Found by James Nuttall Senior in 1865, the company undertook civil engineering works initially in the road and sewerage sectors, in and around Manchester.

Over time, it took on various major engineering works, such as those related to the Manchester Ship Canal, Lynton and Barnstaple Railway, and the Mersey Tunnel.

During the Second World War, then-head of the company, Sir Keith Nuttall, 2nd Baronet, died in the line of duty with the Royal Engineers while the company itself fulfilled numerous government contracts, including the building of the Mulberry harbour units, various Royal Ordnance Factories, and other defence-related schemes.

It was purchased by the Netherlands-based construction group Hollandsche Beton Groep (later HBG), and soon after acquired numerous other businesses, mainly based in the British market.

[2] Following the conflict, the company's activities continued to grow in scope, working on the construction of numerous power stations and tunnels throughout the 1950 and 1960s.

[11][12] During the early 21st century, BAM Nuttall established itself as the principal construction partner of Network Rail, the British railway infrastructure owner, the latter issuing work valued at upwards of £300 million to BAM Nuttall in 2023 alone on projects such as the Levenmouth rail link, Inverness Airport railway station, and the Dawlish sea wall.

[15] During 2023, BAM Nuttall recorded a turnover of £1.165 billion, reportedly achieving a profit of £66m, a year-on-year increase of almost 50 percent.

[28] Thirteen protesters took part in invading the offices, asking to speak about the chairman, distributing leaflets and unfurling a banner.