We’re delighted to have won the HSBC Innovation Award in recognition of our innovative engineering work in the field of RAAC repair!

The award may have been for our work in RAAC repair, but it reflects something that’s part of our day-to-day approach as engineers:

  • Understanding the problem properly and working out the best way to solve it.
innovation in structural engineering

What Innovation Means to Us

Innovation in structural engineering isn’t about reinventing proven principles or creating complexity where it isn’t needed. It’s about understanding how structures behave, understanding the problem in front of you, and applying sound engineering judgement to find the best solution.

Whilst codes and standards are essential, engineering is about more than simply following standard details. Every building, project and constraint is different, and sometimes the most effective solution comes from challenging assumptions and looking at the problem from a different angle.

For our clients, that often means solutions that are simpler to construct, more cost-effective, less disruptive and easier to deliver on site, whilst remaining safe and fully compliant.

The best engineering solution isn’t always the most complex. More often than not, it’s the one that achieves the required outcome in the simplest, most practical and most efficient way.

A Different Approach to RAAC Repair

Our work on RAAC repair is a good example of that thinking.

By challenging conventional assumptions and applying sound engineering principles, we’ve helped develop practical repair solutions that can provide an alternative to wholesale replacement in appropriate circumstances.

The result is an approach that can reduce disruption, minimise waste and deliver significant cost savings, whilst maintaining the safety and performance that clients rightly expect.

hsbc growth awards


sara davies


structural engineering innovation

Winning the HSBC Innovation Award is fantastic recognition for our team and the way we approach structural engineering. We’d like to thank Sara Davies, MBE HSBC and the Federation of Small Businesses for hosting the awards and congratulate all the other finalists and winners.

As engineers, we’ll continue doing what we’ve always done: solving problems, challenging assumptions and looking for better ways to do things – a fantastic evening!

To read more about the evening, click here

raac repair

We were incredibly proud to celebrate our Managing Director, John Staves, receiving the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award 2026 from the Institution of Structural Engineers.

The Lifetime achievement award recognised individuals who had made an exceptional contribution to the structural engineering profession throughout their career and represented one of the Institution’s highest honours.

John was formally recognised at the Institution’s annual People and Papers Awards ceremony on Friday 15 May 2026 at the iconic 10–11 Carlton House Terrace in London.

Celebrating the People, Ideas and Innovations Shaping the Future of Structural Engineering

Hosted by 2026 IStructE President Brian Uy and Chief Executive Yasmin Becker, the event celebrated the people, ideas and innovations shaping the future of structural engineering, alongside outstanding contributions to research and technical knowledge.

Over the course of his career, John established a reputation for technical excellence, practical problem-solving and an unwavering commitment to the engineering profession. Through his leadership at Michael Aubrey Structural Engineers, he played a significant role in delivering complex structural engineering projects, mentoring engineers within the industry and driving innovation across the sector.

Those who worked with John knew not only his exceptional engineering knowledge, but also his approachable nature, integrity and willingness to support colleagues and clients alike.

people and papers award

The award reflected the enormous respect John earned throughout the profession over many years and was a fitting recognition of his contribution to structural engineering.

Everyone at Michael Aubrey Structural Engineers was delighted to see John receive this well-deserved honour and it was a proud moment for the entire team.

Congratulations John on an exceptional achievement!

RAAC Repair

Winning the Innovation Award at the HSBC / FSB Small Business Growth Awards last night was a proud moment for our team but more importantly, it reflects the growing need to solve a very real and pressing challenge across the UK: RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete).

RAAC has become a significant concern in many buildings, raising questions around safety, disruption, and cost. Traditional approaches often lean towards extensive intervention or even demolition. But in live environments, schools, hospitals, and commercial buildings, that’s rarely practical.

Our focus has been different.

Rather than removing the problem entirely, we’ve developed an in-situ RAAC repair solution using FRP (Fibre Reinforced Polymer). This approach allows structures to be strengthened without demolition, reducing both cost and disruption while keeping buildings operational.


RAAC solution



awards hotel


This is where innovation matters most, not in theory, but in application. It’s about taking a complex structural issue and finding a way to make it workable in the real world, on real projects, with real constraints.

The success of this solution is down to the team behind it. It’s taken a combination of technical expertise, creative thinking, and persistence to bring it from concept to practical use on site.

Recognition from HSBC and the Federation of Small Businesses is hugely appreciated but the real reward is seeing this approach being used to make buildings safer, more efficiently.

As RAAC continues to present challenges, the industry needs solutions that are not just innovative but deliverable.

When thousands of UK buildings were found to contain a dangerous material, demolition was widely seen as the only answer, we believed there had to be a better solution.

This year, Michael Aubrey Structural Engineers was named Berkshire’s Construction & Engineering Company of the Year 2025 at the UK Business Awards for Berkshire and also received the Award of Excellence for Structural Engineering Services.

The recognition reflects not only our technical expertise but also our commitment to solving the UK’s toughest structural challenges in ways that protect people, places, and budgets.

One of the key reasons for our recognition is our Structural Detective™ methodology a proactive, approach to uncovering hidden structural issues before they become critical.

This means spotting:

  • Movement or subsidence
  • Historical alterations that weaken a structure
  • Environmental damage
  • Material degradation

By combining site investigation, diagnostics, and decades of engineering judgment, we give asset managers, developers, and public bodies the clarity they need to protect buildings and lives long before disaster strikes.

Award for RAAC Engineering John Staves


“We don’t just respond to failure we help clients understand the warning signs and avoid future risk,” says 

John Staves CEng FIStructE, Managing Director


The Problem That Needed a New Solution

Our approach to problem-solving was put to the test with Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) a material now known to pose serious safety risks in thousands of UK schools, hospitals, housing blocks, and public buildings.

While the usual fix has been demolition and costly rebuilds, we believed there had to be a better way.

RAAC Fix

John led the engineering design of the UK’s first in-situ structural repair solution for RAAC.

Instead of tearing down essential buildings, we engineered a solution to strengthen RAAC planks

This repair is:

  • Non-intrusive – no need to close or demolish the building
  • Cost-effective – saving millions in public money
  • Proven – independently verified, structurally certified, and already in use

As John explains:

“At a time when the UK is facing major infrastructure challenges, we’re proud to be delivering practical, innovative, and permanent solutions that protect both people and places.”

A Visit from Clive Jones MP

Our RAAC work has also caught the attention of local leaders.

clive jones MP

Image credit: Wokingham Today

Recently, we welcomed Clive Jones MP to our offices, where we shared our award-winning repair solution.

Clive was particularly interested in how our in-situ CFRP method avoids demolition, keeps essential buildings in use, and saves millions in public funds, all while ensuring safety.

He asked thoughtful questions about the technical process, the scale of the RAAC issue across the UK, and how innovation like this can support government priorities on infrastructure and sustainability.

John staves and Clive jones MP


We were encouraged by his offer to help raise awareness of our approach within government, showing that practical, cost-effective solutions to RAAC are not only possible but already here.


Why This Matters for the UK’s Built Environment

With over 30 years in the industry, we’ve learned three guiding principles:

  1. Preserve wherever possible
  2. Engineer with clarity
  3. Deliver with integrity

Whether it’s RAAC remediation, structural assessments, or advanced investigations, our approach is always about innovation without disruption.

As the UK’s infrastructure continues to age, we’re proving that engineering can be both technically brilliant and people-focused solving problems in ways that create safety, sustainability, and value for the long term.

About Michael Aubrey Structural Engineers
Founded over 30 years ago, Michael Aubrey Structural Engineers is a UK-based consultancy specialising in complex structural challenges. We work with commercial clients, developers, education trusts, public bodies, and asset managers across the UK, delivering solutions with integrity, clarity, and innovation.

Need structural advice? Call us on 0118 962 9666


Clients, referrers, suppliers and friends of Michael Aubrey Structural Engineers and Create Home Design enjoyed a relaxing Friday evening exploring the picturesque River Thames.

Boarding from the Caversham pier, Reading our private charter, the Caversham Princess departed just after 6pm.



We were incredibly lucky with the weather – a beautiful warm summers evening ahead of us.

After enjoying welcome drinks, team members mingled with clients, referrers, suppliers and friends – some of which we had never met face to face!

The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the scrumptious “street food” BBQ, featuring delectable burgers and veggie kababs, complemented by two mouthwatering salads. To top it off, we savoured a delightful dessert spread, including a raspberry roulade and a lemon tart.


As we meandered up the River Thames, we enjoyed some of the most unspoilt reaches of the upper Thames, passing the pretty village of Purley on Thames and Mapledurham House.

Pausing for a moment as we navigated through Mapledurham lock, just as the sun was setting.





On return to Reading John and Carly thanked everyone for attending the event. The riverboat cruise was an extra special occasion celebrating the creation of Michael Aubrey Barrow – bringing Structural Engineering and Architecture together under one roof – a true collaboration of similar minds!

John also expressed appreciation to Julie and Leigh-Ann whose contributions ensured the event’s success and safety.

Thank You

Some lovely words of thanks from our Clients ….

“Just want to say thank you very much for a great evening on Friday – perfect weather, delicious food and a thoroughly enjoyable experience”.

“Just a little note to say thank you to you and all at Michael Aubrey Barrow for organising a great evening on the river cruise yesterday”.

“Thank you so much for inviting me to your event. It was a delightful evening meeting some old friends and delicious food. It was brilliantly organised Julie I know how much effort goes in to these things. It was good to learn of your new enhanced organisation which I personally believe is the right strategic move and fills an important gap. Thanks again for your continued support on the development”.

The Caversham Princess


The Caversham Princess was commissioned for Thames Rivercruise as the flagship of the Upper Thames. A luxurious twin deck passenger vessel, ideal for larger parties and private charter. For more details click here.