A NEWCASTLE-based construction engineering company is continuing to defy the gloomy building market after picking up a string of contract wins.

3e Consulting Engineering, which is based in Barrack Road and also operates from premises in Wakefield, has grown strongly over the last six years and increased its workforce from three to 21.

The firm, which was founded in 2004, has a turnover of £3m and is currently working on a number of projects, including work on the regeneration of Newcastle’s West End, where it is helping to build the first 360 of 2,000 new homes.

3e is also helping to transform a building in Walker, Newcastle, into an engineering apprenticeship college as part of a joint venture between Newcastle College and Shepherd Offshore.

This contract was originally headed up by Newcastle-based Whelan Construction, before the firm went into administration in July.

3e has also become a key partner in the groundwork preparation and remediation for the redevelopment of the former Neptune shipyard for Shepherd Offshore, which forms the latest phase in the creation of the Neptune Energy Park in Newcastle.

And it has completed the first building for Clipper Windpower towards the end of last year and has also secured the contract to deliver services for the Bridon rope-making facility at the site.

3e director John Myers said: “We are delighted with the growth and success we’ve achieved both since we set up and especially during the last two years as they have undoubtedly been challenging.

“This growth is in stark contrast to many of our competitors. I put our success down to the quality of our staff and the excellent relationships we have with clients, which leads to a lot of repeat business and recommendation.

“Our determination to increase efficiency and stick together as a business through hard times also has a lot to do with it.

“I’ve always said we are engineers running a business, not accountants, and if you look after your clients and your staff, the rest will come. We have a great bunch of people at 3e, many of whom are youngsters on their chosen career paths and all of whom have the same ethic, so we are looking forward to further growth and success.”

Recent projects delivered by 3e include The Northern Design Centre at the Baltic Business Centre, the extra care and retail scheme at Newcastle Great Park and the new exhibition hall and lorry park at the Harrogate International Exhibition and Conference Centre.