The Beginning

Grey Cannon was founded by Aleks Topalovic, a seasoned technical design professional with over 20 years of experience in delivering complex building projects. For the past decade, Aleks has focused exclusively on research facilities, where his passion for solving intricate technical challenges found its ideal outlet.

During his tenure as a Project and MEP Lead at major design consultancies, Aleks observed recurring patterns of inefficiency in the delivery of research facility projects. These included misaligned procurement strategies, fragmented design processes, and construction challenges that often led to extended programmes, inflated costs, and compromised quality.

Driven by a desire to improve outcomes, Aleks began developing a suite of technical advisory services aimed at addressing these issues head-on. His vision was clear: by introducing the right expertise at the right time, clients could dramatically improve project performance. With a strong technical foundation and a talent for simplifying complex problems, Aleks launched Grey Cannon — supported by a trusted network of professionals built over years of collaboration.

Grey Cannon’s approach is designed to tackle systemic challenges in the research facility project delivery sector, including:

• Limited technical expertise within the supply chain
• Increasing complexity in design and delivery
• Lack of clarity in procurement processes
• Growing  pressure around project funding and financing

Our Core Values

At Grey Cannon, our work is guided by four key drivers:

• Expertise  – Deep technical knowledge applied with precision
• Efficiency  – Streamlined processes that save time and resources
• Technical Excellence – High standards in every detail
• Risk Mitigation – Proactive strategies to avoid costly setbacks

These principles are embedded in every service we offer. We believe that without them, no technical advice can truly add value to the project delivery process or serve the client’s long-term interests.

Our services are designed to help clients make informed, confident decisions throughout the lifecycle of their research facility projects. While our greatest impact is in the early stages, we also support operational improvements in existing facilities—reducing energy costs with minimal capital investment.

We work with a wide range of stakeholders, including end clients, contractors, project managers, and consultancies, providing tailored support across the full delivery journey.

Our Core Offerings

• Feasibility  Studies
• Lab Conversion & Refurbishment Due Diligence
• User Requirement Brief Development
• Tendering & Procurement Support
• Laboratory Services Performance Improvement
• Standard Specification Development
• Independent  Technical Peer Reviews