Since the Strategy 2000 team promoted the strategy of sustainable global expansion for GHD, the company has embarked on an aggressive yet controlled policy of reviewing international opportunities and progressing those that are felt to have long term benefits for the shareholders. In that time, GHD has successfully opened up the markets in South America, North America, SE Asia, China and the Middle East. This strategy has assisted in growing the company from a staff of 1200 in 2000 to more than 6000 by the end of 2008, with commensurate benefits to the shareholders and our clients.

In July 2007 the doors opened in Dublin, Ireland, as an expansion into the European operations. The opportunities in Ireland were believed to be in the infrastructure fields of Transport and Water, with committed government funding in place to rapidly improve the State’s facilities. The Irish government is critically aware of the Environmental issues associated with any major capital works and this was also seen as an opportunity to build on our credentials.

It was determined that Asset Management and Sustainability were aspects of our business that were not adequately covered in the Irish market. These were seen as differentiators for GHD and success factors in winning work for the National Roads Authority (NRA), Railway Safety Commission and Dublin Airport Authority in the first year of operation.

The strategy of reviewing the prospects and targeting the areas of best opportunities for a new office seem to be working. In addition to the direct business opportunities, GHD was honoured to host the Irish Minister for Transport in Sydney on St Patrick’s Day 2008 and we have accepted an invitation from the Australian Ambassador to join her for dinner with the Irish Minister for the Environment at the Ambassador’s residence.

Dublin Office	Location/postal address Gutteridge Haskins & Davey Limited Pod 27, Castleyard, 20/21 St Patrick's Road, Dalkey, Co Dublin T: 353 1 235 0817 E: dublinmail@ghd.com.au