A Journey Built on Strong Foundations

Cognition began with the vision of our founder, Richard Hosking who - through his experiences in Civil Engineering, and his time spent working on the construction of the Millennium Dome (O2 Arena) - understood the need to deliver bespoke, innovative, and sustainable solutions to complex civil engineering and remediation projects. His vision laid the groundwork for what would become a trusted name in our industry and preferred contractor for many developers.

Together with partners Mark Ashwell and Richard Ashwell (who both retired in 2019), he set the company on a path of steady, sustainable growth, forming Cognition into a strong, resilient business.

From Humble Beginnings to Major Milestones

Our very first project at Golders Green Holiday Inn, delivered by long-standing employees Toni and Albert Brahilika, set the tone for what would become a legacy of technical excellence and client satisfaction. As we grew, key team members including Charlie Jarvis, Jon Goddard, and Rob Fox joined our ranks, shaping the culture and capabilities of Cognition.

Jon Goddard, with two decades of experience at the Environment Agency, brought a wealth of knowledge that further bolstered our technical expertise and supported the development of our next generation of engineers. His dedication and valuable input lead to him joining the senior management as a shareholder and partner in 2014.

A New Era: Employee Ownership

In October 2021, Cognition became an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT)—a move that secured the company’s independence and ensured that the value created by our work directly benefits the people who deliver it. Following this transition, Rob Fox stepped into the role of Managing Director, building on his 12-year journey within the company. Under his leadership, Cognition has continued to expand, taking on high-profile projects for clients including Enfield Council / Taylor Woodrow (Meridian Water Regeneration Project) and the City of London (Former Barking Power Plant Decommissioning Works).

Throughout our history, we’ve proudly delivered landmark regeneration projects such as Royal Wharf and the Silvertown Tunnel, playing a key role in transforming some of London’s most ambitious urban landscapes.

Leading with Purpose

Our commitment to sustainability has positioned us as a pioneer—we are proud to be the first carbon-neutral contamination remediation and ground engineering contractor in the UK. Our zero-carbon policy is central to our ethos, guiding our work and inspiring others in the industry.

Equally, our dedication to health and safety is unwavering. Over the last 20 years of operation, we have maintained an exemplary health and safety record—an achievement made possible by embedding safety into the very core of our values and operations. At every level of our business, from leadership to frontline teams, we foster a proactive culture where ‘Safety is at our Core’. This approach not only protects our people and the environment but also drives excellence across all our projects.

Looking Ahead: Innovation and Clean Energy

The future holds exciting possibilities. Our sister company, Cognition Clean Energy, is at the forefront of clean technology, developing modular hydrogen production units that promise to revolutionise energy generation. Led by Richard Hosking and Jon Goddard, this venture reflects our continued drive to innovate and push boundaries.

Thank You

We are deeply grateful for the trust our clients place in us, the passion of our team, and the enduring legacy we continue to build. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of our journey.

Here’s to the next 20 years!