Meet the Team
We are a medium sized civil and structural engineering practice based in the attractive market town of Hexham, Northumberland. Despite our rural location we are working on significant civil and structural projects across the UK and the rest of the world.
Brian Bell
Director
BEng, CENG, FICE, FIQ, CMaPS, FConsE
Brian set up the practice in 1998. He is Practice Director with 30 years of experience in project management, design team management and practical design. He has wide technical experience which he keeps fresh by continuing to work on projects whilst taking overall responsibility for the practice. He has particular expertise in structural dynamics and acts for clients as an expert witness. Brian is also Chair of the Industrial Advisory Panel at Newcastle University.
Colin Gould
Senior Technician
MICE, EngTech
Colin is a Civil, Structural & Petrochemical Technician with worldwide experience. Prior to joining the practice in 2005 he spent 35 years working for a variety of internationally respected companies in locations as diverse as New Zealand, Australia and Ireland. Colin is responsible for managing our AutoCAD and modelling documentation records of generated design deliverables and ensuring that the technical and BIM standards of the practice are met. His engineering software knowledge is extensive.
Jamie Harris
Revit Technician
BSc
Jamie is an Engineering Technician at BT Bell Consulting Engineers, specialising in digital engineering and BIM workflows. He plays a key role in developing innovative tools and automation solutions that improve efficiency, enhance model quality, and streamline engineering processes.
By combining technical engineering knowledge with programming skills, Jamie is helping to modernise design workflows, reduce repetitive tasks, and enable the team to deliver projects more effectively. His work supports the continual development of the company's digital capabilities, ensuring engineers can focus more of their time on delivering high-quality engineering solutions.
Martin Bell
Director
MEng (Hons), CEng, MICE, FGS, FIQ
Martin is a Director of BT Bell Consulting Engineers and a Chartered Civil Engineer with over 14 years' experience delivering complex civil and structural engineering projects. He leads the strategic direction of the business, overseeing project delivery, technical excellence, and the continued development of the company's engineering team and digital capabilities.
Martin has successfully led the delivery of major infrastructure projects including nationally significant transmission projects for National Grid and SSEN.
Alongside his project work, Martin is passionate about developing the next generation of engineers. He is an ICE Supervising Civil Engineer, an ICE Professional Reviewer, and a member of Newcastle University's Civil Engineering Industrial Advisory Panel.
Valerie Bell
Secretary
Valerie is the Company Secretary and Office Manager at BT Bell Consulting Engineers, overseeing the day-to-day administration and operational functions that keep the business running efficiently. She plays a key role in supporting the engineering team, managing office operations, coordinating business processes, and ensuring the smooth delivery of projects from an administrative perspective.
Working closely with clients, suppliers, and the wider team, Valerie is responsible for financial administration, company governance, document control, and the effective management of office systems.
Thomas Clarkson
Chartered Engineer
MEng (Hons) CEng MICE
Thomas is a Chartered Civil Engineer at BT Bell Consulting Engineers, having joined the company in 2020 after graduating from Newcastle University with a degree in Civil Engineering. He has extensive experience in the design of structural steel buildings and infrastructure, delivering practical and efficient engineering solutions across the power, industrial, and commercial sectors.
Thomas plays a key role in the delivery of projects for National Grid, SSEN, and a range of commercial clients, undertaking the structural design of buildings and associated infrastructure using Tekla Structural Designer and other industry-standard software. As a Chartered Engineer, he combines strong technical expertise with a collaborative approach, delivering high-quality designs that meet client requirements, industry standards, and engineering best practice.
Stephen Ward
Senior Engineer
BSc, MICE
Stephen is good at managing complex projects and has extensive expertise in all aspects of civil and structural design. Previously he worked for over a decade as an associate for a large national engineering consultancy. Stephen is fully versed in the Construction Design Management Regulations 2015 and he works across the practice to ensure project compliance. Stephen has won awards for his ability to manage and execute all stages of the design brief. Clients value his input.
Courtney Charters
Civil and Structural Engineer
MEng (Hons) GMICE
Courtney is a Civil & Structural Engineer at BT Bell Consulting Engineers, having graduated from Newcastle University with a degree in Civil and Structural Engineering. She works across a variety of civil and structural projects, applying her technical knowledge to develop practical, efficient, and buildable engineering solutions.
Since joining the team, Courtney has gained experience in the design and coordination of projects across the infrastructure and energy sectors, working closely with senior engineers to deliver high-quality designs that meet client requirements and industry standards. Her analytical approach, attention to detail, and commitment to professional development make her a valued member of the engineering team.
Anna Bowden
Apprentice Engineer
Anna is a Civil Engineering Degree Apprentice at BT Bell Consulting Engineers and is currently studying for her Civil Engineering degree at Teesside University. Combining academic study with hands-on industry experience, she is developing a strong foundation in civil and structural engineering through involvement in a wide range of live projects.
Working alongside experienced engineers, Anna is gaining practical knowledge in design, technical detailing, and engineering best practice while developing her understanding of industry standards and modern engineering software. Her apprenticeship enables her to apply the theory learned at university directly to real-world engineering challenges, supporting her progression towards becoming a professionally qualified engineer.