Nick Roberts: A Visionary Leader in the Construction and Engineering Industry
Nick Roberts is a prominent figure in the construction and engineering sector, recognised for his strategic vision and transformative leadership. Having held key positions in some of the most respected organisations, including Travis Perkins plc and Atkins, Roberts has made significant contributions to reshaping the industry. With a career spanning over 25 years, his work has focused on modernising the sector, driving digital innovation, and fostering industry collaboration to support sustainable growth in the built environment.
In this article, we will explore Nick Roberts’ career journey, leadership style, and his lasting impact on the construction and engineering industries. We will also delve into his education, his role at Travis Perkins, and his vision for the future of the construction industry.
Early Life and Education
Nick Roberts’ career in the construction and engineering sector was built on a strong foundation of education. He studied Geology at the University of Reading, where he obtained his Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree. Following this, he pursued a Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree in Environmental Impact Assessment at Aberystwyth University. This education set the stage for his long and successful career, equipping him with both the technical and environmental expertise necessary for a leadership role in the construction and engineering sectors.
Early Career: Laying the Foundations
Nick Roberts began his professional journey in the early 1990s, working as a Senior Environmental Scientist at Atkins Ltd. His role in the company involved managing and assessing environmental risks for large-scale infrastructure projects. His expertise in environmental impact assessments led to his rapid advancement within the organisation.
From 1999 to 2002, Roberts worked as a Group Leader at Morrow Environmental Consultants Inc. in Vancouver, Canada. In this capacity, he was responsible for overseeing environmental consultancy services across a range of industries. His leadership skills were honed during this time, and he developed a reputation for his ability to drive efficiency and deliver successful outcomes for clients.
Leadership Roles at Atkins
In 2002, Nick Roberts returned to Atkins, where he held a series of senior leadership roles. His first role as Director of the Environment division saw him lead teams in delivering environmental consultancy services for various projects across the UK and Europe. Roberts’ expertise in managing large-scale projects and his ability to foster collaboration among teams quickly caught the attention of senior management.
His career at Atkins continued to flourish. In 2007, he was appointed Managing Director of Rail Systems Consultancy, where he played a crucial role in the growth of Atkins’ rail division. Roberts’ leadership in the development of sustainable and innovative solutions in the rail sector further cemented his reputation as a forward-thinking leader.
In 2012, Roberts took on the role of Strategy Director for Atkins in North America. His work in this position focused on long-term strategic planning and tackling complex environmental and social challenges. Roberts’ ability to balance innovation with operational excellence became one of his key strengths, and his work laid the groundwork for Atkins’ continued success in North America.
In 2014, Nick Roberts was appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Atkins in the UK and Europe. During his tenure, he successfully led the company through significant growth, with a focus on diversifying its offerings and expanding into new markets. Roberts played an instrumental role in driving Atkins’ innovation strategy, particularly in the fusion of digital and physical environments.
President of Atkins and Acquisitions
In 2018, Nick Roberts became the President of Atkins, one of the world’s leading design, engineering, and project management consultancies. In this global role, Roberts oversaw operations across the UK, North America, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, and Europe. His leadership helped Atkins navigate a rapidly changing market landscape, with a focus on digital transformation and adapting to the demands of an increasingly complex global market.
A significant milestone during his tenure as President was the acquisition of Atkins by SNC-Lavalin in 2017. As part of the SNC-Lavalin Group’s Executive Committee, Roberts continued to drive the company’s strategy forward, overseeing innovation and digitalisation efforts across the entire organisation.
Leadership at Travis Perkins plc
In July 2019, Nick Roberts was appointed CEO of Travis Perkins plc, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of building materials and home improvement products. Under Roberts’ leadership, the company focused on reshaping its operations and embracing new business models. Travis Perkins began to prioritise trade customers and develop value-added services to better meet the evolving needs of the construction industry.
One of the key initiatives during Roberts’ time at the helm was the accelerated growth of Toolstation, a leading supplier of tools, accessories, and building materials. Roberts also oversaw the acquisition of Staircraft, a market-leading company that provides integrated stair, floor, and door solutions. This acquisition allowed Travis Perkins to expand its digital capabilities and strengthen its position in the market.
Roberts’ leadership helped Travis Perkins grow its market share across all business segments. His focus on deepening customer relationships and driving digital penetration through an improved branch network led to greater operational efficiency and enhanced customer satisfaction. The company’s specialist merchants, such as Keyline, CCF, BSS, and TF Solutions, made significant strides in elevating their relationships with customers, helping them navigate a rapidly changing industry.
Passion for Modernisation and Sustainable Growth
Throughout his career, Nick Roberts has been passionate about modernising the construction industry. He believes that industry collaboration and a skilled, diverse workforce are essential to unlocking the green growth potential of the built environment. Roberts advocates for sustainable development practices, particularly in addressing the challenges of climate change and resource scarcity.
His vision for the future of construction includes a greater focus on digital technologies and data-driven decision-making. Roberts has been an advocate for the adoption of electric vehicles, such as electric forklift trucks, in the construction industry as part of efforts to reduce carbon emissions. He has also shared his thoughts on the importance of building a diverse workforce and fostering innovation in all sectors of the industry.
Conclusion
Nick Roberts has left an indelible mark on the construction and engineering industries. From his early career as an environmental scientist to his leadership at top companies such as Atkins and Travis Perkins, Roberts has consistently demonstrated a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and modernisation.
His work has had a profound impact on the companies he has led, helping them navigate challenging market conditions and drive growth through strategic acquisitions, digital transformation, and customer-focused initiatives. As the industry continues to evolve, Roberts’ vision for a more sustainable and collaborative future remains an important guiding principle for the construction and engineering sectors.
With over 25 years of experience and a passion for reshaping the built environment, Nick Roberts has undoubtedly earned his place as one of the most influential leaders in the UK’s construction and engineering sectors.
