes, and reduced interface and coordination risk.
Delivering technically complex engineering projects requires clear leadership, effective governance and control across multiple disciplines and stakeholders. Structured project controls, risk management and experienced oversight help coordinate delivery while maintaining focus on safety, programme and commercial objectives. The result is improved programme certainty, controlled commercial exposure and reduced delivery risk on complex projects.
Maintaining engineering integrity across complex projects and programmes requires clear technical leadership and oversight. Technical management provides direction for engineering decisions, assurance activities and compliance throughout the project lifecycle, helping maintain standards and address risks early. The result is reduced technical rework, stronger engineering assurance and access to experienced decision-making without adding unnecessary project complexity.
Managing duties under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations requires effective coordination of design, risk and stakeholder responsibilities throughout project delivery. CDM management helps ensure risks are identified and addressed early, while supporting compliance with duty-holder obligations and design safety requirements. The result is reduced regulatory exposure, improved site safety and stronger integration of health and safety into project decisions.
Working safely around high and low voltage electrical systems requires a clear understanding of hazards, responsibilities and safe systems of work. Structured HV and LV awareness training helps individuals recognise electrical risks, understand statutory obligations and apply safe working practices within industrial environments. The result is improved workforce safety, reduced electrical incidents and stronger compliance with electrical safety requirements.
Effective operation of automation and OT systems depends on the knowledge and confidence of the people responsible for using, maintaining and supporting them. Targeted training covering industrial automation platforms, OT infrastructure and system operation helps operators, engineers and maintenance teams develop practical skills relevant to their role. The result is stronger in-house capability, reduced reliance on external support, improved system uptime and safer system operation.
Maximising asset performance depends on maintenance strategies that reflect asset criticality, operational risk and lifecycle objectives. Asset Performance Management (APM) and Computerised Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) provide a structured approach to planning and managing maintenance activities based on asset condition and business priorities. The result is reduced unplanned downtime, optimised maintenance expenditure, improved asset reliability and more informed lifecycle decision-making.
Reliable and efficient compressed air systems depend on a clear understanding of generation, distribution, storage and control performance. Independent assessment of compressed air infrastructure helps identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reliability and compliance while reducing unnecessary energy consumption. The result is measurable energy savings, improved system resilience and a lower whole-life cost of ownership.
Related expertise: Compressed Air Management
Reliable operation of variable speed drive systems depends on the knowledge and confidence of the people responsible for installing, operating and maintaining them. Engineer-led training combines classroom learning with practical experience covering installation, operation, maintenance and fault finding for VSD and motor systems. The result is stronger in-house capability, reduced downtime, improved reliability and greater confidence in system operation.
Effective control of airborne contaminants depends on ventilation systems that are designed to suit the process, environment and exposure risk. LEV and ventilation design combines contaminant assessment, hood selection, ductwork, filtration, fan sizing, make-up air and airflow analysis to create systems that support both performance and compliance. The result is effective control of airborne contaminants at source, stronger support for COSHH compliance and a documented design basis for commissioning, statutory examination and HSE inspection.
Related expertise: Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) Systems
Effective control of hazardous substances and combustible dusts starts with a clear understanding of exposure and explosion risks. COSHH and DSEAR assessments evaluate exposure levels, control measures, hazardous area classification and equipment requirements, providing a structured basis for ventilation and extraction decisions. The result is a defensible compliance position, targeted investment in the highest-risk areas and clear justification for where explosion-protected equipment is required.
Maintaining effective LEV, HVAC and filtration systems depends on both competent users and a clear understanding of asset condition, compliance and performance. Training helps users, supervisors and maintenance teams understand system operation, checks and record keeping under COSHH, while technical due diligence provides an independent assessment of condition, capacity and remaining asset life. The result is improved system performance between statutory examinations, stronger compliance with COSHH requirements and better-informed decisions on upgrades, acquisitions and future investment.
Related expertise: Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) Systems