The diverse nature of engineering requirements in the sector is raising the bar for consulting engineering companies to an even greater level of multidisciplinary skill than ever before, as current and potential clients look for more ways to increase efficiencies and lower costs.

Soto Consulting Engineers is one consulting firm which finds its diverse capabilities are prospering in this type of market largely because a void has been left by the top tier consulting companies which don’t have the dynamics for comprehensive cross capabilities.

Managing Director, Mr Frank Soto, says it is a natural progression for the company to expand from its eastern seaboard stronghold and increase involvement throughout the rest of Australia and overseas.

“With experienced personnel and various powerful software systems on our side, it is only logical we are expanding through ‘cross selling’ our capabilities to existing clients, primarily because it is a value proposition that suits them even more than us,” said Mr Soto.

“We have the software, hardware and skilled people whereas sometimes in-house at the large tier 1-2 consulting companies they may not have these niches covered so well – especially with advanced analysis which is not easily reproduced.

“For example, a mining company might have a longstanding association with Soto Group for our mine audit capability; but during an audit it is very likely to require a number of associated services such as report and mediation work; and then to the next level of detailed engineering and documentation control as part of a capex submission.

“They find the benefits are many: the streamlining of job processes – not to mention the costs as well – of using one source is very clear.

“Then, regardless to what extent you take the project, the technical communications between different specialists from a single organisation is worth its weight in gold.

“It is a logical extension of our services. The client base knows we do more than audits as our credentials are already established, so therefore they benefit cost wise, time wise, and at a quality and delivery level by using the one efficient source.

“It is not just a capability, it is a genuine value proposition to increase the range of services offered to one client for tailored solutions.”

With an extensive range of engineering services to clients within multiple industries, Soto’s expert and highly skilled multidisciplinary team provides a collaborative and integrated service, from consulting through to design; analysis and project completion.

SOTO focuses on optimised, timely and cost effective engineering solutions tailored to meet specific requirements/specifications as well as relevant engineering standards.

“Repetition and word of mouth has been successful for a long time to grow the business, but in the current business climate of Australian industry, there is a market shift towards the expectation of stronger existing customer relationships,” said Mr Soto.