ISSUE 04 | September 2014

ANALYSIS Class of 2001: where are they now? page 27 OPINION CAREERS Ailie MacAdam Rise of the on HS2 apprentices page 10 page 24

Produced for the industry by the Association for Consultancy and Engineering

Colin Matthews The Highways Agency’s £24bn man page 12 MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR News roundup In his interview with Infrastructure Intelligence this month, new Highways Agency chairman Colin Matthews is very clear about the need Installing smart meters in for the whole industry to embrace new technologies and new ideas as ENVIRONMENT every house in the UK will the Agency embarks on its £24bn investment programme. save consumers “only 2%” “This is not a business as usual static environment,” he said. “It is a New delays for the on their annual bills, the fantastic opportunity with some really serious investment behind it to implementation of Public Accounts Committee take Britain’s roads on a journey,” sustainable drainage has warned. On average, And while it is absolutely clear that to accommodate the scary systems (SuDS) have been consumers will save just £26 prediction for a 46% growth in traffic on the nation’s strategic road revealed after Secretary of a year and the technology network by 2040 we will have to spend some of that money improving State for Environment, Food could be out of date by the and enhancing the physical network, it is also clear that technology will and Rural Affairs, Elizabeth time the roll out is complete, have to play a massive role. Truss announced a further six the committee said. The week consultation to decide Department of Energy and So as the Agency morphs from an infrastructure-focused organisation the best way to deliver them. Climate Change has said to a customer-focused business, the supply chain that delivers the No date has been given for smart meters will lower bills maintenance, management and enhancement of this critical national the final implementation and make switching easier. asset must be similarly prepared for the cultural change required. of SuDS with Defra simply In short, our highways network will have to be as sophisticated and stating that his new Thames Tideway Tunnel chief executive Andy Mitchell Kellingley Colliery in Produced for the industry by the Association digitally connected as the vehicles, drivers and customers that use consultation will build on the has welcomed the government’s decision to award planning North Yorkshire is to be for Consultancy and Engineering it. And given the scale of investment going in to this area by vehicle findings of previous industry consent for the £4.2bn super sewer which is now to start transformed into a state-of- manufacturers and technology businesses, the infrastructure profession consultations. construction in 2016. Last year it is claimed 55M tonnes of the-art energy centre which Infrastructure Intelligence is unquestionably going to have to raise its game. sewage polluted the Thames due to exceptionally wet weather will use residual waste 12 Caxton St, London SW1H 0QL All of which makes it absolutely vital that we encourage the next Ofwat’s draft determination which caused London’s combined sewerage system to overflow to generate low carbon T: 020 7222 6557 generation of raw tech-savvy talent now pouring out of schools. As we suggests water bills are into the river more than normal. “If the tunnel had been in electricity and heat. Peel www.infrastructure-intelligence.com set to fall by around 5% in operation last year, it would have captured 97% of the sewage,” Environmental has been highlight this week with our analysis of the Technical Apprenticeship real terms in the next Amp said Mitchell. “We are pleased we can now start to tackle this given the green light to go Editor: Antony Oliver, Consortium, there is without question a mass of talent available. 07710 341082, period between 2015 and archaic problem.” ahead with the project, which [email protected] The trick for the infrastructure will be to convince this new 2020. Investment of £43bn is will produce up to 26MW of generation that, against the backdrop of newer, perceived higher tech included in the determination electricity – enough to power Associate editor: Jackie Whitelaw, industries, there are future career paths for them in more “traditional” (see feature page 14). around 63,000 homes in the 07740 740202, service north west into Manchester Piccadilly has [email protected] sectors such as roads, rail, energy or water management. Hertfordshire in a bid to risen from £4.20 to £9.10 and local area. It is a culture change that must start from the top. The future for New research from ease future pressure from the from Bradford to Leeds from Designer: Kieran McCann, infrastructure is being smart. The future for infrastructure professionals University of Southampton new High Speed 2 railway on £4.60 to £6.50. 0779 000 3972, says that Britain’s increased Euston Station. A feasibility ROADS [email protected] means embracing and investing in this new future. flooding events have study will assess the benefit Edinburgh’s trams have Commercial director: Sally Devine, Antony Oliver, been caused by increased to passengers from key carried more than 1.5M The number of licensed 07963 934892, editor, Infrastructure Intelligence building in vulnerable areas. commuter towns such as passengers in their first vehicles on the roads has [email protected] They conclude that when Tring, Hemel Hempstead, 100 days of operation which passed the 35 million Other material contributed by: population growth and Harrow and Watford from puts them on track to hit mark for the first time. Bernadette Ballantyne building growth are taken constructing a new rail link their first-year targets of 4.5M Government figures show into account there is no rise between Old Oak Common passengers. that by the end of 2013 in the number of reported and the West Coast Main Line there were 35.03 million Produced by Victoria Street Capital on Contents behalf of the Association for Consultancy & major floods events over the so removing the volume of licensed vehicles in Britain. Engineering, 12 Caxton St, London SW1H 0QL. News roundup 5 This month’s top infrastructure stories past 129 years. The study was regional trains that terminate ENERGY This included 29.14 million published in Hydrological at Euston. cars, 3.35 million light goods Opinion 6 Comment from Peter Hansford, Ailie MacAdam, Steve The views expressed in Infrastructure Sciences journal. The increasing threat to the vehicles, and nearly 1.22 Bamforth, Nigel Fines, Jeannie Edwards and more Intelligence are not necessarily those of the Balfour Beatty has won the nation’s winter electricity million motorcycles. There Association for Consultancy & Engineering. Interview 12 Colin Matthews, chairman, Highways Agency £70M Crossrail Woolwich generation capacity from were only 25.23 million Printer: CPG, 9-10 Orchard Business Centre, RAIL station fit out contract. unplanned power station vehicles on the roads in 1994. Sanderson Way, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1QG. Water 14 Ofwat gets tough as it drives for efficiency Work also includes finishing closures and the risk of T 01732 366666, [email protected] Network Rail became a works at the two portals political risk of Russian Atkins, in partnership with Low carbon 16 Anglian Water’s David Riley explans why the Infrastructure public sector arm’s-length where the Crossrail trains will gas supplies being cut Hyder, have been awarded Carbon Review is a critical tool for the future body of the Department for surface from either end of to Europe has prompted a three-year contract by Risk 18 Griffiths and Armour helps explain the growing risk Transport on 1 September. the Thames Tunnel at North urgent action by National the Highways Agency to 2014 Subscription rates: £80 a year. management challenge facing the infrastructure sector DfT says it plans to allow Woolwich and Plumstead. Grid. It has announced a deliver specialist technical Infrastructure Intelligence produces a weekly FIDIC Awards 20 Chinese infrastructure dominates the shortlist for 2014 Network Rail to continue to tender for the Supplemental support to the seven Regional manage its business “with Protests have taken place Balancing Reserve (SBR) Control Centres (RCCs) across free newsletter. Sign up at the website: Mergers 22 What has been driving the increased consolidation of www.infrastructure-intelligence.com appropriate commercial at railway stations in the designed to bring moth-balled England. businesses across infrastructure freedom, within effective north of England after the generation plant – usually gas- Follow us on twitter @infra_intel Analysis 24 The Technical Apprenticeship Consortium regulatory and control introduction of new peak fired – back into service and London Mayoral candidate Join the Infrastructure Intelligence group frameworks”. DfT will appoint evening fares on Northern available to be held in reserve and transport expert on Linkedin Career focus 27 The career paths of successful women in infrastructure future chairs and approve Rail Services where some during this. National Grid Christian Wolmar has Day in the life 30 Amey’s Orla Fitzpatrick explains the challenge of growing remuneration policy and pay weekday tickets have gone has also instigated Demand suggested banning traffic an environmental consultancy business for executive directors up 117% as trains between Side Balancing Reserve from Oxford Street. Cutting ACE News 32 Nelson Ogunshakin shortlisted in Black Business Awards, 16.01 and 18.29 are no longer (DSBR), which is intended to out cars and buses would airport debate, EIC leads on smart cities Government has launched classed as “off peak”. Cost incentivise energy intensive double the number of people plans to extend the Crossrail of a ticket from Wigan to businesses to cut their usage. visiting London’s most famous

2 Infrastructure Intelligence | September 2014 September 2014 | Infrastructure Intelligence 3 News roundup shopping street each day, he the imminent merger. The part of a major reform of says. Wolmar says even cycles deal is due to be finalised at AIRPORTS school exams (see opinion p8). may have to be banned if the a shareholders meeting on BIM Task Group: A progress West End landmark is to be 16 October and according The Airports Commission Building Information saved from a slow decline over to Burke “we expect to be has comprehensively Modelling (BIM) will not update for infrastructure coming years. operating as one unified rejected a £100bn plus boost the construction company by January 2015”. investment in a four runway industry’s efficiency Mark Bew, HM Government, BIM Task Group inner Thames Estuary hub unless it truly embraces a chairman PLANNING Consultant WYG has bought airport as the solution to world of “soft skills” and Alliance Planning for £3.2M the UK’s requirement for an interdisciplinary teams, The Royal Society of Arts to create one of the country’s extra runway by 2030. The according to a new report by We have been working achievement of the 2016 has called for central largest planning businesses focus of the commission’s the Construction Industry with the Infrastructure adoption date we have a government to grant with around 100 planning work will be on proposals for Council’s BIM2050 Group. Intelligence team over the final delivery to make. The greater autonomy to specialists. an extra runway at Gatwick last few months to ensure contract for this final delivery regional administrations to or, at Heathrow, an option of A new apprenticeship we can bring useful, regular will be placed by the end of underpin the role that they WSP is on course to acquire professional services consultant a new runway or a runway standard for railway and relevant updates to September and we will be already play to support the Parsons Brinckerhoff from Balfour Beatty in a deal worth HOUSING extension. The commission engineering design the BIM programme as we bringing you a first-hand UK economy. It’s City Growth $1.35bn (£820M). WSP will buy the firm for US$1.24bn (£753M) “had not been persuaded that technicians was one of run up to the 2016 public interview with the winners Comission report “Powers plus an additional consideration for cash retained by Parsons Lord Rogers of Riverside a very large airport in the the new apprenticeships sector mandate and we hope of the £1M contract to deliver to Grow: City finance and Brinckerhoff of up to US$110M (£67M). The combined business has attacked proposals to Thames Estuary is the right highlighted by Government you will find these updates the “digital Plan of Works” governance” highlights the will be one of the largest global pure-play professional services build up to 40 new garden answer to London’s and the in its Get in Go Far campaign. interesting and useful. (dPoW). importance of cities in driving firms in its industry, with approximately 31,000 employees a cities on the greenbelt as UK’s connectivity needs”, said The railway apprenticeship The BIM programme Those of you familiar with growth and prosperity but combined net revenues of £2.3bn. Balfour Beatty bought Parsons “a ridiculous concept” and Airports Commission chair standard is the latest to headed up by the BIM Task the buildings-led RIBA plan points out that regional cities Brinckerhoff in 2009 for £380M. The deal followed news that has called instead for the Sir Howard Davies. He also emerge from the engineering group was commenced as of work or Network Rail are still “held back”. Radical Carillion had pulled out of pursuing a merger with Balfour Beatty developments to be stitched questioned whether a single consultancy led Technician part of the 2011 Government Grip process will be familiar change can be achieved, it after its latest offer was rejected. into existing cities using hub option was an acceptable Apprenticeship Consortium Construction Strategy and with the concept of a staged argues, but only with cross derelict sites. He spoke out solution. (see feature page 24). has been responsible for delivery specification, but for party consensus around the after the £250,000 Wolfson three key work streams the first time in the world need for a “daring package of City Council and Core BUSINESS Economics Prize was last Plans to increase the The Department for 1. Defining the Level 2 the UK will again be leading fiscal devolution”. Cities Cabinet member for week awarded to a proposal number of passengers Business, Innovation and “Package” of documents the engineering field with a reform, said 10-year funding CH2M Hill has unveiled to take “a confident bite using Stansted Airport Skills has confirmed that the and standards to explain dPoW that not only identifies Nick Clegg is calling for deals in the areas of skills, plans to cut 1,200 jobs from out of the greenbelt” and could create up 10,000 new construction brief has been clearly and concisely how traditional deliverables such decentralisation and transport and adult social its 26,000 workforce to deliver build 150,000-resident urban jobs over the next decade. handed to skills minister the BIM process works as specifications and reports, devolution for the North of care would help boost the annual savings of around extensions to towns and cities The airport aims to double Nick Boles rather than to 2. Engaging with clients but digital deliverables to be England and is inviting ideas growth potential of cities. £60M. The firm took over across the country. passenger numbers to 45M business minister Matthew to help ensure they can provided directly from your through the Northern Futures Forbes said the group – which Halcrow in 2011. It said the a year by introducing new Hancock as previously procure BIM data in a BIM tools. project. The speech follows includes the five northern ‘right-sizing’ of its overhead House price momentum routes and handling more assumed. Boles will be practical and efficient We will also be bringing the launch of the Deputy cities of Leeds, Liverpool, structure would impact on all slowed to the same level flights from its single runway. championing the low carbon manner you news about the UK led Prime Minister’s Northern Manchester, Newcastle and global operating units. it was a year ago and new agenda by delivering the 3. Engaging with the EU BIM Task Group and the Futures project in July – a call Sheffield – wanted place- buyer enquiries fell for the Dubai has announced plans keynote presentation at the market, through the new Level 3 strategy that is for ideas on ways to create an based settlements to form Nippon Koei has withdrawn second consecutive month, to invest £19.8bn into its Infrastructure Carbon Review creation of the thirty five nearing completion, which economic hub in the north of part of Osborne’s ‘Northern from the battle to buy according to the August RICS Al Maktoum International One Year On conference on 27 or so BIM4 groups will start to not only bring England. economic powerhouse’. Hyder Consulting. The Residential Market Survey. airport which will become the October. (see analysis p16) We anticipate using further benefits for digital announcement followed a Concern over a potential largest in the world, handling this column to bring you construction and operation, Chancellor of the Exchequer The Major Projects move by rival ARCADIS which rise in interest rates could 240M passengers a year. information about the task but also bring clarity to some George Osborne has Authority (MPA) must be saw it increase its offer to be contributing to the fall in That is 100,000 more than AND FINALLY group’s activities, but more of the aspirational Smart City welcomed plans for a given more formal powers 750p a share and purchase buyer interest it said. the number of travellers who importantly a series of how services of the future. potential major new by government to support enough shares to give it at a used all of London’s airports Internatonal development to guides and client case National Institute for its project delivery reforms critical 25.9% share ownership Plans to build up to 5,000 put together last year. charity Construction and studies and interviews to If you need further information Materials Research and if it is to continue to drive in the Hyder business. The homes in Kent on a site Development Partnership help understand what has please visit www.bimtaskgroup.org Innovation in the north of efficiency across central new offer values Hyder at that is said to be key to the (CODEP) has launched an gone well and what would be you can also register for our round England. This would build government’s growing £296M. The deal is due to go UK’s nightingale population PEOPLE & CAREERS appeal to support its work as well to avoid. the parish newsletter by e-mailing: on the north’s expertise project portfolio. According through on 16 October. have been condemned in Waterloo, Sierra Leone For the realistic [email protected] in materials science – the to the powerful Public by environmental The Institution of in preventing the spread of development of super Accounts Committee, while AECOM’s Steve Morriss is to campaigners. The Wildlife Engineering and Ebola virus across the city. lightweight, strong and the MPA’s work to date has lead the combined Europe Trust said the move could Technology has warned that The charity has been asked flexible materials that have significantly improved the Middle East and Africa cause “environmental Government’s proposal to to take a lead in training applications across a range performance of government Design and Consulting destruction on a scale not ditch GCSE engineering people in how they can of industries like healthcare, major projects, it still faced Services business once seen for more than 20 years”. could add to the profession’s protect themselves. “They energy or transport. “significant challenges” as it merger the with URS is Medway Council approved looming skills crisis. The urgently need funds for basic continues to drive delivery finalised in October. AECOM Land Securities’ proposals proposal to scrap GCSE, medical equipment – gowns, England’s core cities have improvement not least as president and CEO Mike for Chattenden Woods and AS and A level courses in gloves, chlorine and buckets.- called for decade-long the size of its infrastructure Burke this month unveiled Lodge Hill last month. The engineering were announced and to build a resilience public service funding project portfolio grows. the new structure that will developer said the area’s 84 in a consultation document to the evolving situation,” settlements. Nick Forbes, allow the business to manage pairs of nightingales would be published by England›s exams said charity president Mark the leader of Newcastle the 95,000 staff resulting from re-homed nearby. regulator Ofqual in June, as Whitby. www.codep.co.uk

4 Infrastructure Intelligence | September 2014 September 2014 | Infrastructure Intelligence 5 Opinion

together to explore progress made over Peter Hansford, chief When I started as Government Chief Construction Adviser I was conscious the last year since the Infrastructure construction advisor, that as an industry we had two Carbon Review was published. HM Government apparently conflicting challenges The really important finding is that – to reduce the cost of creating our low carbon can equal low cost. This Infrastructure built assets and to reduce the carbon is a game changer. No longer are we emissions resulting from their looking at reducing carbon emissions at Carbon Review: construction and operation. a premium. By finding ways to actively The cost challenge is the domain reduce whole-life carbon emissions, we critical challenge of the Cabinet Office, Infrastructure are also reducing whole-life costs. The UK and the Government Construction challenge is to transfer this learning to Board. The carbon challenge is owned other parts of the built environment. by the Green Construction Board (GCB), Since November 2013, major an industry-Government partnership. companies – clients, contractors, From the outset I was very keen to consultants and product manufacturers find a way of addressing this conflict. In – have endorsed the key principles and short, we need to do both – but how? pledged their commitment to using new The Infrastructure Carbon Review goes a technologies, techniques, processes and long way to providing the answer. materials to reduce carbon and reduce My predecessor, Paul Morrell costs. The aim is to cut over 20M tonnes worked hard to demonstrate the case of carbon a year from the construction for a low carbon built environment. and operation of the UK’s infrastructure The Low Carbon Routemap to 2050 assets by 2050, without increasing costs was published in March 2013. Since – indeed at lower cost. then the GCB developed and driven I’m looking forward to the carbon reduction measures across conference. We’ll be hearing from the construction industry. The GCB’s Government and all parts of industry on Infrastructure Working Group is chaired the progress being made. And I’m sure by Anglian Water’s Chris Newsome. many other companies will pledge their The Infrastructure Carbon Review commitments. Why wouldn’t they? One-Year-On Conference is on 27 After all it makes great business sense October. This is a valuable opportunity and demonstrates real progress towards for industry and Government to come caring for our environment.

understanding and keep everyone on Ailie MacAdam, Senior In answer to the question ‘who will build HS2?’ I am certain that many of my the same page, both inside and outside Vice President, Bechtel industry counterparts, especially my fellow the project. I remember just before members of the High Speed Rail Industry the launch of Eurostar operations Leaders Group, would raise their hand. As at St Pancras International in 2007, HS2: It’s all about would thousands of potential suppliers, just how many people held a stake in HS2 Ltd, Government officials, the many getting that station open on time and the people; the skilled workers, support staff, keen on budget – and then there were those graduates and future apprentices who who would prefer it wasn’t there at all! right teams understand the wealth of opportunities It was certainly a full-time job to work that this project will present. To my mind, effectively with all of those stakeholders and the right HS2 is all about people. and keep costs under control. As well as offering a new source of I am often asked what I have found to relationships work continuity for the construction be the biggest challenge on these mega industry, a project such as this will projects. Developing a common vision provide a golden opportunity to invest in of what success looks like and then training the next generation of engineers working together with the multitude of and construction professionals. HS2 will stakeholders and interested parties to also offer a chance for small business achieve that vision (without alternative owners (SMEs) to strengthen their agendas getting in the way) is definitely enterprises. On the Crossrail project, for up there. example, we have calculated that 58% of So, a secondary question to ‘Who the supply chain is made up of SMEs. will build HS2’ is: ‘Can you grow and And of course HS2’s future maintain support, harnessing input and passengers will experience improved innovation from disparate groups for a journeys between many of the UK’s key project the size of HS2?’ cities, and increased capacity will allow The industry has gained some great for better, local transport connections. experience from projects like HS1 and From my time on both High Speed Crossrail – there is no doubt it can be 1 and Crossrail, I know just how done – with the right people, the right challenging it can be to build trust, teams and the right relationships.

September 2014 | Infrastructure Intelligence 7 Opinion

as a result of low numbers of students Nigel Fines, chief executive, It’s no secret that the engineering and technology sector is facing a significant studying the subjects. Engineering is one Institution of Engineering skills shortfall over the coming years. of the proposed casualties. Others include and Technology (IET) According to Engineering UK, we need electronics and manufacturing GCSEs. to find 87,000 new engineers each The 2014 GCSE engineering results Let’s reform year for the next decade, which is an show a 73% increase from 2,897 in 2013 enormous challenge. to 5,027 students in 2014 successfully engineering The IET’s 2014 Engineering and studying GCSE engineering. This Technology: Skills & Demand in Industry suggests that there is a growing appetite GCSE rather than report found that the engineering skills for vocational GCSE subjects, so why shortage has become more acute with not capitalise on this as an opportunity removing it more than half of employers concerned to attract more young people into areas that they can’t recruit the engineers they of high demand and low supply such as need for their businesses to expand. engineering. It is incredibly important that we It is important that students engage have a range of routes into engineering with the discipline of engineering as – both vocational and academic. early as possible. The engineering GCSE That’s why the IET is warning that builds on key skills applicable to many the Government proposal to remove areas and develops a systems thinking GCSE engineering could make the skills approach in addition to allowing for the crisis an even bigger cause of concern application of mathematics. It also helps for UK employers. Instead of scrapping build awareness of engineering as a the subject, it would make more vocational career choice. If engineering sense to ensure it is fit for purpose by is absent from schools, we risk fewer developing the qualification – perhaps young people considering it as a career. to include more vocational elements – This is a risk we can ill afford. through the input of employers. Rather than removing the subject, The IET has already highlighted this let’s develop it so that we can produce to Ofqual following their proposals to the engineers and technicans we streamline the number of GCSE courses desperately need.

The volume of digital data is growing urban population each year. That is Eduardo Niebles, Managing rapidly each year. In fact, it is thought equivalent to adding seven Chicagos or Director, International the average person today processes five Londons annually. Business, BST Global more data in a single day than a person Adopting an integrative approach in the 1500s did in an entire lifetime. will be important to meet the strain Big Data – an Everyone today is an active on power, water and food resources participant in the amassing and that urban populations will create. opportunity to sharing of digital data, whether from Architects, consultancies, planners, and tweets, blogs, and video, unstructured urban designers need access to more be grasped data from corporate systems, or the data in order to design and manage “Internet of Things.” The digital cities that people will want to live universe is expanding at a tremendous in and prosper. Data will be key to pace, creating new challenges and new designing a new way of life. opportunities for both individuals and Big Data can support the design and businesses. planning of smart cities through: The current view in most executive zzMonitoring – analyse the data meetings is that if you deploy “Big captured from sensors from homes, Data,” your company will generate offices, and factories to determine new ways of uncovering organization how a city uses energy. capabilities, or create new value that zzCrowdsourcing – to capture and will separate the company from the leverage data in real-time from rest of its competitors. In general, citizens on how they commute or the consensus is that Big Data is best what spaces in a city or building they applicable around business strategy and like the most (or least). finance. zzAutomation – to improve on the But Big Data is much more than that. traditional project planning process. Big Data is also about the integration of zzTransparency – Increase collaboration data to better understand the business, between government policy, clients, clients, and employees at a more and contractors. discrete level. Big Data is an opportunity. The Take for example its use around planning of tomorrow’s cities will be smart cities. It is estimated that the reliant on information flow, and firms world population will be 8.3bn by 2030 that are prepared to use the variety of with 65M people added to the world’s data available are poised for success.

8 Infrastructure Intelligence | September 2014 Opinion

only the stability of the workforce but Jeannie Edwards, HR Due diligence undertaken by companies Derek Drysdale, Lean construction has been around for and gifted individuals such as Professor thinking of merging is typically very the style of management. some time but what really puzzles me is Lauri Koskela and Glenn Ballard. director, MWH Global divisional director – Lean dependent on the financials, the projects, A very low turnover might indicate a why it has not been adopted across the One of the most common questions I Improvement, Highways backlog, pipeline, IT facilities and the workforce too comfortable and resistant whole of the construction industry. am asked is ‘What is lean construction?’ Agency & chairman, Lean legal aspects. But it must also include due to change. A very high turnover might The excellent Government Well, put simply, it involves firstly Construction Institute UK Due diligence diligence done by human resources. indicate poor leadership. It’s less likely Construction Strategy 2025 initiative understanding the needs of the In an industry where the raw to be related to poor pay and benefits; has made a great start with a ‘pipeline’ customer whilst pulling value through around human material is people, who have a free generally pay and benefits loom large Lean Construction of work, the leadership council and the processes but relentlessly removing choice and an inalienable right to only when other issues are involved. BIM strategy. However, without lean waste in all its forms. It sounds easy but resources is operate in whichever company or Whether the deal is TUPE or not, the – the way forward? thinking the ambitious targets will, in it requires, like many good things in industry they choose, understanding the most important aim is to reap reward my opinion, not be achieved. life, a lot of hard work! critical to factors influencing that raw material’s from the investment. It is of the highest Although my day job is divisional The methodology is very much based decision to stay or go has a direct importance then to identify the issues director lean improvement with the on the Toyota Production system but successful impact on the success or failure of the likely to emerge after integration. Highways Agency I am also a trustee massively adapted for construction. You investment. It doesn’t matter if these risks do not and director of the Lean Construction don’t even have to call it LEAN. The real mergers The likelihood of retaining people materialise, but it does matter if they do Institute – UK which is a registered danger is that you can lose your way and can be assessed by understanding the and hadn’t been anticipated. educational charity the key aim of think that you are lean but in reality culture of the workforce as well as a The risks must be quantified. “People which is to encourage the adoption of you are just touching the edges of waste! desk study to understand the profile will want to feel part of this company lean thinking across the whole of the Finally although I tend to shy away of the organisation’s workforce and its and feel valued” will mean little to UK construction industry. from Japanese terminologies there is stability. decision makers. However, quantifying Over the last five years in the one important word used in Lean which The major risks should be identified the potential loss of intellectual capital Highways Agency, where lean has is Gemba – which means literally ‘the and any potential deal breakers and corporate memory related to key been adopted enthusiastically across place’. The best way to understand lean highlighted. Generally, but not always, individuals or the potential impact of all aspects of the business, we have construction is to see it in action! So these are related to culture, profiles the other risks identified enables more gathered a wealth of hard evidence the LCI-UK Summit would be a great including staff turnover as well as the informed decisions. which shows that lean works brilliantly. starting point to find out where you can cost of benefits and pensions. Failure to highlight such potential It not only works for the benefit see lean in action! Understanding the stability of the issues puts the investment at risk. If of the client and, in the case of the workforce, what entices people to stay these risks are not understood before Highways Agency, the tax payer, but also Why not get involved in LCI-UK or come along and drives people to go, is critical to the deal is struck then they can’t supports the profitability of the supply to our summit on the 30th October 2014 at a good due diligence. Analysing staff contribute to the “go/no-go” assessment, chain. Today there are many pockets the Birmingham Metropolitan University? turnover, length of service, and other nor can the price be adjusted to mitigate of good practice in lean construction, www.leanconstruction.org.uk for full details of metrics helps to form a picture of not any likely effects. thanks to the work of some far sighted the summit and much more

A recent poll saw engineering come schools to be incentivised to increase take- Paul Jackson, chief Steve Bamforth, The early 1980’s saw the introduction “The buzz words are now second in the top ten professions up of maths and physics at A level. and growth of new kinds of executive, Engineering UK chief executive, Griffiths parents would like for their children. To highlight the relevance procurement mechanisms into the UK integrated teams, BIM, a and Armour At 45% it was only four points behind of classroom learning, we are construction market, particularly design blame-free culture... etc doctors, slightly above lawyers and far recommending that all 11-14 year-olds and build. Careers in more popular than banking. have at least four days a year of extra- A changing They were often hailed as a new etc...” Yes, it’s fantastic that engineering curricular STEM activities. way of working, delivering great novation. By the time these issues were infrastructure is enjoying this level of status and For many the route into engineering liability regime – efficiencies, more integrated ways of fully appreciated they had been locked desirability, but the next step is to generate will be a vocational one and driving take working and an unflinching approach into hundreds of thousands of contracts must start in the a real understanding of everything the up of that option will need more than just back to the past? to the management of risk, - all in – and the impact on the professional sector does so that in turn more young an apprenticeships advertising campaign. the name of producing better, more indemnity market was inevitable. classroom people are inspired to go into engineering. It needs real support for real people taking consistent outcomes for clients and at Fast forward to the early stages of If we’re going to get the fresh talent (or considering taking) the vocational a “guaranteed” price. Whether any or this decade and are we facing a similar required we need to ensure young route. all of these aims were achieved is the situation. The buzz words are now people have access to first class careers As a proud father I helped my subject of much debate but let’s leave integrated teams, BIM, a blame-free information, advice and guidance. daughter on her journey to university, that for another day. culture etc etc. All with the aims of We have been working with the Royal a well-trodden path that has clear What is clear is that design and delivering. Well yes, see above. Academy of Engineering and major steps. This simplified process and ease construct as a procurement mechanism Are we in danger of falling into engineering institutions to present clear of application needs to be extended to drastically changed the liability regime the same trap? Integrated teams and policy recommendations to address would-be apprentices. for contractors and consultants alike. a blame-free environment (supported engineering’s critical skills shortage. We must make it easier for young Substantially more liabilities were by BIM) are simply incompatible with We need more specialist teachers in people who are keen to build on their transferred down the supply chain – traditional insurance arrangements. schools to drive teenagers’ achievement learning with a single UCAS style some may say “risk dumped” – in a way We are faced with a choice. Do we and aspiration and we need to tie in application system for academic and in which I don’t believe too many were ignore the problem and hope it goes Ofsted ratings with the rating of careers higher vocational routes. aware. away? It wont, they never do. provision for 11 to 16 year olds. At every decision point we want our Until it was too late and design and Or do we rise to the change and work All science, mathematics and design future engineers to receive up-to-date build began to create legal issues that with the insurance world to design and technology teacher training should information, sound advice and a clear had not been seen before. Contractors innovative insurance products which include a compulsory STEM careers route to their chosen career. Whatever and their consultants were faced with fully support this brave new world of module and that all teachers should stage they’re at we want to ensure they the problems of GMP contracts not construction? A step back to the past or spend one day a year in industry. We want are inspired, encouraged and developed. to mention the legal complexities of a leap to the future?

10 Infrastructure Intelligence | September 2014 September 2014 | Infrastructure Intelligence 11 Interview

makes that more practical today. People understand that things go wrong but they want to know that someone is doing their utmost to fix it. I hope that we will become an organisation that is better at communicating to individualds rather Drive to the than treating everyone as statistic. Each journey – each driver – matters.

Traffic demand is estimated by the Department for Transport to rise by future of roads 46% by 2040 – how will we meet this target? The investment programme over the Colin Matthews took over as the new chairman of the Highways Agency this coming years is not going to deliver The first Road Investment Strategy has loads of new roads. It is going to to be ready by the end of the year. Are month. He joins at a critical moment as the organisation reshapes from a be about improving junctions and there risks that this will be rushed? connections and bottlenecks and all I wouldn’t put it that way. This is government agency to a new Strategic Highways Company. Antony Oliver talks of the things that I think frustrate the first time we have done this so to him about the challenges ahead. drivers. You can’t do that overnight but in subsequent years, of course, the Stability for the supply chain is critical progressively I hope users will be able to routines mean that things will improve. – do you agree? say that the network is getting better. But what I can say is that I am sure that, For a supplier to be really efficient even in its first year it will be a better then predictability is really important or the last six year Colin Matthews Interview by Antony Oliver At Heathrow you radically improved proposition than looking at it afresh – they can build up their resources sat in the hot seat as chief customer satisfaction. The Highways each year. So of course it won’t be and capability because they will have F executive of Heathrow while the Government has committed to Agency now talks about roads users perfect first time around but it will be a consistent relationship with us over business morphed, under direction investing £24bn on national roads – a as customers? Is that important? better than it has been in the past. five years. You won’t hear me talking from the Competition Commission, trebling of investment – by 2021. Is I hope that is how we come to think in strident terms about one contracting from giant airports monopoly BAA to the Agency in shape to cope? of them. Historically the work of the An independent watchdog will be model and that nothing else works. a customer focused operation based Now is exactly the right moment to Agency has not been tremendously created to represent the interests of But you will see us focused on the best around the world’s biggest hub airport. ensure that the organisation is in shape visible and perhaps people take roads road users. Does that require changes possible relationships with suppliers – His new role as chairman of the to spend that money efficiently. One of for granted. But I think that customers – in attitudes at the Agency? commercially sharp with tension but Highways Agency clearly excites him, the key characteristics of the structural drivers – will want to know more about The public needs to have a means of with collaboration to ensure delivery. not least because government has change that is going on is that we will what is going on and we are going to knowing that we are doing a good job. So committed to a long term investment be able to plan our investment over five have to find better ways to tell them. If it is right that we have someone looking How will you create a sustainable plan to spend £24bn by 2021 on the years. Other industries have had five there is a hold-up we must be able to tell to see that we are efficient and that highway network embracing new and nation’s major road network – a radical year plans for decades. You are obviously them accurately what it is, what is being customer interests are being properly emerging technologies and trends in turnaround after years of piecemeal going to get better value for money if done to fix it and how long it is going to responded to. It is how other industries climate and weather conditions. underfunding. you can negotiate with your suppliers take to clear. Certainly when I am driving already operate so I don’t think its There are big challenges and motor Trunk roads and motorways are an over a predictable flow of work across a those are the things that I want to know. revolutionary but it is a big change for manufacturers and others will be integral part of the nation’s economy. Colin Matthews, chairman, Highways reasonable period of time. us. And if it causes us to find better ways working on technologies that will Yet they face unprecedented challenge Agency Is tolling on your agenda to look at? of working then that is also good. increase efficiency and we need to with traffic forecast to grow a whopping British Airports Authority morphed It is not. As it happens personally I make sure that we can exploit those. 46% by 2040. from a public authority to a privatised am not nearly as interested in all of Can civil servants move towards a This is not a business as usual, static However, the planned restructure the long term vision for the strategic customer-focused business. Will you those questions as I am in operational private sector model? environment. But who knows where of the Agency into a customer focused road network in England and, the take the Agency on a similar journey? improvement – that is my job. The All organisations need to continue to the technology will go? Is it going to be private sector led business presents a DfT’s draft documents say, will offer It is categorically not about that. The government owns the roads and it is up up their game and to provide better in the car, in gantries or in the road? major opportunity for Matthews to lead “long term funding certainty to enable roads are really important to the nation. to them to decide the policy and how to services to customers for less money. I don’t know. But we need to make the transformation of this vast asset. the SHC to plan more confidently and They are a public asset and public run it. We will be looking to successive The Highways Agency has fantastic sure that we are up with the best ideas The Department for Transport effectively for the future, enter into owned and that is how I expect them governments to be clear about that and strengths and its people really care developing around how to make roads outlined plans to convert the Highways long term contracts with suppliers and to continue. What interests me is the as long as that is clear and stable it will about doing a good job. It has much to more efficient and carbon efficient. Agency into a new government-owned consider alternative and novel solutions operations and finding improvement – put us in a good position to do a good be proud of. But all of that is history Strategic Highways Company (SHC) in to problems.” through new investment and in some job for the nation. Our job is to deliver. – judge us now on how much we can And finally…where is the next runway June when it published a suite of draft “The RIS will, for the first time, cases through new technology. People improve in the present and the future. going to be built in the UK? documents detailing the key elements provide the longer-term clarity that is in our organisation and elsewhere keep The Strategic Highways Company has I will leave you to debate that with that will create “a cohesive and robust vital for the companies who help plan, having ideas about making the network to be set up ready to go by the end of Will there be a need to bring in new others who are part of the industry. But governance framework for the new build and maintain our roads.” work better. That is my interest – no one the year – can that be achieved? skills? it is worth saying that every journey, company”. That means being more efficient and has talked to me about ownership. My role is to make sure that the A new structure will mean that there whether by rail or aeroplane, typically Critically, under this arrangement the goal is to shave £2.6bn off the cost of governance arrangements with the are things that we haven’t done in the starts off with a road. So when we are the new company will be granted a five running the roads over ten years. But it But moving from infrastructure focus board work correctly and there is a past that we will now have to do in the planning our roads we need to make year budget built to deliver against a also means setting the business up to cope to customer focus is surely a critical lot to do. But don’t let’s get carried future. So there will be certain new sure that it serves the country well newly agreed Roads Investment Strategy with the future demands of travellers. part of your future plans? away – the really fundamental thing is skills for sure. Obviously with customer by connecting well to rail and well (RIS) which must now be developed by And that means embracing technology, I think that it is an aspect. Thinking of to make the roads work better and if service and new technology I hope that to airports. We are interested in rail the end of the year ahead of a Spring building resilience in the face of climate users as individual people who want to we successfully find ways to improve we have our minds open to ideas from investment and in airport investment so launch of the new business. change and working out where the know what is going on is something that today’s network then that is the basis other people who run roads or other that we can make sure that roads serve The RIS will for the first time set out funding streams will come from. customers expect and technology now for everything else working. forms of transport. those other modes.

12 Infrastructure Intelligence | September 2014 September 2014 | Infrastructure Intelligence 13 Water

outcomes that we are looking to provide and how we deliver those outcomes Water: Ofwat through different delivery models that are more about collaboration and taking out the inefficiency that is perceived to be in asset creation,” says Andrew gets tough Cowell, head of the ACE Utilities Group and engineering director at MWH. As the regulatory feedback shows, Collaboration with customers and the supply chain is essential data is all important for this. “BIM is going to play a role in AMP 6 because if water companies are to deliver the challenging cost savings it enables some of these more efficient demanded by the regulator for AMP 6, writes Bernadette Ballantyne. processes linking asset creation and operations through data and then into asset life cycle information management chieving a five percent reduction which completely aligns with the totex in water bills across the industry agenda,” says Cowell. A between 2015 and 2020, while Water companies are already delivering better service, will not be an embracing collaborative working. This easy challenge for water companies. month Anglian Water announced two Investment plans are still huge, at new AMP6 alliances worth £450M, which £43bn for AMP 6 but the pressure to could run for as long as 15 years. From justify investment is greater than ever. 2015 to 2020 Clancy Docwra and Kier Right now water companies are MG will deliver Anglian Water’s £200M cogitating over the draft determination Integrated Metering and Developer delivered by Ofwat at the end of August Services (IMDS) programme. Barhale, Kier and have until 3 October to respond. In MG and Morrison Utility Services will some cases this means providing more deliver the £250M Integrated Operational evidence to justify why their proposed Solutions (IOS) programme, consisting spend is higher than that expected of small replacement and refurbishment by the regulator. “Some companies projects. provided excellent, customer-focused “We stepped in to make These awards followed on from an plans. Others did not include sufficient earlier announcement in May that evidence to justify their plans, and so sure customers get a Balfour Beatty, Barhale, Grontmij, Mott we stepped in to make sure customers fair deal” MacDonald, JN Bentley, MWH and get a fair deal,” says Sonia Brown, chief Sonia Brown, chief regulation officer at Skanska would be delivery partners for regulation officer at Ofwat. Ofwat the main capital works programme. “These are draft decisions and things All of Anglian Water’s alliance could still change. Companies will be arrangements have the potential to run looking hard at where they need to might have to delay the appointment until 2030 subject to five year reviews. submit new evidence and we will also of an Infrastructure Provider (IP) Ofwat will publish its final continue to challenge hard to make sure until October 2015 – after the general determinations on 12th December. that our final decisions result in the best election. In this scenario Thames Water possible deal for customers,” she adds. says it will need to invest an additional Water companies with the most work £110M however it did not identify what to do are Bristol Water, Thames Water activities this investment would be Investing £43bn to 2020 and United Utilities. The regulator required for meaning that Ofwat won’t wrote to the three firms ahead of the sanction it without more data. zzAverage 40% reduction in the time draft determination to highlight its United Utilities meanwhile failed to lost to supply interruptions concerns and give them additional time demonstrate the need for several major zzReduction of 1,200 incidences of to respond. At £562M Bristol Water’s wastewater programmes as well as internal sewer flooding estimates for wholesale water costs adequately justify its costs. zzCleaner water at more than 50 were 57 percent higher than those of At the other end of the spectrum beaches with a target of zero the regulator who proposed investment South West Water and Affinity Water serious (category 1 or 2) pollution of £359M. United Utilities meanwhile have been granted “enhanced status” incidents proposes investment in wastewater by the regulator, meaning that Ofwat is zzOther pollutions incidents of £3.41bn compared to a regulatory already convinced that their plans offer dropping by around a quarter estimate of £2.65bn. best value for the customer and has zzSaving of at least 340 million litres And Thames Water has been forced therefore approved their spending plans a day by tackling leakage and to reconsider its cost estimates for the early. promoting Tideway Tunnel during the next five Whether the water companies have zz Water efficiency – enough water years, which are forecast at £655M enhanced status or not the challenge saved to serve all of the homes in compared to a regulatory estimate of to maintain and upgrade their assets Birmingham, Liverpool and Leeds. £324M. more cost effectively remains. “For the zzA target of 100% compliance on A significant proportion of this is industry this is not about driving savings drinking water quality. related to Thames’ assertion that it through cheaper widgets, it is about the

14 Infrastructure Intelligence | September 2014 Carbon reduction

recognised as the third vital step. We have made clear within our procurement tendering process that Putting a new we want to work with suppliers who measure carbon and have clear reduction strategies in place. The HM Treasury Infrastructure Carbon Review, launched in November lens on carbon 2013, aligns very closely with the principles being applied within Anglian Water. In reducing capital and Since 2006 Anglian Water has gone through a step change in operational carbon, the key messages of its understanding of carbon management Carbon manager the report highlighted: zzIt reduces costs David Riley explains the challenge. zzIt unlocks innovation and drives better solutions zzIt drives resource efficiency o those leading organisations who zzIt provides competitive advantage and have driven carbon reductions export potential T through their business the link zzIt contributes to climate change between reducing carbon and boosting mitigation business efficiency will come as no At the start of our carbon journey surprise. we understood that individual parts Carbon is an excellent proxy for of our supply chain could all deliver the raw materials and energy used in small carbon reductions when required. constructing and operating assets and However, significant reductions could where lower carbon solutions have been not be delivered without the whole delivered the evidence also points to of the supply chain being aligned and lower cost. incentivised with the same objectives of We have seen significant business reducing carbon. efficiencies delivered through our £2bn The response to the carbon challenge capital programme. from both engineers within Anglian The vision of investors and Water and the supply chain has been directors to deliver sustainable low fantastic. carbon solutions is understood and In 2012 an extension to Bedford implemented through the business and Water Recycling Centre was completed supply chain. to treat a 30,000 population increase. This has been backed up by clear The scheme was delivered with a goals within our ‘Love Every Drop’ 66% reduction in capital carbon against campaign to: baseline, 43% reduction in cost against zzHalve the capital (embodied) carbon baseline and the site having an overall of assets built in 2015 from a 2010 Building a strong link between low carbon reduction in operational carbon against baseline solutions and cost reduction is critical to a forecast increase due to significant zzA 10% reduction in operational carbon the future of infrastructure. improvements in site energy and in real terms by 2015 from a 2010 process efficiency. baseline. At a tactical level we have in place a lower carbon solutions. The greatest robust governance process, where both benefit comes from joining up the value capital carbon and operational carbon chain, with the client taking the lead in Progress review are challenged against a baseline in the defining clear ‘low carbon’ targets and capital delivery process on three separate being responsive to the opportunities The Green Construction Board’s occasions. This is one of the steps we have that are offered. That’s what leads to Infrastructure Carbon Review One- taken to ensure the lowest carbon and positive sustainable outcomes.” Year-On conference takes place cost solutions are identified and delivered, Early collaboration in the design on the 27th October will provide together with a programme of training process and the setting of clear an insight into how other leading workshops and an in house developed expectations, have been fundamental infrastructure organisations are carbon modelling tool assisting engineers in allowing our supply chain to deliver responding to the carbon challenge. in optioneering designs. innovation, together with the rewarding With leadership creating the of results that benefit all parties. To register your interest in attending this free environment and driver for low carbon Avoiding over prescriptive event email [email protected]. low cost solutions, innovation is the specifications and enabling the supply engine especially within the value chain. chain to challenge standards, has also For detail of the Infrastructure As Chris Newsome, director of asset removed some of the previous blockers Carbon Review visit: http://www. management at Anglian Water stated in to innovation. greenconstructionboard.org/index.php/ the HM Treasury Infrastructure Carbon Along with leadership and resources/infrastructure-carbon-review Review, “We have gained real value from innovation, procurement has been

16 Infrastructure Intelligence | September 2014 Business

the drive towards collaboration, the important case studies on-line at www. service. Management of risk is emergence of new technology such as infrastructure-intelligence.com that becoming increasingly difficult across Building Information Modelling, the highlight lessons to be learned when the supply chain. rapid rise in post-recession workload, avoiding contractual liability claims. the integration of teams to meet This work will be expanded over Working around the world – changing client needs or the emergence the next 18 months to assemble a geographic liability issues of truly global businesses, it is clear the comprehensive information resource to zzInfrastructure is now a global professionals need to constantly review help guide professionals towards a lower business, not least as we see the their approach. claim, lower cost future. recent rash of business mergers And with this end in mind Along the way some new issues must increase the number of super-large Infrastructure Intelligence is working be tackled and discussed as the industry global businesses tackling a workload with Griffiths & Armour over the next embraces the 21st century world of on multiple continents. 18 months to help identify the best global infrastructure. These new critical zzManaging risk up and down the approaches to meeting these new issues include: supply chain is therefore increasingly challenges. complex and without proper global Using some new research work, The impact of BIM technology on strategies in place to manage risk regular conversations with the industry the market: there is increasing opportunity for at special breakfast meetings and a zzTechnology and in particularly claims and disputes to arise on a comprehensive review of the best the introduction and potentially global scale. practice (and worst practice) examples mandatory use of Building currently in the business, the aim is to Information Modelling to public sector These and many other issues will be help the industry to really understand procurement is having a major impact tackled and discussed over the next 18 the business and professional benefits of on the way the industry operates. months as we work with the Griffiths properly managed risk. zzBut do businesses recognise this & Armour team and its partners to That said, the messages from change as a potential risk to manage? help prepare the industry for the 21st Griffiths & Armour’s report still ring And are steps being taken to identify century risk environment. loud and clear about the sheer waste and minimise the risks and costs of “Management of risk and the of time and resources caused by poorly the impacts of this new technology? avoidance of claims is a key priority for managed risk on projects. And while every firm. Best practice brought to light some might say it is in the interests The role and challenge of integrated must be considered by all for possible of the insurance industry to limit the project insurance adoption within their own businesses,” number of claims against professional zzWith BIM technology comes a said the 2005 research paper. Words

The Lloyds Building by Michele Ursino, Creative Commons via Flickr Commons Building by Michele Ursino, Creative Lloyds The indemnity policies, few would disagree desire and an inherent obligation to that remain equally relevant today. that it is unquestionably in the embrace silo-busting – and blame industry’s interest to stay out of court. sharing – collaboration across As this 2005 work points out, risk is the project team in which the old 80th Anniversary an inherent part of any engineering and model of individual professionals Charity Challenge architectural project and as such is a shouldering proportions of risk is critical business issue in infrastructure. exchanged for a collective approach This year, Griffiths & Armour A new world Implementing robust and effective to achieving the client’s outcome. celebrates its 80th year as insurance strategies to manage risk is therefore vital zzBut is the industry, clients or, indeed brokers. to the long term health of the sector. the insurance market, ready and To mark the anniversary the The key issues to bear in mind when prepared physically or emotionally partners and staff have committed assembling these strategies to manage to move from the traditional liability, to make a difference by taking part risk and avoid claims remain as true and corresponding professional in a number of challenges to raise today as they did ten years ago and indemnity, model towards an £80,000 for two chosen charities, of risk come down to three simple ideas based integrated project insurance future? KIND and Prostate Cancer UK. around: Major fundraising events have The effective management of risk has always been a crucial factor in the success zzIdentifying the risks The expert client versus the included a 10k run and 15 mile walk zzQuantifying the harm arising from inexpert client in May and an 80 mile bike ride in of businesses in the infrastructure sector. Antony Oliver explores the challenges of a the adverse effect zzAs the recovery builds we see a June. This month the firm hosts it changing professional and commercial environment. zzMinimising the likelihood of the distinct difference in approach special anniversary gala at Liverpool harm being realised emerging between expert clients Town Hall. s every professional in liability; of badly drafted clauses; of professional liability claims. Across each of these headings compared to inexpert clients. But there infrastructure knows, risk is an overestimated revenue models; and Ten years ago insurance broker and there remains a critical need to share remains huge questions around how To support the work visit Griffiths A integral and unavoidable part of misaligned expectations between risk management specialist Griffiths best practice across the industry as a infrastructure firms, both large and and Armour’s web page at www. of the business. And to be successful, it partners and across the supply chain. & Armour put the spotlight on the fundamental step in helping to raise SME, understand, embrace and exploit griffithsandarmour.com is something that must be embraced, The reality is that infrastructure, and causes and consequences of poor risk the collective performance when the risks associated with this change. understood, managed properly and, of the projects that deliver it, are complex management across the construction it comes to managing risk. Only by course, priced for accordingly. beasts involving a multitude of different industry. The work was a blatant attempt learning from the successes and failings The consequences for business in a Yet history is littered with examples stakeholders whose objectives and to help the industry to embrace better and embracing behaviour change will growing market of things going wrong. drivers are quite often, usually for very business practice and so avoid the rising we move towards a lower cost, less zzThe infrastructure market in the UK is Tales of unexpected ground good reasons, misaligned. tide of these professional liability claims. adversarial future. expanding rapidly putting increasing conditions and poorly specified The net result of this misalignment Today, the challenges of managing With support from Griffith & demands on the supply chain waterproofing; of misunderstood continues to be time-consuming, risk in this already complex sector Armour, Infrastructure Intelligence has while clients become increasingly contract obligations and limits of business damaging and costly continue to increase. Whether it is already brought together a number of demanding in terms of price and

18 Infrastructure Intelligence | September 2014 September 2014 | Infrastructure Intelligence 19 Awards

in the global projects shortlisted such as Planning and Engineering Institute, AECOM which was design consultant on CNPC PetroAdvisory and China China’s Taizhou Yangtze River highway International Engineering Consulting Chinese infrastructure bridge – the world’s first long-span, Corporation three-pylon suspension bridge. zzShuibuya Hydropower Project – The awards recognise outstanding Changjiang Institute of Survey, dominates shortlist for projects that support and promote Planning, Design and Research the aims of the federation which are zzZhengzhou Rail-cum-Road Yellow to promote the use of international River Bridge on Beijing-Guangzhou FIDIC best practice and resources to High Speed Railway – China Railway 2014 FIDIC project awards achieve quality projects that help world Major Bridge Reconnaissance & economies and communities to develop. Design Institute and The Third Eight Chinese projects made the Railway Survey and Design Institute Just one UK infrastructure project has made it to the shortlist for the shortlist, with six coming from the USA Group Corporation (TSDI) and three from Australia and Spain. zzTaihang Mountain Extra-Long Tunnel 2014 International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC) Awards for Winners will be revealed during Group of Shijiazhuang -Taiyuan High the FIDIC International Infrastructure Speed Railway Project – The Third outstanding major projects. Conference in Rio de Janeiro at the end Railway Survey and Design Institute of September. Group Corporation (TSDI)

France zzLa Caserne Dam on the Couesnon THE SHORTLIST: River – BRL Ingénierie – Luc Weizmann Architecte – SPRETEC – ANTEA zzJacques Chaban-Delmas vertical lift Australia bridge – Egis Jmi – France zzIpswich motorway upgrade Dinmore to Goodna project – Parsons Portugal Brinckerhoff (PB) and SMEC Australia zzBraga Municipal Stadium – PROAFA – (SMEC) Serviços de Engenharia (AFACONSULT) zzAirport Link, Northern Busway and Airport Roundabout upgrade project – Spain Parsons Brinckerhoff and Arup zzCerro Prieto. PV Technology zzOne One One Eagle Street – Arup Evaluation Plant – Iberdrola Australia Ingeniería y Construcción. zzMadrid M-30 M-RÍOAcciona Ingenería Brazil – GINPROSA Ingeniería S.L. – Tecnica zzTucuruí Locks System: Studies, y Proyectos (TYPSA) – Intecsa-Inarsa. preliminary and final design and zzCiudad Grupo Santander – Santander technical assistance – Engecorps Group City – Tecnica y Proyectos Engenharia S.A – Grupo TYPSA (TYPSA)

China Turkey zzXi’an Metro Line 2 – China Railway zzKonya Science Center – Icosa First Survey & Design Institute Group. Systems – Endeco Engineering Design Above: AECOM was design consultant on zzHangzhou Bay Bridge – CCCC Consultancy Co. China’s Taizhou Yangtze River highway ott MacDonald’s mammoth Highway Consultants. bridge. £300M Cleaner Seas for Sussex zzTaizhou Yangtze River Highway UK Msewerage upgrade project for Bridge – Jiangsu Province zzCleaner Seas for Sussex – Mott Left: Mott MacDonald has been technical Southern Water is the only UK project Communications Planning and MacDonald advisor to Southern Water’s Cleaner on the 26 strong FIDIC Awards shortlist Design Institute, CREC Bridge Survey Seas for Sussex scheme from the very which this year is dominated by major and Design Institute Group & Tongji USA beginning of the project. Flows from infrastructure projects in China. University Architectural Design zzRion-Antiron Bridge – An Ode to the Brighton & Hove catchment are However, other UK firms are Institute (Group). Poseidon – Langan International diverted to the new treatment works, at represented on the list of outstanding zzMegaton Ethylene Project of zzMontgomery Point Lock and Dam Peacehaven, where preliminary, primary global projects this year, including Sinopec Zhenhai Refinery & (MPLD) – MWH Global and secondary treatment are provided to Parsons Brinckerhoff and Arup on the Chemical Company (ZRCC) – China zzHearst Headquarters – WSP Group a high standard before treated effluent is shortlist for their joint venture work International Engineering Consulting Inc. discharged via a 2.5km long sea outfall. on Brisbane’s Airport Link in Australia. Corporation and Sinopec Engineering zzMokelumme River Project – GHD. Also on the list is Parsons Brinckerhoff Incorporation zzInner Harbor Navigation Canal Lake Top right: Arup Australia’s One One One with SMEC Australia for the Ipswich zzThe First Line of West-East Gas Borgne Surge Barrier Project – Eagle Street motorway upgrade project in Brisbane Transportation Pipelines – China Tetra Tech and WSP Group for the Hearst Petroleum Pipeline Engineering zzCentral Link Section 710: Beacon Hill Bottom right: WSP’s Hearst Headquarters Headquarters in New York. Corporation, China Petroleum, station and tunnels – Hatch Mott Other UK firms have been involved Southwest Company, Petrochina MacDonald

20 Infrastructure Intelligence | September 2014 September 2014 | Infrastructure Intelligence 21 Business

“If consolidation results in stable businesses, better able to promote great Closing the deals engineering, great people and great supply chain capability, that’s good for us,” says London Underground capital Summer merger romances are moving towards marriage. programmes director Miles Ashley. And at a time when good human resources are in high demand, working with one supplier which a client knows H2MHill said this month that it is has the ability to respond to programme to cut 1200 jobs or 5% of its staff changes or new requirements by Cworldwide in a bid to “right size” bringing in the necessary people in the business in response to anticipated terms of numbers or knowledge would growth that did not materialise. The be a big advantage. “That’s what scale business purchased Halcrow back in 2011. ought to get us,” Dalton says. It is the latest company involved in So right now all eyes will be on the recession prompted UK merger activity men in the hot seats of the latest rash to have something of a strategic rethink. of mergers. And arguable with AECOM’s Elsewhere URS, purchaser of Scott Steve Morriss taking on the role of Wilson in 2010, is well on the way leading what will be an 18,000 strong to being sold to AECOM in a game- AECOM Europe Middle East and Africa changing $6bn deal. And Balfour Beatty operation post URS merger, that puts is about to offload its 2009 Parsons him in the hottest seat of all when it Brinckerhoff buy to WSP at a whopping comes to building client confidence. 100% profit, a deal which followed How he and his new management and epic tussle with rival contractor team manages the size and power in Carillion which wanted to merge with favour of local public sector client Balfour’s and hang on to PB. satisfaction could be a model others will Even Hyder Consulting, which having want to emulate. And given the size of floated in 2002 managed to avoid falling the challenges being set by 21st century prey to larger competitors until now, is public clients, it is unlikely that scaled succumbing to the embrace of ARCADIS up business-as-usual will be the solution. – which itself worked hard to see off A more compelling offer can – and rival Hyder suitor Nippon Koei. surely must – now be put on the table. And while no one is saying that the So across the public and private past merger activities have led directly to infrastructure sector we should expect the current rash of business sales and job have a large range of what seems relatively that, to generate the necessary synergies cuts, it does seem that strategies dreamed small customers in terms of percentage of and savings, the on-going trend of up before or during recession haven’t turnover, it will be much less responsive business consolidation will lead to some necessarily carried through to recovery. and potentially less innovative. exciting and game changing shifts in Both in terms of sustainable growth “A smaller firm will put some procurement and delivery. JW and in creating an integrated service very high quality intellect into being offering it seems that much of the early innovative and demonstrating that it is aspiration for business development and aligned with a client’s needs whereas Watch out for 16 October cost savings hasn’t necessarily played out. bigger businesses can be slow to change So having put tens of thousands of and over time there is the potential for a Completion date for the AECOM/URS employees through a summer of turmoil worse deal for the client.” merger and ARCADIS/Hyder is 16 will the latest merger victors do better There is also a fear that the UK’s October. WSP/PB will follow before this time around? major clients may also find themselves Christmas it is anticipated. One of the main justifications for not quite as important to the new breed US consultant AECOM is paying the new round of mergers is that size of globally focussed mega-businesses as £3.7bn for URS and the move will brings synergies (otherwise known as they once were. create a business of 95,000 staff with economies of scale) that will benefit For example, will a giant, annual revenues of £11.7bn and clients. And for multi-national, private international organisation send its pretax profits of £800,000. sector clients that could well be right. chief executive or chairman into Dutch consultancy ARCADIS’ But for public sector clients operating meetings with clients to demonstrate offer for Hyder of £7.50 a share puts only in their home markets the case has commitment as the “traditional” mid- the value of the UK consultancy at still to be made. sized businesses do now? Perhaps yes; £296M. The combined business will Highways Agency chief executive perhaps no; perhaps don’t know. employ 26,000. Graham Dalton voices the concerns of But those questions are some that Canadian firm WSP is currently many. “When a supplier gets to a huge the men and women driving the newly on track to buy Parsons Brinckerhoff scale it is far more likely to want to merged super-companies will want to from Balfour Beatty for £820M shape the service it offers round what it answer as a priority, because they also creating a combined business of thinks will generate margin or turnover, know that the UK’s infrastructure clients 31,000 employees with net revenues not on what the client wants,” he says. do also see potential benefits from the of £1.4bn. “And because that sort of business will creation of bigger consultancies.

22 Infrastructure Intelligence | September 2014 Careers

apprenticeship scheme doing exactly the engineering skills.” deprived areas. We ran some day courses same, building our talent for the future. The age range of apprentices is and gave them a day’s work experience. We are recruiting three apprentices this quite wide. The requirement is for five In particular, we helped them fill in the year taking our total to eight in a staff of GCSEs at grade A-C including Maths application forms – most application 350 but that is just the start.” (B), English and a science subject. So processes put these young people at The apprentices The intention is to bring people in most apprentices start at 16-17 fresh a serious disadvantage. We took our who want to be technicians though from GCSEs. But there are also those ethnic mix from an apprenticeship some will want to go on to a full degree who realised A levels were not for standard of 5% to closer to 20%. What Consultants and young people alike have grabbed the opportunities and Nicholson says the companies will them, people who want to be engineers we realised was that if companies are help with that. but studied the wrong A levels for a serious about diversity they are going to offered by new engineering technician apprenticeship schemes. This “But really we want our apprentices university course or those in their 20s have to put the effort in.” to reach a level where they feel who realise that an apprenticeship is TAC is expecting to grow further. month 600 will be in training and for the future 1500 is an achievable comfortable. That will be a very high the best way to retrain. In terms of apprentice numbers “the technical status – incorporated engineer Apart from getting their education exponential growth – 8-600 in four years target. Jackie Whitelaw reports. level – and they will be delivering the paid for by their employers, apprentices – is not going to carry on,” Hoile says. modelling and drawing capability we also receive an average starting wage But I think taking on 500 apprentices a need to meet all the changing BIM of between £12,000 and £14,000 a year. year is possible in the short term. requirements,” he says. There is no shortage of enthusiastic Are more employers welcome to join “The young have a natural ability applicants. TAC? “Yes of course,” says Nicholson. to work with the software but no One of the purposes of TAC when “But we are determined that we want engineering expertise. We can harness it was created was to increase the employers who will be passionate that ability and teach the engineering. diversity of the engineering workforce about the scheme and will get involved Ten years on, with experience, these including women, ethnic minorities, the especially with the colleges. young people will be incredibly valuable disabled and those from disadvantaged “It is for the companies to realise that and useful.” backgrounds. there is this huge potential source of TAC is not, however, planning to This says Hoile takes some work. talent out there. And it is up to us all to develop a BIM apprenticeship. “BIM “Last year with the Royal Academy of bring them in and train them. And help is a process,” says Hoile. “You need to Engineering, the Construction Youth our own resources down the line. understand the engineering first in Trust and WISE, we focused on young “The real benefits will be realised in order to be able to use it to best effect so people with no university family five or 10 years time. It’s about building we want our apprentices to learn their background and schools in socially for the future.”

TAC: Companies united to get the training their employees need

The 600 apprentices now in training in release course at South Thames College Transport Planning shorty afterwards. consultancy is a remarkable step forward while employing them. Fourteen colleges are now members from 2010 when the first eight in the Since then TAC has gone from of the network with a service level Technical Apprenticeship Consortium chairman Graham Nicholson (third right) with some of Tony Gee & Partners apprentices; left to TAC scheme went into training. strength to strength. Forty apprentices agreement in place as to what right, Craig Rigden, Karim Mahrach, James Edmed, Luca Turner and Sam Ashman. Back then Transport for London, started course in September 2011, 140 employers expect from them in respect through its engineering and project in September 2012, 200 in 2013 and of the care and education of their his month three hundred we have a fixation about academic beginning to realise that it is a management framework, demanded now 300 this year. apprentices. apprentices start out to become qualifications but people all learn in commercial world out there,” Nicholson that companies wishing to work for it Advanced Technician Apprenticeship T engineering technicians through different ways. It is very telling to hear says. accept the Greater London Authority’s Frameworks are in place not just for civil TAC companies – national level the Technician Apprenticeship a large number of our apprentices say ‘I From Sheila Hoile’s point of view strategic labour needs and training but also building services engineering AECOM Consortium – led by a group of 19 wanted to do engineering but I couldn’t the employers too are changing their commitment which included a target with graduates of the scheme able to join Arup engineering consultancy firms from stick another three years of book ways. “In the 1990s consultancies for recruiting apprentices. the Institution of Civil Engineers and Atkins around the country. learning; I wanted to work.” became complacent about their There were very few apprentices Chartered Institution of Building Services BDP Overall 600 young people will be in According to current TAC chairman workforce planning. The default was in training with consultants at that Engineers. Capita training with UK consultancies and a Graham Nicholson, executive managing to hire graduates whether they needed time and if there were they were not A new Railway Engineering Design Clancy Consulting further 100 will have qualified under director of Tony Gee & Partners: graduates or not and the result was that associated with an apprenticeship Technician Apprenticeship has now been Crofton Design the scheme to Engineering Council “The real power of TAC is that it can you got demotivated graduates doing framework. approved and will start in September CH2M Hill competence standards for engineering influence the colleges who provide the work they shouldn’t be doing. It was Mott MacDonald that 2015 with another to follow for Hyder Consulting technicians. This makes them eligible day release training. We help set the “What TAC has done for nearly all grabbed the bull by the horns and Jacobs Engineering for membership of a professional curriculum and make sure the colleges the member companies is that it has established a consortium of six large “What TAC has Mott MacDonald institution as technician engineers. deliver what they have said they would. set them back looking at workforce engineering consultancy practices to done for nearly Mouchel The enthusiasm from young people “In the old days the issue used to be planning and that has had a significant plan and deliver an advanced technician Parsons Brinckerhoff for the apprenticeship opportunity is that the students didn’t turn up. But in effect. They are now asking themselves apprenticeship in civil engineering. all member Peter Brett Associates evidence of the need for the scheme. extreme cases now it is the lecturers do we need as many graduates or is it Those six were Mott MacDonald itself, companies is set Tony Gee & Partners “This is not just to do with the financial who don’t turn up. If we are not happy better to have a mixture of technician Arup, Capita Symonds, CH2MHill, Hyder them back looking Troup Bywaters and Anders issue of wanting to avoid a huge we have much more power as a group of apprentices and graduates.” and WSP. In the space of nine months at workforce URS university student loan,” says TAC employers to demand change.” Nicholson agrees. “For years at the consortium had gained approval for planning” Waterman programme manager Sheila Hoile. TAC has withdrawn students and Tony Gee we have sponsored 10 an apprenticeship framework, chosen a WSP Group “The TAC scheme gives people a therefore funding from colleges that are undergraduates a year through training provider by tender and started Sheila Hoile, TAC genuine choice about whether they not meeting its standards. university and that has provided us with those first eight technicians on a day programme manager www.tacnet.org.uk go to university or not. As an industry “These institutions are slowly our talent for last 15 years. We see the

24 Infrastructure Intelligence | September 2014 September 2014 | Infrastructure Intelligence 25 Careers Careers

then you should jump straight in. An A star experienced Apprentice/ Technician and eventually Graduate can have 7-8 years’ more experience than someone apprentice who has gone the university route. Both are excellent options, but it is all about what suits the individual. An yder’s apprentice programme is Alexandra Ayres and Aaron French- apprenticeship suited me and I feel I am going from strength to strength. Gibbens progressing each day.” HIn the current intake, the Alexandra Ayres is an Apprentice design and engineering consultancy Civil Engineer in the London has 10 apprentices working across the business dimension to their technical transportation team. She joined Hyder typically core civil engineering sectors experience. Whilst they are applying in August 2013 whilst studying for a such as geotechnical, highways and the theory they’re learning in college, Level 3 BTEC at The College of North rail, as well as two with its IT team. As they are also boosting their commercial West London. She said: “I think an one of the founding members of The awareness through modules such as apprenticeship is the best way to start Apprenticeship Consortium, Hyder has project management, key account a career as you are able to experience remained committed to supporting management and general management and understand exactly what you are young talent find alternative routes into principles. From a business perspective, learning at college. I’m able to apply the the profession. their enthusiasm and contribution to the concepts and theories to the projects According to Chantelle Ludski, team cannot be underestimated.” with which I’m involved. Plus, you Hyder’s HR and Change Director: “I’m Aaron French-Gibbens is an can take it as far as you are willing to a firm believer that an apprenticeship apprentice who recently qualified as a go. Working for a multinational like programme adds value to both the Technician in the Transport Planning Hyder, I have the opportunity to be individuals and the business. Our and Urban Design team. He said: “I involved with major infrastructure apprentices are enrolled onto Hyder’s would recommend an apprenticeship projects all over the world, such as Doha industry recognised Steps to Excellence without a shadow of a doubt. I believe Expressway, as well as those closer to Programme (STEP), which adds a broader if you know what you want to do, home, such as a city cycle scheme.”

vital infrastructure of the future.” Infrastructure The hub features thought leading The UMIST civil engineering class of 2001 celebrate their degrees. articles, expert view and comment Intelligence to help prospective employers and employees understand the challenges being faced across the industry. launches The site is divided into clear sections to focus on: new digital zzLatest analysis of the issues that are driving and influencing careers in Career women career hub infrastructure “This new hub will work to zzLearning and Development – how to As the government calls for more women to enter the engineering profession Bernadette The brand new Infrastructure help you to both build and build your career in infrastructure – Ballantyne asks her former engineering classmates about their career paths. Intelligence Careers Hub be part of the winning teams insight from across the profession. gives the insight and that will deliver the vital zzCareer Paths – key figures from across the industry explain what drove their he lack of women in engineering eight are now working in engineering to a variety of reasons for that. Some said information to build your infrastructure of the future.” careers and others reveal what their has been at the forefront of media related roles, and two have built that it was due to the variety of work career in infrastructure working day involves T attention in 2014. As a former civil successful careers in other sectors. Not available, others to the mix of site and plus unique access to the zzCareers advice – critical careers advice engineer that graduated in 2001 and only that the group are excelling in design experience offered. A few said best employers and greatest and information from the most worked in consultancy before moving into their roles, winning national awards, they just preferred to be office based and opportunities for the future. influential names in infrastructure. journalism I studied with several bright working on high level government and as one of the group said “I didn’t opportunities around. “This new resource is an exciting new zzEmployers – the firms offering the young female engineers in the late 1990s projects and most importantly enjoying fancy spending most of my days outside addition to Infrastructure Intelligence’s best career opportunities at the University of Manchester Institute their work. in the rain.” A common comment was The new resource also gives unique growing portfolio of services for the zzJobs – real opportunities to build your of Science and Technology (UMIST, now Over half are now working that consulting offered more flexibility access to the best employers and rapidly expanding infrastructure career in infrastructure. part of Manchester University). I set about for leading consultants such as than site work, which enabled a better greatest opportunities in the market,” said Infrastructure Intelligence Infrastruture Intelligence and reconnecting with them to discover how Atkins, Arup, Mott MacDonald and balance between work and family life. recruitment market, acting to support editor Antony Oliver. “Working with its partners will will be constantly many had gone into engineering roles, PricewaterhouseCoopers, while others the industry in its efforts to both hire our launch partners we are creating a updating the Careers Hub with new whether these promising graduates had are client side with the Highways Maria Manidaki and retain the best staff across the resource that genuinely sets out to help content and new career opportunities remained within the industry. And if not Agency, United Utilities and Guernsey Two of the engineers are now at consultant global market place. the entire market to build better careers to ensure that the industry meets it what other career paths had opened up Water. All of them said that it was Mott MacDonald including Maria Manidaki Infrastructure Intelligence has been with the best employers around.” on-going post-recession challenge to to them. relatively easy to get a job, having who is now a sustainability leader at working with launch partners Arup, He added: “The message is simple: find and retain the best staff to solve the The results paint a very positive several offers after graduation and the firm. “After UMIST, I did an MSc in Amey, Mott MacDonald and Tony Gee wherever you are in the infrastructure needs of modern clients. picture about the opportunities that none of them had suffered recession Environmental Economics and then and Partners to create a resource that supply chain, this new hub will work studying engineering offer. Of the 10 of redundancies that blighted the sector. took a few months off travelling before includes real career opportunities plus to help you to both build and be part of Visit the Careers Hub at www.infrastructure- the women that I was able to contact, The most popular choice by far has I returned to the UK and found a job inspiration and insight into employers the winning teams that will deliver the intelligence.com/careers-hub (which was nearly all of the females) been consulting and the group pointed with Mott MacDonald in Yorkshire,” she

26 Infrastructure Intelligence | September 2014 September 2014 | Infrastructure Intelligence 27 Careers

Taking an alternative route A flexible career choice Why study engineering? Although the majority of the group maths teacher. Katy Brown particularly appreciates the Working in the infrastructure team “One of the really good things about moved into engineering careers, Caroline Dunn also took an alternative flexibility offered in consulting having as a senior engineer Sarah returned a civil engineering course is that it studying civil engineering has created path after graduation applying for just returned to work at consultant to work part time after the arrival is all problem solving and once you some great opportunities in other flexible graduate employment schemes Atkins after her second maternity of her first child. “They were very have that background you can apply fields. Rebecca Barclay’s exciting career in finance and insurance. She received break. A group engineer Katy joined accommodating and really supportive,” it to anything,” illustrates this more than most. After several job offers and decided to work Atkins after graduation and manages she says. Katy Brown, group engineer, Atkins. graduation she moved to Paris where with RSA, which was then Royal Sun projects and programmes in the However not all firms have been she became the finance assistant to Alliance. “I was attracted to them as they transport sector most recently working this encouraging. In her previous “I wanted to make a difference to the finance director of Virgin Continental had a programme of rotations where you on rail franchising. Although she was consulting role before moving to world, and engineering seemed like Europe, the holding company for could try out a few different job roles and expecting to be able to return to work Guernsey Water, Catherine Harris a good idea. I was initially interested Virgin Music. On her return to the find something that suited you before part time, she was concerned about was asked to extend her maternity in the remediation of contaminated UK she decided to join Bechtel as a you made a decision.” travelling so far from home to be based break for a further 6 months when ground, environmental buildings and graduate trainee and had over three Today she is an executive in the office, which was a 40 minute she tried to return to work in 2009 developments,” “brilliant” years at the company. “I responsible for employers and general commute by train. Her line manager after the birth of her first child. With Catherine Harris, project engineer wastewater worked on various projects including liability insurance at world leading suggested that she be home based, just two days notice she was told that new works, Guernsey Water. the Channel Tunnel rail link, Cross insurance market, Lloyd’s of London. a solution which has enabled her to if she didn’t take the incentivised County Route Modernisation and bid She says that her engineering degree return to Atkins and the rail project. sabbatical she would probably face “I liked the idea of building things work for major projects such a Doha prepared her better for a career in Sarah Humphrey too has been redundancy. “The recession hit and that meant undertaking a Airport and Port. My final project with insurance than many others. “The impressed with her employer Arup’s everyone in different ways,” she says vocational degree,” them was out in Romania on their degree taught me so many things that I approach to her maternity leave philosophically. “It was assumed that I Nicky Leighton, modelling project manager, motorway and was involved in the use every day now. A civil engineering having just extended her second would want the additional break but I United Utilities. environmental impact assessments.” degree gives you a broad background maternity break by a further year. just wanted to get back to work.” After taking a maternity break and a lot of the subjects such as project “I always liked maths and physics Rebecca decided not to return to the management, problem solving and at school and engineering was London based role which meant a long the strong numeracy focus are useful after graduation having been inspired to consultancy with Atkins and Babtie suggested to me as a good way of commute, and so she retrained as a whatever career you go into” study civil engineering by a major project (now part of Jacobs), won the NCE using those subjects,” – happening right on her doorstep in Kent, Graduate Engineer of the Year Award Sarah Humphrey, senior engineer, Arup the Channel Tunnel Rail Link. Joining in 2002, and then became chartered says. This meant working in the Mott was a civil engineer in the US and he Skanska in 2000 as a student engineer, before moving client side. As contract “A civil engineering degree gives you MacDonald Bentley joint venture (MMB JV) used to build playgrounds, incredible Sarah started out as a chain girl. “I was the assurance audit manager she essentially a broad background and a lot of the being both onsite and doing design which playgrounds imagined by children and only woman onsite and I progressed from manages the independent audits subjects such as project management, accelerated Maria’s progress, enabling he made them into reality.” the bottom up. It could be rather dirty of the Agency’s maintenance and problem solving and the strong her to become chartered in just three Nicky now specialises in network and macho at times but I didn’t mind it, renewal contracts that maintain the numeracy focus are useful whatever years. “I got some really good design and modelling and has been seconded to it was a great experience,” she says. She highways network. “I always wanted to career you go into,” construction experience on water and water company United Utilities having then became a graduate environmental be a civil engineer and picked my GCSE Caroline Dunn, executive, employers liability wastewater infrastructure including progressed up from engineer to project engineer at Skanska, before joining AMEC choices around that. I worked in the and general liability, Lloyds of London. some of the biggest projects in the UK,” manager with Mouchel. where she worked as a design engineer, structures teams for Atkins and Babtie she says. She then worked on designing quantity surveyor and onsite project but mainly worked on Highways Agency renewable energy technologies before Catherine Harris manager. After becoming chartered in assets throughout this time.” by improving the gender-diversity working on energy efficiency schemes Catherine Harris has also built a 2007 Sarah decided to embark upon a After joining the Agency in 2006 Amy balance,” she says, “We would really like for Yorkshire Water. After developing an successful career in the water industry new chapter in her career becoming a has been a route performance manager, to encourage all those involved with energy team within the Mott MacDonald and recently moved from consulting project management specialist at one a project sponsor and a contract major projects to support this initiative Bentley joint venture she moved south. to become a project engineer in the of the world’s “Big 4” consulting firms; manager, while also finding time to as we believe that more diverse teams, “I decided I wanted to get more strategic wastewater sector at Guernsey Water. PricewaterhouseCoopers. “I was ready have two children. “I work with a particularly at the senior level, will planning experience in water in the UK “The role challenges me technically. for a professional services environment number of really good female engineers lead to improved decision making and and overseas with a stronger focus on I am doing detailed design, outline and I needed to achieve a better work and have done throughout my career. therefore better project outcomes. sustainability and carbon so I moved to design and everything in between. It also life balance,” she says pointing to the My role is very busy but does offer We would also like to a much better our water headquarters in Cambridge,” challenges me commercially as I have long hours onsite as being prohibitive to flexibility around family life,” she says. representation of senior women on the she says where most recently she has more responsibility for the contractual raising a family. “Being on site can be a speaker platforms at key events and in been contributing to Mott MacDonald’s arrangements and management,” she bit like a travelling circus, some form a Professor Denise Bower the media.” work on the government’s Infrastructure says. At the same time Catherine wants family on the project but then it can be Professor Denise Bower is also a Carbon Review. to encourage more young people to hard to maintain that elsewhere,” she says. UMIST alumni and was one of just So despite the low representation of embark upon an engineering career. Using all of the expertise she gleaned two female lecturers that taught on women in the engineering sector as a Career women (from the top): Professor Nicky Leighton “There are few Chartered Engineers on from major projects such as CTRL and the course during the late 1990s. A whole, this experience shows that for Denise Bower; Bernadette Ballantyne Another water industry specialist is the island, especially female ones. I hope large PFI hospital schemes Sarah now specialist in project management she those that do embark upon a career today and (below that) as a graduate; Nicky Leighton who joined consultant to work with States of Guernsey to help works in project management and now leads the Engineering Project in the sector there is a huge variety of Katy Brown; Nicky Leighton Parkman (which became part of civil engineers gain their qualifications, governance and in the future is keen to Academy at the University of Leeds and options available. An incredible 80 per Mouchel in September 2003) after and with schools to promote engineering undertake more work on delay analysis. is the Executive Director of the Major cent of the female engineering students graduation. “I knew that I wanted to do in general, especially to girls.” Projects Association. “At the Major from one year group are now active in civil engineering ever since I was little. I Amy Williams Projects Association we are founding the industry and I am proud to have think I liked the idea of building things Sarah Leavey Tod Another high flier from the course members of the Portrait Club. This has been part of this class of inspirational and I knew that meant undertaking a Sarah Leavey Tod was one of the few is the Highways Agency’s Amy been established to help improve the students who are all now incredibly vocational degree. I had an uncle who girls to start her career with a contractor Williams, who spent five years in initiation and delivery of major projects successful professionals.

28 Infrastructure Intelligence | September 2014 September 2014 | Infrastructure Intelligence 29 Careers: Day in the life Careers

skills gaps, such as rail and transport Orla Fitzpatrick: Career path infrastructure, water and utilities, Orla Fitzpatrick: Addressing the skills property and power and energy. Who was your first employer and In the water industry, the recession why? shortage – act now and coincided with the closing of the AMP5 searching for the I studied a BSc in Geophysical Science and opening of the AMP6 framework and then a Masters in Environmental periods, creating a perfect storm that saw Consultancy. My first job was with prevent a crisis later many projects put on hold or dropped. sustainable 200 the United States Geological Survey Now the industry is reinvesting in California as this was the epicenter in infrastructure to meet AMP6 Matchtech operations director Grahame Carter says Orla Fitzpatrick is Amey Consulting’s lead environmental (excuse the pun) of earthquake hazard requirements – only to find that many of research, and also I got to live in San there is still time to get on with workforce planning the skilled engineers have transferred to consultant, heading the company’s recently amalgamated Francisco for three years. other sectors. and avoid the panic buying of previous skills shortages. environment and sustainability team. Her typical day is all What can employers offer to make Strategic planning means the skills you most happy in your career? gap can be mitigated by working about finding new recruits to build the group. Support from senior management, smarter, e.g. by setting up ECI (Early for you to never feel like they don’t esearch released recently by Contractor Involvement) and pushing ix months ago Amey’s Consulting have your back. the EEF, The Manufacturers’ work out earlier, so there is less of business created one environment What advice would you give your ROrganisation, a regular a slump between cycles, to smooth Sand sustainability team from the younger self? commentator and reviewer of demand for staff. experts it had sitting in engineering Every day in the environmental infrastructure has highlighted strong The highways sector is also teams around the group. The woman consultancy profession is wage growth in the UK. experiencing skills gaps as a direct since chosen to lead the team is 38 year worthwhile experience. Even Good news for UK engineering, you result of the recession, when graduate old Orla Fitzpatrick who has been with all those cold and wet mornings might think, but the EEF believes this recruitment dropped sharply, causing company since 2009. She’s based in undertaking water quality wage growth is a result of a growing a shortage of skilled engineers with 3-4 Belfast but travels around Amey’s offices monitoring at a landfill site on skills shortage, especially in the years’ experience. Now infrastructure all the time. the side of a very exposed hill will infrastructure sector as it recruits staff investment is rising and the best Her job now is to expand the group provide you with some useful skills. to meet the demands of major projects graduates have a pick of jobs from eager from 40 to 90 people by next year and What is the best thing so far in your like Crossrail, HS2 and the AMP6 water employers and we are seeing firms then to 200 in five years. career? framework. increasingly turning to contractors in “We’ve spoken about creating a The opportunity this role has given The findings mirror the conclusions the absence of permanent staff. It’s a single team for years and now we are me in growing a small team to a of an earlier, separate study conducted telling sign that Matchtech’s Highways doing it. If we want the environment “As specialists we have significant national team. by The Prince’s Trust and HSBC which department is seeing an increase in team to grow it needs to be managed by revealed that three-quarters of British vacancies. environmental people and have its own to explain the benefits businesses think a significant skills crisis On this basis, the wage growth career progression and training. That’s of what we do in an “I need strong willed people with a is looming. highlighted by the EEF report isn’t bad what I am putting in place,” she says. passion for the environment because As an engineering recruitment news. Wage growth is a sign of the “My major priority is to recruit a engineer’s language – they are going to be constantly specialist, Matchtech has a better view Crossrail tunnelling work may be close to growing value that employers place on number of high level principles to how best environmental challenged. They need to be able to say than most as to the health of the jobs completion but fitting out the operational key engineering staff and these rising manage a team that needs to grow to ‘no, that’s not the best way; this is what market for the UK’s engineering sector railway will call in a lot of scarce rail and salaries should make engineering more 90 just to serve requirements within practice can improve value we should do’.” and we are certainly seeing growing signalling resources. attractive, enabling the industry to open Amey. Then when we are bigger we can in terms of cost and time The skill sets Fitzpatrick is recruiting signs of serious skills shortages. While up the supply of high-quality candidates compete for outside work. It’s exciting for include ecology, noise and air we don’t believe now is the time to “Wage growth is a sign it needs for the future. and there’s a lot of opportunity for efficiencies.” quality assessment, waste strategy panic, it’s certainly the time to act. If the industry adopts a cohesive career development.” development, archaeology and In the years leading up to the past two of the growing value that approach to long-term term recruitment Workload is coming from roads, rail landscape design. significant recessions (in 1990 and 2008) employers place on key planning: developing a network and and increasingly utilities – something and finding out about her staff. “I’m “The key to being a successful we saw very serious skills shortages with pipeline of talent, promoting diversity, which Fitzpatrick says will be a doing a lot of professional development environment consultant is to plan for many engineering and manufacturing engineering staff” exploring skills transfer, looking at significant growth area in the future. reviews – understanding the experience the environmental issues right at the organisations recruiting staff from flexible working and career development Having one single environmental we have already, who can do what and start of a project rather than bolt them overseas because that was the only way Cultivating industry contacts and a good to attract and retain talent; then I believe team does not mean we have one single where, joining the dots so to speak. on later. That’s what we are doing at they could fill positions. alumni network can reap rich rewards the UK is in a strong position to build base, Fitzpatrick stresses. “We are a “We’ve also had 100 applications for Amey.” At peak, we reached the situation in maintaining a pipeline of potential and develop its engineering sector as forward looking business,” she says. graduate positions. We knew we had a Fitzpatrick is delighted with her new where contractors would move jobs for recruits. a centre of excellence and to avoid the “You can join the team pretty much compelling graduate offering but that’s role, one she didn’t want to miss even a 1% rise in hourly rates, and permanent In addition, firms need to look at how negative impact of a full recruitment wherever Amey is located around more than we were expecting so we are though she’s juggling being a mother of salaries looked increasingly less they use recruitment consultants more crisis. There is much to celebrate for UK Scotland, England and Northern very pleased.” three young children including an eight attractive against contractor rates. strategically. At Matchtech we seek to engineering. Ireland. And there are opportunities The new team is going to help drive month old baby. “I’ve never worked at a Today, we aren’t in the same situation work in partnership with employers, internationally as well. It’s a dynamic culture change in Amey related to the company before where you feel there is because the UK engineering sector is focusing our expertise on helping them way of working that is proving very environment. “You have to be clever so much opportunity. No one puts any handling talent attraction and retention identify recruitment pressure points and attractive to people. Amey makes good about it,” she says. “The infrastructure limits on what you can do. You could more effectively. In-house HR teams reach hard-to-find candidates with niche use of people’s skills; it looks for the sector is becoming more environmentally start in one part of the business and are using their experience, contacts specialist skills. Want advice? best in individuals and lets them work aware but as specialists we have to end up somewhere else; you are never and new communications channels to This partnership approach helps flexibly.” explain the benefits of what we do pigeon-holed.” target potential staff far more efficiently firms develop recruitment strategies that You can contact Grahame at Currently a typical day for Fitzpatrick in an engineer’s language – how best – particularly at entry-level to mid- foresee pinch points and plan around [email protected] revolves around assessing CVs, environmental practice can improve value Find out more about the Amey Environment & management level. them. This is particularly important or on completing the five year business plan in terms of cost and time efficiencies. Sustainability Team at: www.amey.co.uk Firms need to keep doing this. today for key sectors facing more acute

30 Infrastructure Intelligence | September 2014 September 2014 | Infrastructure Intelligence 31 ACE news

BWB boss Steve target of procuring 25% of goods and services by value from SMEs by 2015. Nelson Ogunshakin is Wooler is new ACE At the same time the Government has also been looking at ways to change Midlands chairman and simplify the procurement process finalist in Black British for smaller companies. ACE contributed to the Prime Minister’s 2013 consultation on public Business Awards sector procurement and decided to pursue the following objectives: zzCut down on lengthy process by abolishing Pre-Qualification Questionnaires (PQQs) for low value contracts; zzMandate the use of standard core PQQ New man in the chairman’s hotseat for high-value contracts and ensure at the ACE Midlands region is BWB small business needs are taken into managing director Steve Wooler. He account in the design of procurement has been running the 200 strong processes; consultancy since a management buyout share their views. relevance in respect of the scale of what zzMake contract opportunities easier to in 2008 and has been with the business ACE has been an active supporter of is currently envisaged, the single hub find by making them all accessible on for 20 years. Runways UK which has hosted several versus two hub debate and also the a single on-line portal; Steve is a champion of the abilities conferences to enable the promoters of incremental build versus a single large zzMake sure small firms get treated of SMEs and believes that as the the options to discuss and debate their scale build debate. fairly by mandating prompt payment bigger consultants get bigger there is merits. “I would invite you to encourage terms; huge opportunity for smaller, more The four speakers at the Progress the young professionals in ACE zzRequire all public bodies to formally responsive firms to offer clients a Network “Flying high – UK airport organisations to join what I expect to be document their procurement more tailored service. “But we need to expansion” event are: an enjoyable and informative evening.” expenditure and prompt payment facilitate better opportunities for SMEs zzTony Caccavone, Heathrow Airport performance with SMEs. to get involved in major infrastructure – representing the third runway at For more details visit www.acenet.co.uk/events The SMEs sector would value projects,” he said. “Prequalification and Heathrow option a decision by the Government to selection processes, particularly for zzChristina Petrides, URS – Join the Progress respond to the industry request for a larger public sector frameworks, mean representing the Heathrow Hub Network debate single market principle to be applied BBBA Infrastructure finalists: Nelson Ogunshakin (left), David Waboso (top right) and SME firms are being set up to fail.” option on 30 September. to all public sector bodies in their Myrtle Dawes (bottom right). He is an enthusiast for ACE. zzAlastair McDermid, Gatwick Airport procurement process. Membership he says brings great – representing the second runway at This would ensure a simple and ACE chief executive Nelson Ogunshakin The aim is to promote a good opportunities for networking, profile Gatwick option consistent approach across all public has been shortlisted in the first ever understanding of the economic raising and collaboration with other zzHuw Thomas, Fosters – representing sector authorities, so that SMEs can gain Black British Business Awards which contributions and potential of the Black like minded firms. “But the key is the Inner Estuary Airport option SMEs vital to growth better and more direct access. take place in October. He is a finalist for community within the workforce, in the opportunity to have a voice when Venue is the Marriott Grosvenor As a start, in order to maintain leader of the year in the infrastructure the boardroom, and as a key customer talking to Government.” Square Hotel and facilitator will This month, writes Nelson Ogunshakin, momentum around our industry and manufacturing category. segment. be Progress Network London & South I attended the networking event for campaign, a new “ACE Procurement Other finalists in the infrastructure In the infrastructure rising star Read more more about Steve Wooler and East’s Sharlene Hay. ACE’s small and medium enterprises Commission Group” has been leader category are Centrica E&P (UK category the finalists are: Tobi Lawal, his career path at www.infrastructure- The event starts with a drinks [SMEs] held at the London offices of our established. Under the chairmanship and Netherlands) director of projects business development manager, BP; intelligence.com/careers-hub reception at 6.30pm, with brief affiliate partner BLM. SME membership of Matthew Riley of EC Harris, its Myrtle Dawes and London Underground Jim Lenga-Kroma, human resources presentations of the four options is the lifeblood of our organisation mandate is to establish a best practice capital programmes director David graduate, RWE npower; Naomi commencing at 7pm. This will be and as the UK economy grows small procurement process that can be Waboso – also a regular columnist for Williams-Taylor, business development followed by what promises to be a lively businesses will play an increasingly adopted by public sector and develop a Infrastructure-Intelligence.com. associate, Metro Design Consultants. Where should Q & A session. The target audience is important part. sets of recommendations for the future. The Black British Business Awards Other categories are financial young professionals, generally under 35, The ability of our SME members to I am very pleased that this initiative is the only Awards programme to services, fast moving consumer goods, Britain’s next many of whom have worked on aviation compete within the market will become is supported by the Department for celebrate exceptional performance and media and the arts, professional and other large infrastructure projects. essential as future growth will be tied to Business, Innovation and Skills, the outstanding achievements of black services, STEM and entrepreneur of the runway be? “While the South-East runways their success, and I was very interested Treasury and the Cabinet Office. As a people in businesses in Great Britain. year. The Davies Commission is hard at work debate has and will continue to be to listen to the issues concerning them. first step we are encouraging the wider The inaugural ceremony takes place deciding where Britain’s next south discussed in front of many audiences The recent shift in government industry to participate by opening an at start of Black History Month on 2 For more information go to east runway should be but what do you over the coming months, what makes policy has recognised that in order engagement process on our ACE website October at the Grange City Hotel, Tower www.thebbbawards.com think? this event different is that many of the to create an even playing field the www.acenet.co.uk where we are asking Hill in London. ACE companies have been at the young professionals in the audience regulations affecting public sector our SME members to submit evidence Supported and endorsed by Prime heart of the commission’s work, have worked on aviation or other large procurement need to be opened up to on the issues and challenges they Minister David Cameron, deputy prime providing technical advice for the infrastructure projects both in UK fair competition. ACE believes that in face when pitching for public sector minister Nick Clegg and business various options. On 30 September and internationally,” said ACE chief collaboration with our SME members contracts. secretary Vince Cable, the BBB Awards ACE’s Progress Network is holding an operating officer Anil Iyer. our collective voice can influence ACE has listened, and I have faith are intended uncover inspirational role event, mirroring the national Runways “They hence have recent experience the changes that will allow smaller that through our on going collaboration models; ambassadors who represent the UK debates, for professionals – many and I expect will be more open-minded businesses to trade more openly and with our SME members we are building very best talent in organisations across of whom will have direct airport than many other audiences. The effectively. a road map to guide us to do the right various sectors in the British economy. experience in the UK and overseas – to international perspective is of particular The Government has set itself a thing in the future.

32 Infrastructure Intelligence | September 2014 September 2014 | Infrastructure Intelligence 33 ACE news EIC news New director of policy How smart are smart cities? and external affairs ACE has appointed Julian EIC executive director Matthew Farrow has instigated Francis as its new director of policy and external a project to find out if IT led smart cities are also affairs. addressing issues like air quality and recycling fatigue. He was previously head of government affairs at the London When I took over at the Environmental The project is steered by a task Taxi Company. Prior to this, he worked Industries Commission, nearly a year force made up of EIC members such as in a variety of policy roles including as ago, it was clear that we were good WSP Group, URS, Schneider Electric, political advisor to the London Borough at technical lobbying on the detail of Veolia, AECOM, Landmark Information of Tower Hamlets. He graduated from environmental policies. We continue to Services, Honeywell Building Solutions Cambridge University with BA and MA do this, but I wanted EIC to also spend and others (We also have representatives in Law, qualified as a Barrister and also time thinking and talking about some of cities and academia on the group). holds a PhD Degree from the Institute of of the broader trends and issues that the As the work has progressed some Commonwealth Studies. environmental and business world is interesting issues have come to light. “We are delighted to have Julian join talking about. It is clear there are a number of cities the team at the beginning of rolling So in 2014 alongside our standard doing some innovative things. The city out the new ACE Corporate Plan,” said work on issues such as Category 4 of Utrecht, for example, has explored Nelson Ogunshakin. He added that the Screening Levels for contaminated land using smart technology to route freight 2015 election meant ACE had to ensure and the HMRC definition of materials road traffic in real time to try to manage it maintained its proactive advocacy. qualifying for lower rate Landfill Tax air pollution hot spots. Francis said: “Over the coming (more exciting than they sound, believe Equally, the majority of smart months and years the main policy me!) we’ve undertaken a number of city initiatives are not environment debate in this country will be over broader ‘thought leadership type reports. related. Only about one in six of the the provision and regeneration of Our current one is on the concept of examples we found were directed at the infrastructure network and I look ‘smart cities’ and the environment. Barely forward to helping shape this debate a day goes past without me being invited “The majority of smart city with ACE’s wide membership.” to a seminar on smart cities or receiving some glossy literature from a global initiatives are not environment technology company about how they are related. Only about one Who are Europe’s helping to realise the potential of one in six of the examples we global city or another through the ‘internet top CEO’s. Find out of things’ or ‘real time city dashboards’. found were directed at on 17 November Most of the discussion and marketing environmental goals such as material around smart cities makes reducing carbon emissions.” The Institution of Civil Engineers’ Great the assumption that these wired-up (or Hall is the venue for this year’s ACE wireless-ed up) conurbations will be clean European CEO Awards dinner on 17 and pure, with sweet air to breathe, no environmental goals such as reducing November, under the stunning painted recognisable ‘waste’, and a few discreet carbon emissions. And in other cases ceiling commemorating the sacrifices of turbines flicking round in the breeze. the enthusiasm of city administrators World War One. But I know from our work here at EIC is not matched by the public. For Last year top prize winners included both in the UK and with our partners example the environment page of the Paul Westbury, then with Buro Happold, in countries like China that in reality GLA ‘dashboard’ – an open data portal now with Laing O’Rourke, WYG’s Paul most cities are grappling with deep making available large amounts of Hamer and Dr Wilem Frischmann. Who seated and intractable environmental London data to citizens – only received will it be this time? problems. In most UK cities for 55 page views in July. The categories are: example, urban air quality is outside So, plenty of potential but also some zzEuropean CEO of the Year (less than EU limits and not getting much better, challenges. Our Task Force will report 250 – Small Firm) recycling rates have stagnated well in the Autumn, and then at our Annual zzEuropean CEO of Year (more than 250 below the national average, and CO2 Conference on 2 December (www.eic- – Medium Firm) emissions are still too high if we are to conference.co.uk) there will be a session zzEuropean CEO of Year (more than meet the Climate Change Act. on cities to explore this agenda, at which 1000 – Large Firm) I decided it would be good to Mark Watts, CEO of global cities network zzSterling CEO of the Year – click here understand in depth whether ‘smart C40, will be one of the speakers. to enter city’ initiatives were likely to provide zzLifetime Achievement Award new ways to tackle these problems and The Environmental Industries Commission The awards dinner will be attended what could be done to encourage this. is the leading trade body for environmental by CEOs from across Europe, as well as And given the UK has a lot of business firms. www.eic-uk.co.uk representatives of client organisations, strength in environmental technology members of parliament and other and in areas such as city planning and Find out about the political parties views stakeholders. data visualisation, we also wanted to see on air pollution at the EIC conference if enough was being done to promote “Establishing a Green Agenda” on 2 To find out more and to book your place at the opportunities for UK companies in this December. For details go to www.eic- event go to www.acenet.co.uk/eca2014 sphere. conference.co.uk

September 2014 | Infrastructure Intelligence 35