Our Approach

Our approach is strategic, purposeful, and straightforward. We’re solutions-focused and people-first, built on strong relationships with clients and project teams.

A female and male engineer both wearing full PPE

Helping maximise value potential for ambitious developers with smart public realm and infrastructure strategies

Set high standards early in the development lifecycle.

With infrastructure, we’re first in and last to leave. So we’re uniquely placed to raise the bar for everyone and everything in between, setting a baseline for delivery standards across the whole development lifecycle. And our lean and practical processes mean time is spent on elevating delivery quality rather than discussing it.

Our projects
Gasholder park

Strategy doesn’t stand still. Learn, improve and move.

Throughout the development life cycle, experience tells us that even the smallest of marginal gains can have a huge impact on value for the developer.

We constantly review and tweak our strategies based on report data, so the whole team can work smarter and we maximise delivery results. 

Our Services
Bridge being lifted into place by a crane.

The energy we bring

  • Strategic thinking
  • Agility
  • Tailored
  • Straight talking
  • Experience
  • People’s people

Ask the right questions, really listen to the answers, and devise the strategy for the situation at hand.
 
Do this well and execution is more efficient, risks feel less daunting and everyone can hit the ground running.

We get everyone singing from the same hymn sheet, working towards a single, shared goal. And every stakeholder is held accountable for meeting that goal. Starting with us. 

The energy we bring

Strategic thinking

Ask the right questions, really listen to the answers, and devise the strategy for the situation at hand.
 
Do this well and execution is more efficient, risks feel less daunting and everyone can hit the ground running.

We get everyone singing from the same hymn sheet, working towards a single, shared goal. And every stakeholder is held accountable for meeting that goal. Starting with us. 

Agility
Tailored
Straight talking
Experience
People’s people

Leadership team

David Crowley

David is naturally entrepreneurial. He formed Socket to address failings in the infrastructure and public realm sector - with projects often seen as the ‘poor relation’ to the buildings they serve, the quality of project management had a tendency to reflect this perception. 
 
Having worked in the industry for over 16 years, David knows that successful infrastructure projects need to be led by someone who is motivated and passionate about the sector, not by consultants simply acting as a letter box, ultimately passing all decisions back to the client. 

David has a hands-on approach and is heavily involved in all of Socket’s projects. He understands client objectives, allowing him to spot opportunities and control risks effectively. 

Oli Bennett

Oli has spent over 15 years untangling complex projects. He is analytical with an enquiring mind, meaning he can adapt to delivering a range of projects. He is motivated by delivering technically demanding designs to a high standard. This requires a meticulous attention to detail, but also a thorough understanding of the strategic context.

Oli believes that personal relationships are key to efficiently delivering projects and enjoys the challenge of managing multiple stakeholders. He is straight-forward, believing in transparency and clear communication.

James Campbell

With over 13 years of experience in the property industry, James brings a wealth of expertise across development management, infrastructure delivery, and stakeholder engagement. After a successful career in professional rugby, he transitioned into the built environment, joining Argent and contributing to the landmark King's Cross development.

James has held a range of roles, progressing from site management to development manager. His portfolio spans residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects, with hands-on involvement throughout the full design lifecycle — from feasibility and planning through to delivery and handover. His collaborative approach and deep understanding of complex stakeholder environments, including Network Rail and local authorities, underpin his ability to navigate challenging projects with confidence and clarity.

 

Dale Lush

Dale is a highly experienced project leader with over two decades of expertise in delivering complex, high-value developments across commercial, residential, healthcare, and education sectors. Before joining Socket Consulting, Dale was a Partner at Gardiner & Theobald, where he was recognised for his strategic approach to project management and contract administration, ensuring successful outcomes on landmark schemes.

His portfolio includes major projects such as Google’s £1bn Kings Cross HQ and UCLH’s £200m Proton Beam Therapy Unit, alongside significant residential and education developments. Dale is an active RICS member, contributing to professional standards and chartership programmes, and is known for his ability to manage stakeholder relationships, mitigate risk, and drive sustainable estate strategies.