C R HOUSTON CONSULTING LIMITED

Executive Summary

C R Houston Consulting Limited is a micro-scale engineering consultancy exhibiting steady growth in net assets and working capital, positioning itself as a niche player within Northern Ireland’s engineering consulting sector. While the company benefits from operational flexibility and specialization, its small scale and limited resources constrain its ability to compete with larger established firms amid increasing industry demands for digital capabilities and sustainable solutions. Continued financial prudence and strategic investment will be critical to leverage sector growth opportunities and enhance competitive positioning.

C R HOUSTON CONSULTING LIMITED - Analysis Report

Company Number: NI682182

Analysis Date: 2025-07-20 14:27 UTC

1. Industry Classification
   C R Houston Consulting Limited operates primarily within the "Other engineering activities" (SIC 71129) and "Engineering related scientific and technical consulting activities" (SIC 71122) sectors. These sectors fall under the broader engineering consultancy and technical services industry, which typically involves providing expert advice, design, and support services related to engineering projects across various domains such as civil, mechanical, electrical, and environmental engineering. Key characteristics of this industry include a high reliance on specialized technical expertise, project-based revenue streams, and close collaboration with clients in construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure development.

2. Relative Performance
   As a micro or small private limited company (given turnover and asset size under typical thresholds), C R Houston Consulting Limited is in the early growth phase, evidenced by modest net assets of £3,296 as of 30 September 2024, up from £146 the previous year. The company’s working capital position is positive but limited (£3,296 net current assets), indicating tight liquidity typical of small consultancy firms starting to scale operations. Compared to industry benchmarks, top-tier engineering consultancies often report significantly higher revenues, net assets, and employee counts. The company employs only 2 staff members on average, which aligns with the micro/small scale of the business but contrasts with larger firms employing dozens or hundreds of engineers and consultants.

3. Sector Trends Impact
   Engineering consulting is subject to several market dynamics impacting C R Houston Consulting Limited:

• Increasing demand for sustainable and green engineering solutions is driving growth opportunities but also requires firms to invest in new capabilities.
• Digital transformation and adoption of AI and BIM (Building Information Modeling) tools are becoming standard, which may strain small firms with limited capital.
• Post-pandemic recovery and government infrastructure spending in the UK and Northern Ireland may provide growth opportunities for engineering consultancies.
• Competitive pressure from larger firms and multinational consultancies remains intense, especially in securing large projects.
• The shift towards remote and hybrid working models changes consultancy engagement styles and cost structures.

4. Competitive Positioning
   Strengths:

• Niche focus on engineering-related scientific and technical consulting may allow specialization and tailored client service.
• Low overhead and lean staffing help maintain operational flexibility.
• Positive trend in net assets and working capital suggests prudent financial management and gradual business growth.

Weaknesses:

• Very small scale limits ability to compete for large contracts or diversify service offerings relative to established competitors.
• Limited cash reserves and modest debtor balances may constrain investment in technology or talent acquisition needed to keep pace with sector innovations.
• Lack of audit and abridged accounts filing indicate a smaller operational footprint, which may affect credibility in highly competitive bids requiring robust financial transparency.
• Reliance on a single director and low number of employees can pose operational risk and limit scalability.

In summary, C R Houston Consulting Limited is a micro to small player in the engineering consultancy sector, showing early-stage growth with modest financial resources and staffing. The company operates in a technically specialized niche but faces typical challenges of scale, competitive pressure, and the need to adapt to evolving industry trends such as digitalization and sustainability demands.