Henry Cooper may have been an architect, but he effectively introduced the concept of cost management and Quantity Surveying back in the 18th century by advising clients in advance how much a design or project would cost: the original finding of the better way.

McBains was founded, a London-based practice of Project Managers, Quantity and Building Surveyors, whilst Henry Cooper was a regionally-based firm.

The current business was formed in 1993 with the merger of McBains and Henry Cooper.

In June 2000 the Group was converted from a partnership to a corporate organisation.

Michael Thirkettle was appointed Chief Executive in 2003.

In 2005 it undertook a capital reconstruction and simplification, with the redemption of share capital of shareholders no longer employed by the Group. This allowed the widening of the shareholder base to include senior colleagues, creating a platform for succession planning as well as providing retention and incentivisation.

Until June 2005 the Holding Company was McBains Cooper Plc. From 1st July 2005 the Holding Company is MBC Group Limited. Our principal Trading Company remains McBains Cooper Consulting Limited UK formed in June 2000 at incorporation.

And today we are simply McBains.