Professional borehole systems since 2003
A family-run specialist drilling and water consultancy delivering high-quality water borehole and ground source heat pump solutions across South East England.
Why choose Nicholls?
Customer service is always our priority. You'll be assigned an experienced and qualified team to manage every aspect of your project — whether that's drilling a water borehole, designing a ground source heat pump system, or navigating an Environment Agency licensing application.
We aim to ensure every job is completed on time, on budget and with minimum disruption. With three specialist divisions under one roof — drilling, licensing and servicing — we deliver an integrated service that most competitors simply can't match.
Unlike many companies, we use our own staff to undertake every aspect of the service — from geological assessment and EA pre-application through to drilling, installation and long-term maintenance. Our drilling rigs work from depths of 10m to over 300m, and our compact equipment can fit through gaps as narrow as 4 feet.
Adding value
Investing in a water borehole or GSHP system can save money on bills, reduce your carbon emissions and add value to your property. With MCS certification, domestic GSHP clients can access the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. For commercial clients, our Water-as-a-Service model eliminates capital outlay entirely.
Licensing & regulatory expertise
Our in-house Licensing & Consulting division has been navigating Environment Agency processes since 2003. From abstraction licences and discharge permits to compliance monitoring and water neutrality — we manage the entire regulatory journey so you don't have to.
Part of the Nicholls Group
Nicholls Boreholes & Ground Source is part of the Nicholls Countryside Construction Group, an established family business. Our experienced team all hold CSCS cards, NVQs and/or City & Guilds qualifications.
“As well as being specialist, expert borehole construction engineers, we work hard to offer the friendliest and most professional service. However big or small the job, I'm proud to say that at Nicholls we always aim to be reliable and approachable, striving for excellence and quality.”
— Ben Nicholls, Owner/Director
Our journey
2000
The start
Nicholls established by the Nicholls family in West Sussex, beginning with fencing and construction.
2007
First drilling rig
Purchased our first rig and began drilling water boreholes across the South East.
2009
Ground source launch
Installed our first ground source heat pump system.
2014
MCS accredited
Achieved MCS certification for ground source heat pump installations.
2016
Servicing division
Launched a dedicated service department and completed our first major development project.
2021
Licensing & Consulting
Nicholls Licensing & Consulting launched to provide specialist water licensing services UK-wide.
2024
4,000 boreholes
Passed 4,000 boreholes drilled and expanded into data centre cooling and Water Credits.
Design · Install · Maintain
At Nicholls we offer a turnkey installation for most projects. We're also happy to undertake individual elements on an overall project.
Our qualified in-house design team, experienced drilling engineers and dedicated service department mean one point of contact from start to finish.
Site assessment
We assess the area and review the geology to ascertain the viability and best approach for your project.
Design & proposal
Our in-house design team creates a detailed proposal with technical calculations, drawings and a no-obligation estimate.
Drilling & installation
With our own staff and equipment, we drill and install all necessary components using the cleanest techniques available.
Certification & handover
We certify the project with a completion pack including MCS certification, test results and system documentation.
Ongoing support
Our dedicated service department provides monitoring, maintenance and support for the lifetime of your system.
Three specialist divisions, one complete service
Use all three together for a turnkey solution, or engage any division independently.
UK-wide
Independent expert advice on water licensing, permits, compliance and consultancy. We work with the EA whether you're using Nicholls for drilling or another contractor.
South East England
Design, drilling and installation of water boreholes, deep bore soakaways and ground source heat pump systems for residential, commercial and agricultural clients.
South East England
Dedicated in-house service department providing monitoring, maintenance and support for the lifetime of your system — whether we installed it or not.
Accredited & certified
Microgeneration Certification Scheme
Ground Source Heat Pump Association
Renewable Energy Consumer Code
Water Regulations Advisory Scheme
Construction Skills Certification
Federation of Small Businesses
Meet the team
Our experienced team brings decades of combined expertise in drilling, engineering and water consultancy. All staff hold CSCS cards, NVQs and/or City & Guilds qualifications.
Directors
Ben Nicholls
Owner/Director
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Richard Nicholls
Owner/Director
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Sean Millgate
Finance Director
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John Riley
Finance Director
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Mark Aylwin
Waterwell Director
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Tom Giersz
Ground Source Director
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Jeff Reid
Licensing & Consulting Director
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Michael Gadd
Business Development Director
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Jonny Gowing
Director
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Hannah Pasfield
Human Resources Director
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Key Staff
Nina Clyde
PA to Ben Nicholls
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Simon Parsons
Technical Manager — Borehole & Ground Source
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Dan Harrison
Sales Executive — Borehole & Ground Source
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Jo Geddes
Office & Enquiries Manager
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George Parker
Project Manager
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Gaby Pearce
Project Manager
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Kadeem Winchester
Project Manager
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Keith Haffenden
Project Manager
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Mohammed Al-Khudairy
Project Manager
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Alina Cornea
Installation Manager
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Nicola Robson
Service Administrator
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David Smith
Technical Support Engineer
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Tim Holland
Drilling Technical Manager
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Marc Livesley
Drilling Manager
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Emma Kenny
Drilling Operations Manager
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Catarina Fernandes
Quantity Surveyor/Estimator
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Jed Pilmoor-Brady
Purchasing & Stock Manager
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Adam Hardiman
Mechanical Design Engineer
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Tobias Chaproniere
Design Engineer
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Graham Reid
Senior Licensing Manager
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Tracie Anderson
Licensing Operations Manager
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Abbie Woodward
Licensing Manager
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Logan Lane
Graduate Project Manager
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Elizabeth Hallett
IT/CRM Coordinator
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Lindsay Wisniewski
Human Resources & Payroll
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Rebecca Shephard
Administrator
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Charlotte Whittington
Financial Controller
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Louise Draisey
Accounts Manager — Boreholes & Licensing
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Monika Finch
Finance Project Manager
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Samantha Carless
Accounts Assistant
Our Teams
Installation Team
We currently operate 4 installation teams providing a variety of services for water boreholes and ground source heat pump systems.
Drilling Team
Our 4 Drilling Crews are supported by our own transport division and fitter. Having completed over 3,500 boreholes to date, our drillers have a vast experience in all geologies and delivering a safe, tidy and efficient service.
Service & Maintenance Team
Nicholls designated Service Department is able to offer off site monitoring of your system, along with providing a suitable on site maintenance programme/contract for all your system needs whether your system was installed by us or another contractor.
Our Coverage
Physical works across South East England. Licensing & consulting services available UK-wide.
Ready to discuss your project?
Get in touch for a no-obligation consultation — we aim to respond within 1 working day.