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, from geological surveys right through to final checks and post-installation service.
We aim to ensure every job is completed on time, on budget and with minimum disruption. Our emphasis on project management combined with attention to detail and commitment to customer care ensures we deliver a uniquely efficient, high-quality service.
Unlike many companies, we use our own staff to undertake every aspect of the service — from site survey to completion. Our drilling rigs work from depths of 10m to over 300m and to a diameter between 100mm–400mm, 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.
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 Boreholes we always aim to be reliable and approachable, striving for excellence and quality.”
— Ben Nicholls, Owner/Director
Our journey
2003
Founded
Nicholls Boreholes established by the Nicholls family in West Sussex as part of the Nicholls Countryside Construction Group.
2008
GSHP launch
Began designing and installing ground source heat pump systems, becoming MCS accredited installers.
2014
Licensing division
Nicholls Licensing & Consulting launched to provide specialist water licensing and regulatory services UK-wide.
2020
3,000 boreholes
Passed the milestone of 3,000 boreholes drilled across residential, commercial and agricultural projects.
2024
Data centre cooling
Expanded into data centre cooling solutions with borehole Water-as-a-Service, GSHP and river abstraction.
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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Hannah Pasfield
Human Resources Director
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Jonny Gowing
Director
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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Key Staff
Catarina Fernandes
Quantity Surveyor/Estimator
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Jo Geddes
Office & Enquiries Manager
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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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George Parker
Project Manager
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Gaby Pearce
Project Manager
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Kadeem Winchester
Project Manager
Keith Haffenden
Project Manager
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Mohammed Al-Khudairy
Project Manager
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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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Alina Cornea
Installation Manager
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Jed Pilmoor-Brady
Purchasing & Stock Manager
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Rebecca Shephard
Administrator
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Nicola Robson
Service Administrator
Adam Hardiman
Mechanical Design Engineer
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Tobias Chaproniere
Design Engineer
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David Smith
Technical Support Engineer
Graham Reid
Senior Licensing Manager
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Abbie Woodward
Licensing Manager
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Logan Lane
Graduate Project Manager
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Aparna Sinha
Geologist
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Tracie Anderson
Licensing Operations Manager
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Louise Draisey
Accounts Manager — Boreholes & Licensing
Monika Finch
Finance Project Manager
Samantha Carless
Accounts Assistant
Lindsay Wisniewski
Human Resources & Payroll
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Elizabeth Hallett
IT/CRM Coordinator
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Charlotte Whittington
Financial Controller
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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.