Engineering Support Practice Ltd was established by Ben W. Hornigold in 2002. He previously served as Chief Engineer to the King’s Lynn Consortium of Internal Drainage Boards, now part of the Water Management Alliance.

Before joining the Consortium, Ben worked with the Great Ouse River Authority as Assistant District Engineer and operations lead at its King’s Lynn office. He was responsible for capital works on the Great Ouse tidal river from Denver to the outfall into the Wash.

Ben was in post during the extreme tidal flood event of 1978. Following that event, he was involved in the design and installation of all sea defence reinstatements from King’s Lynn to Hunstanton. This direct experience of tidal river operations and coastal defences complements his extensive knowledge of Fenland drainage.

From 1986, Ben managed approximately 100,000 hectares of drainage catchment, 3,500 kilometres of watercourses and 43 pumping stations. His role included major capital projects and the appointment and management of external consulting engineers.

As ESP’s Principal Engineer, Ben carried that operational and technical experience into consultancy work. Now serving as a consultant, he continues to make his specialist knowledge available through ESP.