
Working On, Not In the Business: Adam Hull, Hullcon
From Engineering Success by Rick Merten
July 29, 2025 · 37 min · Episode 28
About this episode
Adam Hull discusses innovative strategies for growing an engineering business through collaboration and transparency.
What if the secret to growing an engineering business isn't just about technical excellence, but about completely redefining how designers and contractors work together? Adam Hull, Managing Director of Hullcon, discovered this revolutionary approach when he recognised the massive waste created by the traditional "us versus them" mentality plaguing the construction industry. After a decade at major consultancies and two years in government, Adam witnessed how poor communication was costing projects millions. His solution? Start an engineering consultancy that operates like a trusted partner rather than a typical service provider. The results speak for themselves – Hullcon has tripled in size every year since 2021. Adam shares how he's building something genuinely different in the crowded engineering space. Rather than competing solely on price, Hullcon embeds with contractors, sometimes providing services at cost during tender phases to build lasting relationships. This strategic approach generates consistent repeat work and referrals. One fascinating aspect is Adam's commitment to radical transparency with his team. In weekly meetings, he shares financial numbers most employees…
People in this episode
Host: Rick Merten
Guest: Adam Hull
Topics covered
- engineering business
- collaboration
- communication
- transparency
- profit-sharing
- growth strategy
Keywords
- engineering consultancy
- contractors
- business growth
- communication
- team empowerment
- profit-sharing
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Hullcon, construction industry, consultancies, government
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