GRM was founded by Dr Bill Peacock and Chris Jerram in 1991.

Both had an unhealthy interest in collecting fossils and minerals from an early age, and subsequently studied Geology at University. Bill went on to obtain both an MSc and a PhD, specialising in engineering geology and site investigation, whilst Chris specialised in mining.

They started working as engineering geology specialists, sharing contracts from various large engineering companies and ground investigation consultants. In 1991, with a belief that they could provide a better more client focused service and a desire for a better work-life balance, Chris and Bill decided to go alone and established Ground Risk Management. What follows is a summary of their journey over the past 30 years, and that of GRM:

1991: Ground Risk Management is formed.

1995: Becomes a limited company, working directly with developers as well as for other consultants.

1996: Customer requests to provide an extended portfolio of services leads to the addition of structural engineering and detailed foundation design services.

2001: Additional in-house services are boosted by the recruitment of a dedicated environmental scientist and the development of a suite of environmental services.

2002: Foundation & Construction Inspection Services commence.

2004: Further expansion in services with the commencement of remediation solutions and the establishment of a CAD design team.

2007: Ground Risk Management changes its name to GRM Development Solutions to better reflect the end to end services on offer to developers and landowners.

2008: The business outgrows its offices at the old National Coal Board Technical Research Centre in Bretby, South Derbyshire. Purchases Laurus House in Burton, East Staffordshire, and relocates all staff and services.

2009: With the unexpected and unwelcomed arrival of ‘Le Crunch du Credit’, the whole sector is impacted and GRM develops its own business recovery plan.

2012: The recovery continues and GRM thrives. Customer services are strengthened through training, R&D, and the recruitment of new specialist staff.

2014 – 2016: Two new Directors (Geoff Beckett and Richard Upton) and a Company Secretary (Mandy Bryant) supplement the GRM Board.

2018: Staff numbers continue to grow. Chris retires but remains on the Board. Bill is appointed Managing Director.

2019: GRM reaches £4.5M turnover despite the sector slowdown due to BREXIT uncertainty.

2020: Another unwelcome arrival in the form of Covid-19. GRM was well-placed to overcome the impact and continued to deliver services and solutions for developers and landowners.

2022: GRM proudly announce reaching the 10,000 project milestone! Bill can still remember the first one, way back in 1991! The Directors discussed this milestone and shared their favourite memories in a post: GRM Reaches 10,000 Project Milestone

2023: Recruitment of additional team members including four graduates to support increase in workload and new client projects.

2024: Directors Geoff Beckett and Richard Upton purchase majority share in GRM and take responsibility for day to day running of the business.