Published: 18 Jun 2025
Malcolm Hughes is one of the UK and Ireland’s largest and fastest-growing established geospatial surveying firms, with a track record of delivering high quality land, utility, and engineering surveys. We provide our clients with precision driven surveying solutions across infrastructure, construction, and environmental sectors.
What is your involvement with utility surveys?
We offer full service PAS 128 underground utility mapping to clients across the UK and Ireland, working on complex infrastructure projects, large-scale developments, and urban regeneration schemes. Our teams use cutting-edge technology to locate and map underground assets accurately, ensuring safe, efficient and informed decision-making for all our clients.
Why do you think PUMA is important?
PUMA sets a national quality benchmark that brings clarity and consistency to PAS 128 surveys. It allows clients to distinguish between providers who meet rigorous standards and those who do not. For the industry as a whole, it raises the bar in safety, accountability and professionalism. For us as a team, being PUMA accredited demonstrates sustainability of quality, not just as a one-time audit.
How did you find the process of applying for accreditation?
The process was thorough but very manageable. We were already working to high standards, so much of the work was about formalising and evidencing our systems. The Survey Association and LRQA were both clear and supportive throughout, and the live assessment was a positive opportunity to showcase our teams’ capability. Malcolm Hughes was one of the earlier companies to achieve PUMA accreditation and we hope to lead the way.
What impact do you think being PUMA accredited has had/ will have on your business?
Being PUMA accredited gives clients immediate confidence in the quality and reliability of our work. Internally, it has helped us review and strengthen our documentation and reinforce good practice. Strategically, it sets us apart in bids and tenders and aligns with our position as a trusted, progressive industry leader.
At Malcolm Hughes we aim not just to participate but to set the example and be a voice for industry-wide improvement. PUMA supports a culture of accountability, attention to detail, and pride in workmanship, qualities we’ve always valued. Accreditation is not a ‘one and done’ achievement. It’s a living system that motivates our teams to stay sharp, invest in learning, and continue to innovate within a solid, transparent quality framework.
What advice would you give anyone thinking about starting applying for PUMA accreditation?
Start by reviewing what you already have in place, you might be closer than you think. View it not as a compliance hurdle but as an opportunity to stand out and future-proof your utility offering. Be transparent in your approach and use the process to bring your team into the conversation.
To find out more about PUMA, please go to https://www.tsa-uk.org.uk/puma/.
