Array of Skills Takes Arup Group’s Global Network In New Directions

Talk to executives at the design firm Arup Group and it won’t be long before they mention the “key speech.” Written by the founder nearly four decades ago, the speech is a road map with unusual influence on the firm’s emergence as a growing global business with a diverse array of design and analysis skills among its 7,000 staff.

With group sales rising 15% last year, “every part is growing,” says Chairman Terry Hill. “What is reassuring is that our core strengths are getting stronger.” Seeking quality and integrity were the first two aims listed in the key speech by Ove Arup, who founded the firm 60 years ago. Making money came only third, notes Hill.