The SGS consulting practice was established in Melbourne in June 1990, named Econsult Planning and Development Pty Ltd (EPD) and in July 1992 renamed Spiller Gibbins Swan Pty Ltd. In March 2001, the name was changed again to SGS Economics and Planning Pty Ltd, to better describe the firm's activities and recognise expansion of ownership from its initial directors.
Since 1990 SGS has grown strongly, achieving an average annual growth rate in turnover of 18.3% per annum. From an initial staff of 3 full-time and 2 part time, the SGS team has now grown to around 50 people including interns (Australian and International) and summer students. Our client base has expanded from a primary base of local government in Victoria, to federal governments (both Australia and overseas), corporate clients, and state governments.
From one location in Melbourne, offices have been established in Sydney (1998), Hobart (initially in 1994) and Canberra (2004). We have diversified the firm's skills, from a base focussed on strategic planning, statutory planning, urban and regional economics and transport planning, to include capabilities in econometric modelling and GIS, market research and corporate strategic planning.
SGS is founded on a collective management model. Individual Directors and staff all contribute to key decisions on the firm's strategy, policies and procedures. This occurs through both formal processes (e.g. the annual Strategic Planning Meeting) and informal processes (e.g. regular team meetings in each SGS office).