The CPW Timeline
As an organisation we are extremely proud of our rich history and heritage. CPW has developed a legacy which can only be achieved through a consistent commitment to excellence dating back over 5 decades.
Whilst we remain thought-leaders in our industry and tirelessly push for innovation, some ideas are simply timeless and define who we are today. The timeline we’ll be sharing helps us all to understand where the organisation has come from and what makes CPW such a special firm to be a part of.
We start our story back in 1978, when the organisation was founded by business partners Gordon Perry, Tony Couch and Geoff Wilkes. The group were engineers at a leading firm in Birmingham but had become disillusioned after feeling that they could serve clients better. Geoff Wilkes left after only 6 months to open a chip shop in the south of England, but the name Couch Perry Wilkes had already stuck!
The initial vision of the organisation was to deliver a service built around 3 core pillars. Maintaining a client-focus, a strong work ethic and to achieve engineering excellence.
Couch Perry Wilkes began operations in a small office on Highfield Road in Edgbaston, Birmingham. However, one year later, after experiencing rapid growth the partners moved the short distance to 42 George Road also in Edgbaston.
The business continued to grow, even through the challenging times of the 1981/82 recession. Perhaps, in no small part, a result of the offices being smoking free and a rule preventing drinking at lunchtimes, both far from the industry standard at the time.
The recession of 1993 hit hard but the business showed its resilience and was able to bounce back. By 1997 the original partners recognised the need for fresh impetus and sold their stakes. With the new partners eager to push innovation and help keep the business moving forwards.
After 25 years in the West MIdlands, 2003 saw Couch Perry Wilkes first regional expansion. Venturing into the East Midlands to establish a presence in Nottingham and Leicester. East Anglia soon followed with the opening of the Cambridgeshire offices in Huntingdon.
2018 marked the 40th Birthday of Couch Perry Wilkes. Each office had been celebrating in its own way but in June of that year, the entire company gathered at Umberslade Farm Park for a family-friendly summer celebration with good food and live music. A truly memorable occasion where our UK-wide offices were brought together in festivities. CPW has always valued our culture and we look forward to many more occasions like this.
And now to the end of our timeline, in the present day, but very much the start of an exciting new chapter in our history. In 2021 Couch Perry Wilkes officially became CPW as part of a complete rebranding process. Creating a compelling new brand strategy and stunning visual identity. We believe that CPW are industry leaders, and now we have a brand to match. Providing greater clarity, communicating our purpose and helping to maximise our opportunities in the future.
We hope you have enjoyed reading our CPW history. A story of humble beginnings, ambition, dedication and belief.
A belief in our process, our teams and that our work will continue to positively impact the world. We look forward to the next steps in our CPW journey together.
