SHW continues to scale its South East platform with the integration of Surrey and Sussex-based building consultancy practice AKD Consulting Ltd. A move that further enhances its technical depth and regional coverage, reflecting its continued growth with Lambert Smith Hampton as its strategic partner.
The integration reflects SHW’s focused growth strategy across London and the South East, combining high-quality specialist expertise with the strength and reach of a wider advisory network.
AKD Consulting, established for over 25 years, is led by highly respected building surveyor and chartered arbitrator Kevin Woudman, former Chairman of the RICS Resolution UK World Region Professional Group Board. Kevin joins SHW as a Consultant Building Surveyor, bringing a strong reputation across London, Sussex, Kent and Surrey, together with longstanding client relationships.
Russell Markham, SHW Managing Partner, said: “Kevin is a highly regarded and trusted adviser across the South East, particularly among legal firms seeking expertise in dilapidations, expert witness and arbitration matters. His integration into SHW enhances our building consultancy capability and strengthens our presence in key regional markets. At the same time, his clients will now benefit from access to our broader multidisciplinary advisory platform and the additional scale and reach that our partnership with LSH provides.”
Kevin has been instrumental in shaping best practice in dilapidations, contributing to changes in procedures, law and RICS standards. He sits on the RICS Panel of Independent Experts determining leasehold dilapidations disputes and was co-author of both the 5th and 6th Editions of the Dilapidations Guidance Note, and the principal author of the RICS Practice Statement on Independent Expert Determination.
The integration marks another step in SHW’s expansion journey since formalising LSH as its strategic partner, which has enabled the firm to accelerate growth across service lines and geographies while maintaining its strong regional identity.
Russell added: “Since joining the LSH Group, we’ve seen tangible benefits in collaboration, market reach and client opportunity. Our focus is on targeted, high-quality growth, strengthening specialist teams while ensuring clients have access to deeper resource, broader insight and enhanced national connectivity. Integrating AKD Consulting is a natural progression of that strategy.”
The move follows SHW’s merger with Karrisons Property earlier this year and continued office expansion across Surrey, reinforcing its commitment to long-term investment in the South East market.