Premise - Comprehensive Analysis Report

Summary

Premise is a full-service multidisciplinary consultancy based in Australia, specializing in engineering and design solutions across a diverse range of disciplines. Established over 40 years ago, the company was strategically formed to offer high-level expertise and personalized attention to its clients. Premise's mission is to deliver unparalleled leading-edge knowledge and solutions with a local, regional, and personalized touch, consistently striving to exceed client expectations. The company maintains a strong commitment to creating lasting value for its employees, clients, and communities, guided by responsible and sustainable business practices and a focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues. Premise's vision is to lead the creation of valued places, communities, and environments. As of July 2025, Premise is part of Amey, a UK-based leader in full lifecycle engineering, operations, and decarbonization solutions, marking Amey's strategic expansion into the Australian and New Zealand markets.

1. Strategic Focus & Objectives

Core Objectives

Premise's core objectives revolve around delivering innovative, data-driven solutions for complex infrastructure and environmental challenges. The company aims to provide practical, tailored engineering and design solutions, emphasizing a proactive, solutions-oriented approach, strong collaboration, transparent communication, and the cultivation of long-term client partnerships.

Specialization Areas

The company specializes in four key sectors:
Built Environment: Encompassing urban development and community infrastructure.
Water: Expertise in water supply, wastewater management, and hydraulic modeling.
Environmental & Renewables: Focused on ecological surveys, environmental impact assessments, biodiversity management, and sustainable energy solutions.
Transport: Delivering solutions for diverse transport infrastructure projects.

Premise's unique value proposition stems from its multidisciplinary expertise in civil, structural, water, and wastewater design, environmental science, planning, surveying, project management, and agricultural support. This integrated approach allows for comprehensive 'end-to-end' services from pre-feasibility to project completion, aiming to mitigate risks and maximize returns for clients.

Target Markets

Premise primarily targets public agencies and private developers across Australia and the Asia Pacific region. The company's strategy focuses on delivering locally informed, sustainable infrastructure and community development, with a strong regional footprint and ties to local communities.

2. Financial Overview

Funding History

Premise became part of the Amey Group, a UK-based infrastructure services company, through an acquisition that was completed on July 21, 2025. This strategic acquisition was a significant move for Amey as it re-entered the Australian and New Zealand markets, combining Amey's global scale and technical depth with Premise's local expertise. Specific financial details regarding the acquisition value or Premise Australia's standalone revenue are not publicly available.

3. Product Pipeline

Key Products/Services

Premise is engaged in a variety of engineering and development projects, moving from concept designs into detailed reference designs, assisting with technical review panels, developing hydraulic models, and securing necessary planning and environmental approvals.

Shipping Port Design:
Description: Preliminary and detailed design for a $AUD300 million shipping port project on an island. This included geotechnical investigations, shipping channel design, dredging, wharf structures, causeway, ship loaders, conveyors, bulk fuel storage and delivery, water supply, power generation, and distribution.
Development Stage: Completed preliminary and detailed design, tendering phase, cost estimates, reporting, and technical specifications.
Target Market/Condition: Large-scale marine infrastructure development.

Dam and Pipeline Development:
Description: Project management and development of a dam and pipeline, including resolving design issues, assisting in water sales development, hydraulic modeling, concept design of three pump stations and approximately 126km of pipeline.
Development Stage: Involved obtaining planning and environmental approvals, cultural heritage management plans, preliminary cost estimations, developing specifications for tendering, assessing tenders, and construction management.
Target Market/Condition: Water infrastructure and resource management.

Council Site Arrangement Modification:
Description: Modification of a council's proposed site arrangement to relocate critical infrastructure away from flood-prone areas, ensuring the project remained within budget.
Development Stage: Implemented and completed.
Target Market/Condition: Flood mitigation and urban planning for local government.

Bathurst Water Harvesting System ($10 Million):
Description: Conceptual design, approvals, water security and hydraulic modeling, and detailed engineering design and documentation for a water harvesting and recycling scheme. This drought response project incorporates pump stations, rising mains, a treatment system, and ponds to harvest water from the Macquarie River.
Development Stage: From conceptual design through to detailed engineering documentation.
Target Market/Condition: Regional water security and drought resilience for local government.

4. Technology & Innovation

Technology Stack

Premise's technological and innovative approach is characterized by its multidisciplinary expertise and integrated service delivery, rather than reliance on single proprietary technologies. The company leverages its team of civil, structural, water and wastewater, environmental, transport, infrastructure, resources, health and education, electrical engineers, project managers, environmental scientists, planners, and surveyors.

Proprietary Developments

While not relying on singular proprietary technologies, Premise demonstrates innovation through:
Integrated 'End-to-End' Services: Offering comprehensive solutions from pre-feasibility to project completion for resource, energy, and environmental clients to mitigate risks and maximize returns.
Specialized Methodologies for Environmental Management: Including ecological surveys, environmental impact assessments, biodiversity management strategies, and compliance monitoring in line with government requirements.
Advanced Environmental Monitoring: Employing engineers and scientists for precise sampling and assessment, engaging NATA-accredited laboratories for monitoring, and expertise in designing and implementing environmental monitoring and management systems, including contaminated site investigations.
Cultural Heritage Management: Providing comprehensive services and advice for both Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal Heritage management, ensuring compliance with relevant policies.
Water and Wastewater Consulting: Specialized expertise in surface water and flood analysis, wastewater collection, treatment & recycling, and water treatment & distribution.

These integrated capabilities are now further enhanced by the Amey Group's technical and digital capabilities.

5. Leadership & Management

Executive Team

Duane Gibson, Managing Director
Professional Background: Chartered Civil Engineer and business leader. Served on the Premise Board for over 10 years before his appointment as MD in 2022.
Notable Achievements: Spearheaded Premise's growth through organic expansion and strategic company acquisitions.
Key Contributions: Focuses on expanding Premise across Australia and Asia Pacific, with an emphasis on Green Urban Development and critical infrastructure delivery.
LinkedIn Profile: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/duane-gibson-52b0a685](https://www.linkedin.com/in/duane-gibson-52b0a685)

Matthew Hill, Chief Operations Officer
Professional Background: Accomplished executive leader and project management specialist with over 30 years of experience in operational leadership for multidisciplinary national and international consultancies.
Notable Achievements: Experience delivering high-value infrastructure projects with budgets exceeding $1 billion.
Key Contributions: Leads business and project planning, approvals, design, construction, risk management, governance, and commercial decision-making.
LinkedIn Profile: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-hill-a0061226/?originalSubdomain=au](https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-hill-a0061226/?originalSubdomain=au)

Jill Green, Chief People Officer
Professional Background: Results-driven professional focused on fostering culture for business growth and employee engagement. Strong track record in delivering projects focused on strategy, operations, and human capital.
Notable Achievements: Successfully managed the integration of multiple businesses, merging cultures for alignment.
Key Contributions: Skilled in building stakeholder relationships and leading people-focused initiatives.
LinkedIn Profile: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-green-b86a0b168](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-green-b86a0b168)

Recent Leadership Changes

Duane Gibson was appointed Managing Director in 2022, following over a decade of service as a Director on the Premise Board.

6. Talent and Growth Indicators

Hiring Trends and Workforce

Premise employs approximately 250 employees and contractors. Historically, the company has fostered an energetic culture, valuing diverse skills and experience to achieve improved outcomes in both public and private sectors. The company prides itself on developing strong, enduring relationships with clients and staff. The recent acquisition by Amey is expected to accelerate growth and support jobs, providing access to a broader global network while maintaining local expertise.

Company size and expansion metrics

Premise operates from offices in Brisbane (Head Office), Gladstone, Rockhampton, Mackay, Townsville, and Sunshine Coast in Queensland, and Oran Park (Western Sydney), Dubbo, Orange, Albury, Wagga Wagga and Goulburn in New South Wales, as well as Perth, Papua New Guinea and Vietnam. The company's growth trajectory includes organic expansion and strategic acquisitions, such as KCTT and Southern Cross Consulting Surveyors, which have strengthened its core technical offerings and expanded its geographical footprint.

7. Social Media Presence and Engagement

Digital Footprint

Premise maintains an active social media presence, notably on LinkedIn. Its digital messaging emphasizes its role as a full-service multidisciplinary consultancy, its commitment to tailored solutions, client satisfaction, and its extensive regional footprint. Premise highlights its expertise across key sectors and showcases project successes, reinforcing its philosophy of "creating greater places for our clients, for ourselves, and for our world." The company also promotes its commitment to ESG issues and safety. Community engagement is a key aspect of its digital strategy, reflecting its strong ties with local communities where it operates.

8. Recognition and Awards

Industry Recognition

Premise has a proven track record in providing leading environmental and engineering services, demonstrated by its consistent involvement in significant development projects for various levels of government and corporate sectors. The company operates under a certified and regularly audited quality assurance system, and its health and safety systems adhere to best practice requirements. While specific recent awards or rankings are not publicly detailed, its continuous engagement in critical infrastructure projects and adherence to high operational standards reflect its industry standing.

9. Competitive Analysis

Major Competitors

Premise operates within Australia's competitive multidisciplinary engineering, environmental science, planning, surveying, and project management consultancy services market. Key competitors include other established engineering consulting firms and professional services providers that offer similar integrated solutions across built environment, water, environmental, and transport sectors.

Aurecon: A global design, engineering, and advisory company offering integrated solutions throughout the asset lifecycle, specializing in infrastructure and industrial engineering.
WSP: A global engineering professional services firm.
Arup: A prominent global firm excelling in urban development and innovative design, contributing to key infrastructure projects across Australia.
SMEC: An engineering and management consultancy firm with extensive experience in developing highway, rail, aviation, and renewable energy projects globally and in Australia.
AECOM: An infrastructure consulting company focused on energy, water, healthcare, national governments, and transportation sectors, offering comprehensive engineering, architecture and design, construction management, program management, and environmental services.
GHD: A strong global professional services company operating in the markets of water, energy and resources, environment, property and buildings, and transportation.
Tetra Tech: A provider of consulting and engineering services with expertise in geotechnical, environmental, and project management, involved in various projects across Australia and New Zealand.

10. Market Analysis

Market Overview

Premise operates within Australia's engineering and consulting services market, which is undergoing significant shifts driven by global economic changes. The sectors of Renewables and Built Environment are experiencing substantial growth due to a pressing need to address contemporary challenges such as climate change and urban development. The Transport and Water sectors also face increasing demands, necessitating innovative solutions and advanced professional insights. Australia's economy is showing signs of accelerating growth with improved consumer and business confidence, particularly in 2025 and 2026, creating a favorable environment for infrastructure and development projects. The broader consulting services (B2B) industry benefits from a diverse range of specialized needs across public and private sectors.

Growth Potential

The market presents significant growth potential, particularly in renewable energy, critical infrastructure, and green urban development. The acquisition by Amey positions Premise to capitalize on opportunities in enhanced digital and technical capabilities, especially in full lifecycle engineering and decarbonization solutions.

Key Market Trends

Digital Transformation and AI Integration: Increasing adoption of digital technologies and AI for asset performance and operational efficiency.
Sustainability and Decarbonization: A strong emphasis on sustainable practices and decarbonization solutions across all infrastructure projects.
Regional Growth and Community Focus: Continued investment in regional development and locally informed solutions, aligning with Premise's existing strengths.
Increasing Demand in Key Sectors: Robust demand in Built Environment, Water, Environmental & Renewables, and Transport sectors.

Market Challenges and Opportunities

Challenges include navigating economic uncertainties and evolving regulatory landscapes. However, opportunities abound in delivering innovative, sustainable, and technologically advanced solutions for infrastructure and environmental projects, especially with access to Amey's global resources and expertise. There is also a strategic opportunity for Australian firms to deepen economic engagement with Southeast Asia, a region projected for strong economic growth.

11. Strategic Partnerships

Amey Acquisition

Partner Organization: Amey, a UK-based leader in full lifecycle engineering, operations, and decarbonization solutions.
Nature of Partnership: Amey acquired Premise on July 21, 2025, marking its strategic re-entry and expansion into the Australian and New Zealand markets.
Strategic Benefits: This partnership combines Amey's scale, technical depth, and digital capabilities with Premise's deep local expertise and strong regional ties. It enhances Premise's capacity to deliver innovative, data-driven solutions for complex infrastructure and environmental challenges across Australia and beyond.
Collaborative Achievements: The partnership is set to accelerate regional investment, widen opportunities, and deliver greater value through whole-of-life, digitally enabled infrastructure solutions.

Historical Mergers and Acquisitions

Premise has a history of strategic aggregations and acquisitions that have expanded its capabilities and geographical footprint:
Geolyse: Acquired (formed in Dubbo in 1989), adding engineering, town planning, surveying, and architectural services, with offices in Orange and Oran Park.
KCTT: Merged or acquired (operating since 2011), a civil and traffic engineering consultancy in Perth, WA, strengthening Premise's core technical offering and expanding its presence in new markets.
Southern Cross Consulting Surveyors: Merged (founded in 1920 in Goulburn, NSW), known for urban development services, enabling Premise to expand its services in regional NSW.
* Founding Firms: The company's history traces back to the establishment of ETS Architecture & Engineering in 1975, FSA Consulting in 1995, UDP Group in 2004, and O2Environment & Engineering (later O2Group) in 2009. These