About Us
Spencer Bridge Engineering is a specialist contractor focused exclusively on bridges and complex structures. As part of Spencer Group, we combine the agility of a specialist business with the strength, governance and delivery capability of a wider engineering group.
We are recognised for tackling projects that demand technical depth, meticulous planning and absolute confidence in delivery. Our teams bring together project managers, engineers, planners, designers, and on-site specialists who care deeply about getting things right for our clients, stakeholders, and the communities we serve.
Spencer Bridge Engineering is built on almost four decades of engineering expertise and specialist bridge delivery. As part of the Spencer Group, founded by Charlie Spencer in 1989, we have delivered over 250 bridge projects across the UK, Europe and internationally, earning a reputation for technical excellence, innovation and dependable delivery.
Our history is defined by landmark projects and engineering firsts:
- 1989 – Spencer Group founded by Charlie Spencer.
- 1998 – Delivered the UK’s first retracting footbridge, the Irvine Bridge of Invention.
- 2008 – Patented cable crawler gantry deployed for dehumidification project Forth Road Bridge.
- 2013 – Completed the world’s largest retrofit bridge dehumidification project on Denmark’s Great Belt Bridge.
- 2014 – World’s largest A-frame rocker bearing replacement on the Humber Bridge.
- 2015 – Charlie Spencer awarded an OBE for services to business and the economy.
- 2022 – Refurbished the world’s first and second oldest vehicular suspension bridges.
- 2023 – Spencer Bridge Engineering Ltd launched as the specialist bridge engineering division of Spencer Group.
Today, Spencer Bridge Engineering brings together decades of experience in the inspection, assessment, refurbishment, maintenance and enhancement of critical bridge infrastructure, supporting clients in protecting and extending the life of some of the world’s most important structures.
Our Clients
Leaving a Lasting Legacy
Bridge infrastructure is embedded in the communities it serves, and we recognise our responsibility in protecting it. We engage early, communicate openly and work considerately, ensuring our projects are delivered safely and with lasting benefit for local people and stakeholders.
Whether extending the life of historic bridges, upgrading critical crossings or delivering specialist access solutions, our focus is on safeguarding infrastructure that supports connectivity, resilience and economic vitality, now and for generations to come.
Awards & Accreditations
Holgate Bridge – Historic Bridge Award 2008
York Millenium Bridge Project (Commended) 2000
Menai Suspension Bridge Hanger Replacement Project – Historic Bridge Project of the Year 2025
Connel Bridge New Walkways Project – Heritage & Infrastructure Award 2025
Menai Suspension Bridge Hanger Replacement – Award for New Life 2025
Connel Bridge – Galvanising in Engineering Award 2024
Union Chain Bridge – Historic Bridge Project 2024
Union Chain Bridge – Restoration Project ‘Gold Winner’ 2023
Union Chain Bridge – Community Engagement ‘Silver Winner’ 2023
Menai Suspension Bridge – Health, Safety and Wellbeing Award 2021
Menai Suspension Bridge Footway Replacement – Bridge Management 2021
Humber Bridge Hanger Replacement – Smeaton Award 2020
Humber Bridge A Frame Replacement – Smeaton Award 2015
Forth Road Bridge – Excellence in Technology and Innovation 2008
Holgate Bridge – Historic Bridge Award 2008
York Millenium Bridge Project (Commended) 2000
Menai Suspension Bridge Hanger Replacement Project – Historic Bridge Project of the Year 2025
Connel Bridge New Walkways Project – Heritage & Infrastructure Award 2025
Menai Suspension Bridge Hanger Replacement – Award for New Life 2025
Connel Bridge – Galvanising in Engineering Award 2024
Union Chain Bridge – Historic Bridge Project 2024
Union Chain Bridge – Restoration Project ‘Gold Winner’ 2023
Union Chain Bridge – Community Engagement ‘Silver Winner’ 2023
Menai Suspension Bridge – Health, Safety and Wellbeing Award 2021
Menai Suspension Bridge Footway Replacement – Bridge Management 2021
Humber Bridge Hanger Replacement – Smeaton Award 2020
Humber Bridge A Frame Replacement – Smeaton Award 2015
Forth Road Bridge – Excellence in Technology and Innovation 2008
Join our award winning team
Looking for your next challenge? Join Spencer Bridge Engineering and contribute to the delivery of complex, safety-critical bridge projects across the UK. You’ll be part of a specialist team protecting, maintaining and extending the life of some of the country’s most important infrastructure assets.