Construction Testing Solutions – Our Story
CTS has grown from a single testing laboratory into one of the UK’s leading providers of construction testing, inspection, and consulting services.
Today, we operate across the UK with 495+ specialists, 10+ locations, and a reputation for technical excellence, reliability, and responsive service.
Our journey has been shaped by innovation, steady growth, and acquisitions that strengthened our capabilities – always with one goal: helping clients carry out safer, smarter, more sustainable projects.
At a Glance: How CTS has Grown
What defines our history:
- Independent testing, consultancy, and compliance expertise
- Expansion through both organic growth and strategic acquisitions
- Specialist laboratories covering materials, geotechnical, chemistry, and microbiology
- UK-wide coverage, with fast, friendly service wherever projects are based
- Commitment to quality, accreditation, and technical leadership
Where It Began (1989-2005)
1989
NDT Flexitec is founded in Kent, opening its first materials testing laboratory and laying the foundations for the business we are today.
1990
A new laboratory opens in Wolvey, Leicestershire, expanding into the Midlands and securing NAMAS accreditation.
1994
NDT Flexitec rebrands to Construction & Engineering Testing (CET) Group and opens its first NAMAS-accredited site laboratory.
1999
The acquisition of RM Brown Site Investigations opens the door to subsidence investigation work.
2005
Management buyout by Dunedin marks the next phase of growth.
The Start of CTS (2006-2011)
2006
CET acquires Safehouse UK and rebrands as CET Safehouse. Earthworks Testing Solutions Ltd is founded (the business that later becomes CTS, officially trading from 2007).
2008
CET Safehouse opens a Scotland office focused on materials testing, extending our footprint further north.
2011
Earthworks Testing Solutions becomes Construction Testing Solutions (CTS) Ltd, a name that reflects our expanding capability.
Expanding Capability (2012-2016)
2012
Our Geoenvironmental service launches, bringing experienced consultants and new expertise into the business.
2013
The company rebrands from CET Safehouse to CET Infrastructure (now CTS), signalling broader infrastructure support.
2014
A dedicated chemistry testing laboratory is established, widening our specialist offer.
2015
A new geotechnical laboratory opens in Chesterfield, alongside a Heathrow laboratory, improving access and turnaround for clients.
2016
CET Infrastructure acquires CTS, bringing teams together. Omega Calibration is also acquired, later becoming Calibration Testing Solutions (2019).
Building National Presence (2017-2020)
2017
A new Warrington laboratory opens, alongside expansion in Doncaster, strengthening regional coverage.
2018
Our Structures division launches. CET Scotland and Midlands locations rebrand to CTS. The group is acquired by Palatine PE, supporting further investment and growth.
2019
Esseltest and Enverity are acquired, leading to the opening of the Newark laboratory.
2020
CET Infrastructure consolidates and rebrands as CTS. Card Geotechnics Limited (CGL) joins the group, positioning CTS among the UK’s Top 10 Geoconsultancy firms.
Growing Specialist Services (2021-2022)
CTS acquisitions 2021-2022:
- Nicholls Colton – adding two Leicester sites and an environmental chemistry laboratory.
- Silkstone – bringing minerals and waste management planning and surveying expertise.
- Mason Evans – extending and enhancing our environmental capabilities in Scotland.
- GT Certification – specialising in materials testing and torque and force calibration services.
- Concept Engineering Consultants – adding extensive drilling, coring, and site investigation capability.
- In Situ Site Investigation – introducing award-winning Cone Penetration Testing (CPT) and ground investigation services.
Then in 2022, CTS is acquired by Oakley Capital and joins Phenna Group’s Infrastructure Division, creating new opportunities for collaboration and innovation.
Increasing Our Network (2024-2025)
2024
EK, Penrith, and Warrington laboratories integrate into CTS, further increasing national coverage and materials testing capacity. A new Microbiology laboratory opens, and chemistry facilities are upgraded, supporting broader, more complex testing needs.
2025
A purpose-built Heathrow laboratory opens, expanding capacity across London and the South East and creating new roles. Chris Simmons is also appointed Managing Director, guiding the next chapter of growth.
Looking Ahead
The history of CTS is one of steady growth, trusted partnerships, and investment in people, laboratories, and technology. Today, we continue to focus on:
- Fast turnaround times
- Robust, accredited testing
- Innovation and digital improvement
- Expanding specialist capability
- Supporting clients across every stage of construction and infrastructure delivery
Because better testing means better outcomes – for our clients, communities, and the environment.
