The latest news this week in the Water & Utilities Industry:

Study claims 99.9% of microplastics removed from UK drinking water

More than 99.9% of microplastics are removed from British drinking water through treatment processes, according to a new study. The research carried out by the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology and commissioned by UK Water Industry Research (UKWIR) found that untreated raw water contained on average 4.9 microplastics per litre while water that has gone through a treatment process contained only 0.00011 microplastics per litre. Read more…

Government announces £62m of flood defence funding

Ministers have announced 13 flood defence projects across England will receive a share of £62 million of government funding. The environment secretary Theresa Villiers has announced a new round of flood defence investment for schemes in Yorkshire, Cumbria, the North East and the South East of England. Read more…

AI tool for wastewater sewer networks launches

An artificial intelligence (AI) analytics tool for wastewater sewer networks and water recycling centres has been launched by Detectronic. DetecAnalytics has been developed by the monitoring specialist in partnership with the international engineering, technology and software company, Royal HaskoningDHV. Read more…

Tullich Water Treatment Works officially opens

Scottish Water’s £29 million Tullich Water Treatment Works in Oban has been officially opened by Argyll and Bute MSP Michael Russell. Read more…

Browse our latest Water and Utilities jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Property Industry:

Application fees scrapped at BTL lender Zephyr Homeloans

According to an announcement from buy-to-let lender, Zephyr Homeloans, upfront application fees of £199 have been removed from its range until further notice. Read more…

Fourth largest housebuilder set to be created with Bovis/GT merger

According to Galliford Try Partnerships and Regeneration chief executive, Stephen Teagle, a possible merger of Bovis Homes and Galliford Try’s housebuilding businesses would create the fourth largest housebuilder in the UK. Read more…

Bolton gets planning permission for 118 new homes

Planning permission has been granted for Housing providers, Bolton at Home and Irwell Valley Homes, to build 118 new affordable homes close to Bolton town centre. Read more…

Browse our latest Property jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

We are delighted to announce that Alex Shaw has recently joined Advance TRS as Principal Recruitment Consultant, focusing on permanent recruitment for the Water, Wastewater, River engineering and Flood Risk sectors.

Alex is the latest to join the company’s growing South Coast office, based in Port Solent, Portsmouth. The team is headed up by Water & Infrastructure Director, Rob Kelly. With over 8 years’ experience recruiting for the infrastructure, water and environment industries, Alex has joined the office which was established on the South Coast office in June 2018 and is now the 5th recruit to the team. 

The office, with views over the Solent, is Advance TRS’s latest addition as part of the company’s overall acquisition and expansion strategy.

“I’m excited to join Advance TRS to work with Rob and the South Coast team to build on their work over the last few years to further establish the company’s growing water business” Alex explains.

“As a CertRP qualified Recruitment Consultant and Member of the Institute of Recruitment Professionals (MIRP) I take pride in providing expert advice and guidance to Civil Engineers and Hydraulic Modellers looking to work within the UK Water engineering sector. I have built strong relationships with water industry clients and candidates over the past 8 years, and I’m looking forward to providing the same high-quality service to clients and candidates.”

Specialising in permanent recruitment, Alex has assisted hundreds of candidates in achieving their career objectives within Civil Engineering, Hydraulic Modelling and Flood Risk, whilst providing exceptional service to client organisations from SMEs to large multinational consultancy firms.

Group Managing Director, Andy Ridout, says;

“I’m delighted Advance TRS have attracted Alex to join the South Coast team and I feel we have further strengthened our impressive service offering. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience of his specialist areas. I am looking forward to seeing Alex continue his successful career with us.”

With a clear programme of both geographic and market expansion, Advance TRS has branched out into new sectors, now delivering their quality recruitment solutions across the built environment, and plan to further continue geographic expansion into the South West, Midlands and the North.

Advance TRS Non-Executive Director, Paul Metcalfe is responsible for leading the business’s strategic talent acquisition. Metcalfe joined Advance TRS in spring 2017, with a proven track record of delivering business growth.

“We are now embarking on an exciting process of strategic talent acquisition, looking for entrepreneurial individuals, like Alex, or established recruitment teams and small businesses with a shared vision to join the Advance TRS team,” explains Paul. 

Advance TRS is growing quickly, so we are always looking for new people to join the team. If you are interested to find out more about our current opportunities, visit our website staging-advancetrs.kinsta.cloud/about/careers-at-advance/ or for a discrete conversation, contact Paul Metcalfe, Advance TRS CEO on 07793 554 413 or email pme@advance-trs.com

Looking for your next role? 

If you are a candidate looking for a career move, then we can offer tailored advice to help you secure your next position. At Advance TRS we pride ourselves in being able to support candidates from Graduate Engineer to Director in finding your next permanent or contract opportunity. Call 01483 361061 or visit our live jobs on staging-advancetrs.kinsta.cloud.

Looking for your next hire? 

If you are working for a client organisation and are looking to grow your team, then we can assist by offering bespoke recruitment programmes, niche headhunting, exclusive candidates and market intelligence. Call 01483 361061 to speak to one of our consultants.

This week’s latest news in the Rail Industry:

HS2 review to consider changes north of Birmingham

The government-ordered Oakervee review is to rule on proposed changes to the northern section of High Speed 2 (HS2) tabled by Midlands Connect. Read more…

Sicat joins Network Rail’s UK Master Series

With the need to electrify significant parts of Great Britain’s rail network to meet rail decarbonisation targets, the industry continues to design and develop innovative solutions that will deliver improved value over the life cycle of an asset. Read more…

Gian Paolo Gotelli to head up TX Logistik

Rail logistics group TX Logistik has appointed Gian Paolo Gotelli as its new CEO. Read more…

TfL kicks off major rail infrastructure improvement framework

Transport for London (TfL) has kicked off its search for interested parties to take part in its major London rail infrastructure improvement framework agreement. Read more

Network Rail to fund projects to improve tunnel safety

Network Rail has launched a £3M fund and invited organisations to submit projects which can help improve safety and efficiency in tunnels or improve station security. Read more

Browse our latest rail jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Construction Industry:

Keepmoat moves up 18 places to top contractors league table

Keepmoat has moved up 18 places to top the contractors league table for August, thanks to seven contracts worth a total of £203m. Read more…

Kier Highways chief steps down

Kier Highways director Dave Wright is retiring from the business after heading the firm since 2015. Wright joined Kier when it bought Mouchel in 2015, where Wright spent over 10 years at the EnterpriseMouchel Highway Services business. Read more…

Vinci gets nod for £300m Chester shopping centre

Cheshire West and Chester Council have given the green light to the first phase plans for a £300m retail-led, mixed-use scheme in the Northgate area of the city. Read more…

Morgan Sindall wins £19m Basingstoke pharma HQ

Morgan Sindall Construction has won a £19m contract to build a new Basingstoke headquarters for international pharmaceutical blue chip, Eli Lilly and Company. Read more…

Aecom names new head of UK rail

Consulting giant Aecom has appointed Susan Evans as the new head of rail for UK and Ireland. Read more…

Browse our latest Construction jobs here.
Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Water & Utilities Industry:

Sustainable drainage system cleans up stretch of M56

A sustainable drainage system, which can protect water from toxic metals, has been installed on a busy stretch of the M56 motorway. Read more…

Severn Trent turns to Brazilian biomass to clean wastewater

Severn Trent has revealed it is importing biomass from Brazil, as part of a new approach to clean wastewater. Read more…

Thames Water completes sewage treatment works upgrade

Thames Water has announced that upgrade works at the Deephams sewage works are now complete. Read more…

Protecting one of Scotland’s Great Rivers

A challenging project to replace a vital pipe crossing which spans the River Spey at Fochabers in Moray is now complete. The £1.2 million project will help to safeguard Scotland’s fastest flowing river, world renowned for its salmon fishery, from the risk of pollution. Read more…

RAA to lead integrated urban drainage guidance update

Hydraulic modelling specialist Richard Allitt Associates (RAA) has been appointed to take the lead on updating the industry standard guidance on integrated urban drainage with AECOM. Read more…

Browse our latest Water and Utilities jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Property Industry:

Landbay and Mortgage Intelligence announce new partnership

Specialist buy-to-let lender, Landbay, has announced a new partnership with the Next Intelligence mortgage club, Mortgage Intelligence, Mortgage Next and FYB Network brands. Read more…

Fleet announce new partnership with OWS Capital management

Buy-to-let specialist lender, Fleet Mortgages, has revealed a new funding partnership with asset manager, One William Street Capital Management. Read more…

Property markets in England and Wales, including London, showing signs of picking up

There are signs of the property market picking up in England and Wales, and in parts of London, according to the latest real estate market analysis. Read more…

Federation of Independent Agents announce new partnership with flatfair

The Federation of Independent Agents (FIA) has announced that it has entered into a new partnership with deposit-free renting platform, flatfair, with the aim of providing a deposit replacement product to FIA members. Read more…

Browse our latest Property jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Built Environment:

Southern appoints Mears executive to new role

Southern Housing Group has appointed a former Mears and Serco executive to oversee a new division of the group. Read more…

Lanes Group to support staff with trauma risk management

Lanes Group has announced that it has become the first service provider in the water utility industry to support its staff by using trauma risk management (TRiM). Read more…

Northern Line heat exchange to warm 1,000 homes

Heat from the Northern Line is set to be captured and used to warm homes in Islington as part of an attempt to capture more “waste heat” in the capital. Read more…

Kier to deliver £13.9m framework at Barnsley blood centre

Kier has been appointed to deliver a £13.9m full internal fit-out at Barnsley blood centre in Capitol Park, Dodworth by NHS and Blood Transplant. The Barnsley blood centre will be 6,750m² with three labs on the ground floor and an additional lab, open plan office space, meeting rooms and catering facilities housed on the first floor. The centre will also house environmentally controlled laboratories to be used to research advanced cell therapies. Read more…

Energy efficient homes growing in popularity

Over a fifth of the UK public want integrated energy efficient appliances and electric car charging points in their next home. Homes that help residents reduce their carbon footprint are in high demand, according to the latest analysis from Jackson-Stops. Read more…

Browse our latest jobs here.
Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Construction Industry:

Systra snaps up TSP Projects following British Steel demise

French engineering giant Systra has snapped up engineering firm TSP Projects following its release from British Steel’s portfolio. The acquisition of TSP Projects, whose recent works include the revamp of Leeds train station roof, will allow Systra to double the size of its operations in the UK and Ireland and see the firm target work on projects such as Heathrow. Read more…

VolkerFitzpatrick wins £75M RAF base contract

VolkerFitzpatrick has won the £75M contract to undertake resurfacing works at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland. The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has appointed the contractor to the work, which comes alongside other improvements at the base including new accommodation for personnel, a new air traffic control tower, upgrades to drainage and electrical supplies, and faciliites for IX (Bomber) squadron. Read more…

L&G’s Guild Living acquires site for later living scheme in Walton

Guild Living, Legal & General’s new operator and developer of urban later living accommodation, has announced the acquisition of a 2.5-acre town centre site in Walton-on-Thames. Read more…

JJ Rhatigan bags £280m Luton scheme main build

London-based building contractor JJ Rhatigan has won the main contract to deliver phase one of the £280m Lu2on residential-led mixed-use scheme. Read more…

Interserve confirms new chairman for RMD Kwikform

Interserve has confirmed that Ken Hanna will join the board as a non-executive director and chairman of its equipment services business RMD Kwikform next month. Read more…

Kier to deliver £13.9m framework at Barnsley blood centre

Kier has been appointed to deliver a £13.9m full internal fit-out at Barnsley blood centre in Capitol Park, Dodworth by NHS and Blood Transplant. The Barnsley blood centre will be 6,750m² with three labs on the ground floor and an additional lab, open plan office space, meeting rooms and catering facilities housed on the first floor. The centre will also house environmentally controlled laboratories to be used to research advanced cell therapies. Read more

Browse our latest Construction jobs here.
Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Water & Utilities Industry:

Securing wastewater treatment fit for the future

As population growth puts pressure on wastewater treatment plant capacity, WPL technical director Andrew Baird makes the case for better understanding and greater flexibility. Read More…

Servelec Technologies completes acquisition of Primayer

Servelec Technologies has announced it has completed the acquisition of water network leak detection and location company Primayer. Read More…

Lanes Group to support staff with trauma risk management

Lanes Group has announced that it has become the first service provider in the water utility industry to support its staff by using trauma risk management (TRiM). Read More…

Yorkshire Water, University of York team up on UK-first AD project

Yorkshire Water and the University of York have begun work on a new project that they hope will transform the anaerobic digestion process and reduce the company’s carbon footprint as well as cutting customer bills. Read More…

Browse our latest Water and Utilities jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Property Industry:

Southern appoints Mears executive to new role

Southern Housing Group has appointed a former Mears and Serco executive to oversee a new division of the group. Read More…

Clarion strikes £90m deal with developer to build 225 new homes

Clarion has agreed a £90m deal with a developer to deliver 225 new affordable homes across two sites. Read More…

Energy efficient homes growing in popularity

Over a fifth of the UK public want integrated energy efficient appliances and electric car charging points in their next home. Homes that help residents reduce their carbon footprint are in high demand, according to the latest analysis from Jackson-Stops. Read More…

Browse our latest Property jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

This weeks latest news in the Rail Industry:

Northern Line heat exchange to warm 1,000 homes

Heat from the Northern Line is set to be captured and used to warm homes in Islington as part of an attempt to capture more “waste heat” in the capital. Read More…

World first as solar connected to railway line

The first in the world Riding Sunbeams project to power the Wessex railway route with solar power has taken a major step forward after the solar powered signalling and lighting system was switched on, on the Wessex route. Read More…

Anglia rail upgrades set to improve passenger journeys

Following major upgrades to the Anglia rail network, carried out by Network Rail, passengers are set to benefit from greatly improved journeys. The improvements were made as part of the company’s Rail Upgrade Plan across Essex and North London, and saw all of the projects delivered on time over the August bank holiday. Read More…

Browse our latest rail jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

Technical recruitment agency Advance TRS are delighted to be shortlisted as Finalists in the Solent Business Awards 2019 for the Workplace Mental Health and Wellbeing Award. 

As a recruitment business operating within the built environment our employees, contractors and client contracts are working in, statistically, some of the most challenging and stress-inducing environments.

Group Founder and Managing Director, Andy Ridout explains;

“We take our duty of care seriously, investing heavily in building awareness of Mental Health to best support staff and contractors to spot signs of difficulty in themselves and others and ensuring they have the support they need to get help. I’m delighted to see these efforts recognised in the Solent Business Awards shortlist.”

The rapidly growing recruitment company opened offices on the South Coast in 2018, headed up by Water & Infrastructure Director Rob Kelly, formerly of Matchtech. The South Coast office, with views over the sea, is Advance TRS’s latest addition as part of the company’s overall acquisition and expansion strategy and has already grown rapidly, employing more people from the local area. 

Our Marketing & Development Manager, Ella Gardiner champions the business’s Employee Engagement and Wellbeing programme and acts as a go-to person for anyone in the business seeking advice or guidance on how to access further support, or who simply needs to speak to a listening ear. As our Mental Health First Aider, Ella is there to listen to employees, offer support and signpost to methods of self-help or professional support services.

“As we start out in our journey of promoting Mental Health and Wellbeing as a business, this acknowledgement of the work, time and money we have invested so far in our team is really exciting” explains Ella. 

To find out more about Advance TRS’s Mental Health & Wellbeing programme follow us on social media or visit the Advance Advice blog.

If you are looking for a new move in your career look no further, Advance TRS are hiring! We are always looking for talented and motivated individuals, as part of our business’s strategic talent acquisition programme. Whether you are an entrepreneurial individual, established recruitment team or small businesses with shared values, we would love to hear from you.

If you are interested in joining Advance TRS’s recruitment teams or business support staff in our Port Solent or Guildford offices, contact Paul Metcalfe for a discrete conversation on 07793 55 413 or apply online at staging-advancetrs.kinsta.cloud.

Click here to view our CV tips and Click here to download our FREE CV template.

Awareness of the importance of mental wellbeing in the workplace has risen dramatically in recent years, as one in four people suffer from anxiety and stress which can have a considerable impact on a company. It is therefore important to recognise problems early and to implement initiatives to support staff and colleagues. The business and its employees will benefit from it.

There are different measures to be taken when wanting to improve mental wellbeing at work. It is a good idea to put in place a plan to help with this. Below are some points worth considering:

Mental health first aid

Mental health first aid courses are a great way to enable managers and team members to identify colleagues suffering from mental ill health and support them appropriately. Therefore, one of the first steps a business might choose to take is to select a number of ‘mental wellbeing champions’ to attend the course.

Educating staff

It is also a good idea to educate staff on what can be done to improve and maintain mental wellbeing. For example, taking up hobbies, being active and having a balanced diet might not prevent stress and anxiety but can help relieve them.

By enabling an office environment where staff can speak openly about issues they are facing with their managers (or mental wellbeing champions), team members are less likely to require time away from work, as the business will have created a culture of trust. This will help to alleviate any initial stress when a team member is seeking advice about their situation.

Mental health policy

Writing up a mental health policy for employees will provide them with the necessary information on who to speak to and where to look for further support, i.e. websites, charities and other organisations.

Mental wellbeing at Advance TRS

At Advance TRS, we prioritise the mental wellbeing of our staff. To provide a first point of contact when needed, we have appointed qualified Mental Health First Aiders. We also offer a Wellbeing Hub, where confidential support via an EAP helpline can be accessed at any time. These are only some of the steps we have taken and we continue to improve our mental health awareness.

Click here to view more of our tips or take a look at our latest live jobs here.

The latest news this week in the Built Environment:

Homes England announces new appointments

Four new members have been appointed to the Board of Homes England, the Government’s housing accelerator. Read more…

nmcn secures AMP7 framework with South Staffs Water

nmcn has secured a framework for the design and build to upgrade major water treatment works in the South Staffs region as part of an investment estimated to be around £60 million. Read more…

Irish Water considers expanding use of solar

Irish Water has announced that it is considering the use of solar energy at water and wastewater treatment plants across the country following the success of a pilot programme. Read more…

Willmott Dixon recycles single-use plastic into roads

Residents at Bristol City Council’s Ashton Rise development are set to drive on some of the UK’s greenest roads when they move in next year. Read more…

Aldershot railway line to be directly powered by solar farm in ‘world first’

A Network Rail pilot scheme will see the world’s first solar farm to power a railway line directly in Aldershot, in Hampshire. Read more…

Browse our latest jobs here.
Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Water & Utilities Industry:

nmcn secures AMP7 framework with South Staffs Water

nmcn has secured a framework for the design and build to upgrade major water treatment works in the South Staffs region as part of an investment estimated to be around £60 million. Read More…

Irish Water considers expanding use of solar

Irish Water has announced that it is considering the use of solar energy at water and wastewater treatment plants across the country following the success of a pilot programme. Read More…

Yorkshire Water first in sector to eliminate chlorine gas

Yorkshire Water has announced that has become the first company in the water sector to eliminate all ageing chlorine and sulphur dioxide gas use from its water treatment works in a bid remove any risk of toxic gas escapes. Read More…

Browse our latest Water and Utilities jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Property Industry:

Homes England announces new appointments

Four new members have been appointed to the Board of Homes England, the Government’s housing accelerator. Read More…

Over £600 million announced for new housing infrastructure in England

The Government has announced over £600 million in new funding to support the building of 50,000 new homes in England. Read More…

Mortgage approvals rise to ten-year high

Mortgage approvals for home purchase were 16.4% higher than in July 2018. There were 95,126 mortgages approved by the main high street banks in July, the highest monthly total since July 2009, according to the latest data from UK Finance. Read More…

Browse our latest Property jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

This weeks latest news in the Rail Industry:

Network Rail reveals detailed £2.9bn upgrade plans for TransPennine route

Major station upgrades and plans to rebuild and electrify an 8-mile stretch of track have been put forward by Network Rail as part of a public consultation on a major upgrade to the TransPennine route. Read More…

Aldershot railway line to be directly powered by solar farm in ‘world first’

A Network Rail pilot scheme will see the world’s first solar farm to power a railway line directly in Aldershot, in Hampshire. Read More…

Leeds puts out call for ideas for new mass transit system

West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) has issued a global call for ideas to develop a new mass transit system for the Leeds City Region. Read More…

Browse our latest rail jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Construction Industry:

Lendlease Construction margin tops 5%

Lendlease Construction Europe has delivered its fifth year of profit growth on the back of a selective bidding strategy introduced in 2014. Read More…

Willmott Dixon recycles single-use plastic into roads

Residents at Bristol City Council’s Ashton Rise development are set to drive on some of the UK’s greenest roads when they move in next year. Read More…

Galliard Homes secures planning for £83m Newhams Yard scheme

Galliard Homes has received planning permission from Southwark Council for Newhams Yard, a new £83m mixed-used development in Bermondsey. Read More…

Galliford Try lands £36m Hexham schools scheme

Galliford Try has been chosen to design and build two new schools in Hexham. Construction work is scheduled to begin early next year and the new schools will open in September 2021. Read More…

Skanska and innogy Innovation Hub partner for office building innovation

Skanska and innogy Innovation Hub have entered into an agreement on strategic cooperation regarding technology development in commercial real estate.

Read More…

Browse our latest Construction jobs here.
Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Built Environment:

HS2 | Review could make project unrecognisable

Removing Euston as the High Speed 2 (HS2) southern terminus and examining whether HS2 Ltd is the right entity to take the scheme forward will be among the questions a new no-holds-barred review into the project will ask. Read more…

Crossrail: Four in 10 signal test scenarios fail to pass

Crossrail is still grappling with a number of signalling issues after it was found that 40% of test scenarios carried out to date have failed to pass. In a report submitted to the London Assembly this month, Crossrail stated that of the 106 tests of train and signalling software configurations undertaken at Crossrail’s testing facility in Chippenham near Bath, 60 passed, with 46 failing, representing a 57% success rate. Read more…

New train station part of £218m Chelmsford regeneration

As part of a major £218m regeneration of Chelmsford, a new train station is set to be constructed to improve transport infrastructure in the area. The new station is set to be built at the Beaulieu Park estate, providing access to the Great Eastern Main Line (GEML), running to and from London. Read more…

Mott MacDonald confirms Brexit contingency plans as full-year accounts revealed

Mott MacDonald has plans for “whatever the outcome” is of the prime minister’s Brexit talks. The engineering consultancy said that it has developed contingency plans covering a wide range of scenarios for after the UK leaves the European Union. Read more…

Contractors sought for £1.3bn Portsmouth harbour development

Portsmouth City Council is looking for contractors to take on its £1.3bn waterfront expansion. The development, which would involve land reclamation, would transform Tipner Peninsula, located to the east of Portsmouth Harbour, into a new district called Tipner West. Read more…

Browse our latest jobs here.
Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Property Industry:

How much could prime property prices be increased by under new plans by Boris?

In 2014, George Osborne shook up stamp duty thresholds across the UK. Five years later, Boris wants to roll them back. The changes, made by the then Chancellor, saw the tax thresholds for prime and super-prime properties increase from 5-7% to 10-12%, a move that brought an immediate decline in buyer sentiment and a resulting dip in sold prices across the top end of the market.Read More…

Property market remains resilient as average house prices settle in June

Halifax have released their latest figures this morning and revealed that, despite a less than certain political and financial climate, the UK housing market remains steady. According to the lender, on a monthly basis, house prices fell by just 0.3%, 5.7% higher than in the same three months a year earlier. Halifax says the average price for a home in the UK now stands at £237,110. Read More…

Where is currently the UK’s quickest selling postcode?

The latest research from estate agent comparison site, GetAgent.co.uk, takes a look across the UK to find where homes are selling the quickest in current market conditions. GetAgent’s data looks at all estate agent property sales across each postcode and not only how long they take to sell as a whole, but how this differs between first listed to under offer, and under offer to completion. Read More…

Vast majority of property investors believe government is failing the UK property market

New research from MT Finance has revealed that an overwhelming 97% of property investors do not think the Government is doing enough to support the UK property market. When asked what changes the government could introduce to better support the UK property market, 50% of the 135 property investors surveyed said scrapping the 3% stamp duty surcharge would improve conditions in UK real estate. Read More…

Professional landlords starting to dominate the market

Challenging market conditions, including a combination of increased tax, industry regulation and political uncertainty, seem to have caused a dip in the number of small-scale and accidental landlords in recent years. This has coincided with a rise in the number of professional landlords with large rental property portfolios. In view of this trend, letting agents must ensure they provide a service that meets the expectations of experienced landlords, according to PayProp. Read More…

Browse our latest Property jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Water & Utilities Industry:

Onsite Assessment Bolsters Wastewater Technician Training

An overhaul of British water’s wastewater treatment technicians’ training means plant operatives will now undertake onsite assessment to complete the course. The requirement has been made more rigorous to raise standards and incorporate larger plant sizes, up to 1,000 population equivalent (PE). Read More…

Welsh Water CEO Jones To Retire In March

Welsh Water chief executive Chris Jones has decided to retire from the company at the end of March 2020. Jones has served as a director at Welsh Water for nearly 25 years and was a founder of the Glas Cymru not-for-profit ownership model.The requirement has been made more rigorous to raise standards and incorporate larger plant sizes, up to 1,000 population equivalent (PE). Read More…

Scottish Water Horizons Takes Part In Innovative Energy Project

Flexible energy specialist Flexitricity has announced that it has partnered with eight organisations across a range of sectors to trial an innovative solution with the potential to revolutionise the demand side response (DSR) industry. Read More…

Southern Water To Cut Customer Service Jobs

Southern Water has confirmed that many customer service roles will be moving to outsourcing giant Capita. The company said in a statement on its website that it is “two years into a challenging business transformation programme” after the BBC reported that around 200 customer service jobs could be cut at its Worthing and Falmer offices. Read More…

Thames Water Uses Military Tanker To Keep Sewers Running

Thames Water is using a tanker designed for use by the military and united nations relief teams to keep its sewers running smoothly. The JHL recycling jet vac tanker is being used by the company to access remote sewers and culverts across the most difficult terrain, helping to prevent pollution in more isolated locations. Read More…

Browse our latest Water and Utilities jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Construction Industry:

Construction Buyers Report Biggest Output Drop In A Decade

Construction buyers reported the sharpest fall in output in June for more than ten years. The bellwether IHS Markit/CIPS UK Construction Total Activity Index dropped to 43.1 in June, down sharply from 48.6 in May and below the 50.0 no-change mark for the fourth time in the past five months.Read More…

Kier Transfers 120 Maintenance Staff To Highways England

Kier has transferred around 120 staff to highways england as the road agency starts to take phased control of maintenance in the midlands and the south east.Read More…

Slow MMC Housing Uptake Risks 300,000 Homes Target

Government must ramp up efforts to promote modern methods of construction in housing supply or it will fall far short of its target to build 300,000 homes a year by mid-2020s. That is the warning from its housing committee, which is calling for a host of fresh measures to promote faster construction. Read More…

£229M Crest Nicholson And Sovereign Housing Jv Announced

A new £229m joint venture between Crest Nicholson and Sovereign Housing Association is to deliver 920 affordable and intermediate homes at Harry Stoke, Bristol. Crest Nicholson and Sovereign Housing Association announced the formation of a partnership to deliver 920 new homes within the next phase of the 2,700 home residential community at Harry Stoke. Read More…

Lower Thames Crossing boss quits project

Lower Thames Crossing project director Tim Jones is set to leave his post. Jones has served as the £6.8bn project’s director for the last two years, taking it through design and public consultation phases. However, he has decided to hand over the reins as Highways England begins thorough ground investigations on either side of the river Thames. 

Read More…

Browse our latest Construction jobs here.
Register for job alerts here.

This weeks latest news in the Rail Industry:

Network Rail submits indicative bid for troubled British Steel

Railway infrastructure company Network Rail have submitted an indicative bid to take over parts of British Steel in an attempt to save the troubled business. The state-owned company are concerned about disruption to the rail network if British Steel were to permanently close.  Read More…

Plans for Cardiff’s £1bn transport network unveiled

The network proposes a new ‘Cardiff Cross Rail’, a new light rail and tram system running from east to west of the city. Speaking at a Welsh Government Conference on Active Travel, council leader Cllr Huw Thomas called for major changes to the city’s transport infrastructure.  Read More…

Hydrogen trains could replace local electrification

Local commuter trains powered by hydrogen could replace the need for electrification on smaller routes, an industry expert has suggested.  Read More…

TfW starts work on £100m South Wales Metro depot

Transport for Wales (TfW) has begun work on a £100m depot for the South Wales Metro to support vehicles on the system. The depot at Taff’s Well is set to play a key part in the network which aims to be running from 2022, part of a wider £5bn investment to transform Wales’ transport infrastructure.  Read More…

‘The challenge of completing Crossrail’

With a new plan now in place to deliver Crossrail, Hedley Ayres, National Audit Office manager, major projects and programmes, takes a look at how things went wrong. As has been extensively reported, Crossrail is around two years late and, if all its £17.6bn of funding is used, could end up costing around £3bn more than expected.  Read More…

Browse our latest rail jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Property Industry:

How successful have digital solutions been for housing associations?

Three housing associations replaced their self-service facilities with easy-to-use portals and found customers were quick to sign up Read more…

Government has been aware of HPL test failure since November, Malthouse admits

The government has been aware since November that high pressure laminate cladding failed an official safety test, ministers have confirmed. Kit Malthouse this week confirmed his department became aware eight months ago that high pressure laminate (HPL) cladding failed a large-scale test when combined with combustible insulation. Read more…

Changes announced to Support for Mortgage Interest policy

Disabled people and others receiving Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI) will now be able to transfer this support to their new property when moving home, rather than having to repay the loan and reapply, it has been announced. SMI is the help offered by the Government to owner occupiers in times of need. It is paid as a loan and contributes towards the interest on people’s mortgages if they are in receipt of certain benefits, to protect them against repossession and keep them in their own homes. Read more…

Rents in the UK up 1.3% in the 12 months to May 2019, latest index shows

Rents in the private rented sector in the UK increased by 1.3% in the 12 months to May 2019, up from 1.2% in the previous month, the latest official data shows. In England rents increased by 1.3%, in Wales by 1.1%, in Scotland by 0.8%, and in Northern Ireland rents were up 2.1%, according to the figures published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Read more…

“Lessons of Grenfell must never be forgotten”

The ‘golden thread’ of information proposed by the government’s consultation into building safety in the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire would transform FMs into “guardians” of tower blocks, according to a digital data firm. James Connolly, head of partnerships at EviFile, speaking to Facilitate on the second anniversary of the fire in 2017 where 72 lives were lost, said that the proposed “golden thread” had to improve transparency and often depended on sophisticated technology. Read more…

Browse our latest Property jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Water & Utilities Industry:

G20 agrees global action to reduce ocean plastic

20 environment ministers have agreed to adopt a new voluntary framework of actions to tackle the issue of marine plastic waste on a global scale. Environment and energy ministers of the Group of 20 major economies met in Karuizawa (15-16 June), northwest of Tokyo, ahead of the G20 summit in Osaka, western Japan (28-29 June). Read more…

Ofwat calls for views on developing water resources market

Water regulator Ofwat is seeking views from interested parties about the development and implementation of a bilateral market in water resources in England. A bilateral market would allow water resource providers, other than the incumbent water company, to contract directly for the supply of water resources with retailers operating in the business retail market. Read more…

Light appointed new CCWater chair

Ensuring water consumers’ views shape the decisions of water companies, regulators and policymakers and building a more resilient water sector that reflects people’s growing concern for the environment will be among the most pressing priorities for the new chair of the Consumer Council for Water (CCWater). Read more…

Monitoring technology guide launched by British Water

A live guide to drinking water and wastewater monitoring technology and services has been launched by industry trade association British Water. The web-based document includes clear definitions of monitoring components, parameters and the monitoring requirements of different applications, along with direct links to suppliers able to provide suitable equipment. Read more…

Water firms explore new relationship with energy

Delegates at WWT’s Water Industry Energy Conference heard contributions and shared ideas on optimising energy usage and saving costs. Energy managers and leaders from the UK’s water companies met in Birmingham last week for a day of knowledge-sharing and debate on the future of energy use and generation in the UK water sector. Read more…

Browse our latest Water and Utilities jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Construction Industry:

Galliford Try Partnerships buys northern builder

Galliford Try Partnerships has struck a deal to buy north of England contracting and land-led developer Strategic Team Group. Based in Yorkshire and the North West, Strategic Team Group employs 120 staff and currently has 23 live sites. Last year the firm reported revenues of £62m and delivered over 500 new homes. The management team and staff at STG will remain in place, working within Partnerships to accelerate both businesses growth plans. It will begin to trade as Galliford Try Partnerships Yorkshire from 1 July 2019. Read more…

Buckingham bags relief road for HS2 village

Buckingham Group has won a package of traffic improvement schemes for one of HS2’s main construction site traffic routes. Work in Northamptonshire and Oxfordshire includes the completion of Chipping Warden relief road. The A361, which runs through Chipping Warden, is the approved route for construction traffic to access one of HS2’s main construction sites in Northamptonshire. The relief road will remove the need for construction traffic and through traffic to travel through Chipping Warden. Read more…

Skills card scheme shuts safety test loophole

The CSCS skills card scheme is ending an exemption to the CITB health, safety and environment test. Applicants are normally required to achieve a recognised construction related qualification (usually an NVQ or SVQ) as well as pass the CITB safety test within the last two years. But if an applicant has achieved an SVQ or NVQ within the last two years they currently do not have to sit the CITB Health, safety and environment test. Read more…

UK construction forecast lowered for 2020 due to Brexit delay

Mace’s latest UK tender cost update reveals how the extension of Brexit has resulted in continued uncertainty among construction firms and developers. The latest research from Mace’s cost consultancy experts explains how – following minimal output growth of 0.1% in the first quarter 2019 and a 1.9% decline in new orders numbers in the final quarter of 2018 – construction firms have been hoping for a Brexit outcome and a subsequent improvement in conditions over the summer. Read more…

Aecom, Balfour and Morgan Sindall bag spots on a public-private framework

Scape Group has unveiled the winners on its next generation of “Venture” frameworks, set up to deliver support public-private partnerships. Aecom, Balfour Beatty and Morgan Sindall are among 10 contractors to have been named as delivery partners on the frameworks which cover consultancy, civil engineering and construction (see table below for full breakdown). Read more…

Browse our latest Construction jobs here.
Register for job alerts here.

This weeks latest news in the Rail Industry:

Diversity and inclusion: The shape of things to come

How the organisation developing the UK’s new high-speed rail network is changing the industry’s diversity and inclusion practices. Mark Lomas joined HS2 as its head of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in January 2016. After starting out as a musician he became an EDI specialist, overseeing the development of major programmes at the Shaw Trust, the Law Society of England and Wales and the BBC. Read more…

CAF wins DLR train order

CAF has been awarded the contract to design, manufacture and supply a fleet of 43 trains for the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) by Transport for London (TfL). The contract will include a Fleet Support Agreement to provide technical support services and spares supply. Based on CAF’s successful Metro vehicle design, the new five-car trains enter passenger service from 2023. Thirty-three of the trains will replace DLR’s oldest rolling stock which is nearly thirty years old and 10 will increase frequency and capacity across the network. Read more…

The 5 bidders for HS2 train order reveal their designs

Five organisations are bidding for a contract to design, manufacture and maintain the trains for the first phase of HS2. The original list was Alstom, Bombardier, Hitachi, Siemens and Talgo. When Bombardier and Hitachi decided to make a joint bid, CAF was added to the list to maintain five bidders. The first phase, for at least 54 trains to run on both HS2 and the ‘classic’ network, is likely to be ordered in Spring 2020 with a contract value of around £2.75 billion. Read more…

WWII bomb-damaged signal box celebrates 120 years

A doodlebug, a blast-injured signaller and one of the longest frames on the South Eastern railway – Maidstone West signal box has had an extraordinary history. The Grade II listed box turned 120 years old on June 4 but remains fully operational. In fact, it’s one of the last remaining examples of the original signal box design by Evans O’Donnell &Co. Read more…

How to upgrade a railway station

Station upgrades are important to our efforts to put passengers at the heart of what we do. Such improvements can range from more room for passengers in the station and on platforms to improved railway infrastructure around the station for better journeys. Read more…

Browse our latest rail jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Built Environment:

Bidders day for £900m Heathrow rail tunnel project

Network Rail is to hold a bidders days to set out contract plans for a 6.5km new rail link from Reading and Slough to London Heathrow Airport. Read more…

TfL awards contract for new DLR fleet to replace 30-year-old trains

TfL has awarded a contract for 43 new trains to replace the oldest rolling stock on the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), with the first scheduled to enter passenger service from 2023. Read more…

Welsh Water customers enjoy £47M boost

Projects including a lead pipe replacement programme, reservoir visitor centres, and support for lowest-earning customers will benefit from a record £47 million ‘dividend’ from Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water to its customers. Read more…

UK supermarkets sign government pledge to help halve food waste

More than 100 of the “biggest players in food”, including all of the UK’s major supermarkets, have signed a pledge to take “ground-breaking action” to drive down food waste following a call to action from the government. Read more…

Still top dog: London continues to be the market to beat despite sluggish price growth

The latest data from independent London estate agent, Benham and Reeves, takes a look to see if London really is on its knees, or if this has been exaggerated. Read more…

Browse our latest jobs here.
Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Property Industry:

Legal & General announce its first affordable homes schemes

Legal & General Affordable Homes has revealed that its first four affordable home schemes, located in Croydon, Cornwall, Dunstable and Shrivenham have been secured. Read more…

Self-employed make major life changes in a bid to get on property ladder

Some 38% of self-employed people are forced to make significant personal sacrifices in order to buy a home, according to new research. Read more…

Scottish government on track for 50k affordable homes by 2021

According to the latest statistics, the Scottish Government is on track to hit its ambitious target of 50,000 affordable homes by 2021 and reveal that there were more than 9,500 affordable homes delivered in 2018-19, an increase of 12 per cent on the previous year. Read more…

RICS’ first female president awarded OBE in Queen’s Birthday Honours

Louise Brooke-Smith FRICS receives her OBE for services to the built environment and for her activites promoting diversity and inclusion. Read more…

Is it currently better to rent or buy?

Lettings platform, Bunk, has compared the cost of remaining in the rental market or stepping on to the property ladder and how this differs across the UK. Read more…

Browse our latest Property jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Water & Utilities Industry:

Utilities urged to map out digital future

Containing insights from 40 utilities and 20 industry thought leaders globally, the white paper – entitled Digital Water: Industry Leaders Chart the Transformation Journey – urges water leaders to think boldly about their digital future and the impact they can create for their broader watersheds and communities. Read more…

Sainsbury’s to trial reverse vending at Lincoln store

Supermarket giant, Sainsbury’s, has announced it will be trialling reverse vending at its Lincoln store that will collect plastic bottles and metal cans from customers. Read more…

Wessex Water home visits save one million litres

A Wessex Water scheme to make homes more water efficient has helped to save one million litres. Read more…

Housing developments need 200-metre waste site restriction

The Environmental Services Association (ESA) has called for housing developments to be prevented from encroaching within 200 metres of existing waste management facilities. Read more…

Thames partners with police to promote priority services register

Thames Water has partnered with Thames Valley Police as part of a major drive to help individuals and families who need extra support. Read more…

Browse our latest Water and Utilities jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Construction Industry:

Kier axes plan to charge subcontractors to work with them

Kier has shelved controversial plans to charge subcontractors 1.5% of their package turnovers to become closer strategic partners. Read more…

Former BHS warehouse makes way for new HS2 station

HS2 has released a set of new images showing progress at London Euston where the team this week completed the demolition of the former BHS warehouse on Hampstead Road, close to the new station’s proposed Camden Town entrance. Read more…

Gender equality in construction “will take nearly 200 years”

Gender equality in construction will take nearly 200 years to achieve according to latest analysis from the GMB union. Read more…

B&K signs off £60m Preston UCLan student centre

The  University of Central Lancashire has signed off a contract with Bowmer & Kirkland for its £60m flagship student centre and new civic square at its Preston campus. Read more…

Government invests £142m to boost housing infrastructure

The government is to invest £142m on widening bridges, building roads and connecting utilities to boost the construction of up to 8,500 properties across the UK. Read more…

Browse our latest Construction jobs here.
Register for job alerts here.

This weeks latest news in the Rail Industry:

Week on the Network

We cater for 4.8m rail journeys every single day, while simultaneously delivering an ambitious, multi-billion pound Railway Upgrade Plan. Watch their video of the week on the network here

A train journey on the Midland Main Line 15 years from now…

A mere 15 years from now, a description of a rail journey from London to Sheffield could include an explanation of how part of the journey will be clean and green under electric power and the rest will be driven by dirty diesels. Read more…

No excuse for derailing station IT

Are you truly a commuter until you’ve reached a mainline station at 6pm on a muggy summer Friday evening and experienced the dreaded digital signage failure? Read more…

From the archive: WWII and the railway

This D-Day – 75 years since Allied troops landed on the beaches of Normandy – we uncover fascinating images of the railway’s preparations for conflict in Europe. Read more…

The skills bottleneck: Dealing with growing apprenticeship demand

The Network Rail Engineering Technician apprenticeship program develops the technicians, team leaders, supervisors, managers, and engineers of the future. Read more…

Browse our latest rail jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Built Environment:

Out with the old: London Underground’s track renewal works

In February 2019, Balfour Beatty was awarded a four-year contract by TfL for the replacement of life-expired track assets across the London Underground network. Read more…

Thames Water to build first new sewage works since 2005

Thames Water’s new chief operating officer has announced the company will build its first sewage works since 2005, in Guildford, Surrey. Read more…

Government details new building safety regulator plan

The government has revealed its plan to create a new national regulator for building safety in response to the Grenfell disaster. Read more…

Fire and building safety – government launches two consultations today – IRPM

Today, government has launched two consultations for proposals for response by 31st July. Read more…

6 in 10 renters fear they will never afford to own a home

A majority of people renting in the UK say they will never be able to afford a home – although they would like to buy their own place, according to a new YouGov survey on behalf of the HomeOwners Alliance and BLP Insurance. Read more…

Browse our latest jobs here.
Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Property Industry:

Inland Homes gains £350m Beaconsfield scheme approval

Developer Inland Homes has gained planning approval for its £350m Wilton Park development on a 100-acre site in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire. Read more…

Gascoigne estate to set new environmental standards

Councillors gave the green light for plans to build over 500 homes on a new look eco-friendly Gascoigne estate at a Barking and Dagenham Council planning committee. Read more…

£350m Barking riverside village approved

Developer Weston Homes has received planning permission for a new £350m urban-village in Barking, east London. Read more…

6 in 10 renters fear they will never afford to own a home

A majority of people renting in the UK say they will never be able to afford a home – although they would like to buy their own place, according to a new YouGov survey on behalf of the HomeOwners Alliance and BLP Insurance. Read more…

Five-year fixed BTL rates cut at Barclays

Barclays has announced that it has reduced its rates across its buy-to-let and residential products. Read more…

Browse our latest Property jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Water & Utilities Industry:

Biffa ups investment in plastic bottle recycling facility to £27.5m

Waste management firm Biffa has announced it will expand the capacity and scope of its new PET plastic bottle recycling facility in County Durham, increasing its total investment to £27.5m, which will take its combined plastics processing capacity to c120,000 tonnes p.a. Read more…

Wessex Water appoints two non-executive directors

Wessex Water has appointed two independent non-executive directors, Kate Mingay and Jim McKenna, to its board. Read more…

National Drought Group agrees support for farmers and wildlife

A National Drought Group (NDG) meeting was convened yesterday (4 June) to review water resources ahead of summer, following a dry winter and spring which has affected river flows and groundwater levels. Read more…

Waitrose unveils package free ‘pick and mix’ trial

A dedicated refillable zone, the UK’s first supermarket frozen ‘pick and mix’ and first borrow-a-box scheme are among a series of ideas being looked at in a unique test from Waitrose & Partners, which has the potential to save thousands of tonnes of unnecessary plastic and packaging. Read more…

Thames Water to build first new sewage works since 2005

Thames Water’s new chief operating officer has announced the company will build its first sewage works since 2005, in Guildford, Surrey. Read more…

Browse our latest Water and Utilities jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

This weeks latest news in the Rail Industry:

Network Rail works hard to improve the railway each week

Last week on the network with Network Rail, watch here…

Work starts on Horden station, County Durham

Construction of a new station at Horden, near Peterlee, County Durham, has commenced and should be complete by Spring 2020. Read more…

How we’re improving journeys through fewer speed restrictions

Handing back the railway to passenger services at a higher speed is a top priority for our engineers. Read more…

Birmingham Moor Street vision embraces the future and celebrates the past

Over the years, many of Birmingham’s beautiful, historic buildings have been lost to the bulldozers.  Read more…

International Archives Week – Network Rail

This International Archives Week – 3 to 9 June – highlights how archives put people at the heart of information. Read more…

Browse our latest rail jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Water & Utilities Industry:

Record streak continues: Britain closes in on 12 days straight without coal

At more than 280 hours and counting, could the UK see its first entire fortnight without coal power by the end of the week? Read more…

SDS acquires Waterscan’s water recycling business

Water infrastructure systems supplier SDS has announced its acquisition of the water recycling division of Waterscan Ltd and affirmed its strategic vision to advance the development of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) for water reuse. Read more…

New 2,300-property development near Edinburgh gets connected

Scottish Water Horizons has completed work to connect the third phase of a new 2,300 property village near Edinburgh to Scottish Water’s network. Read more…

IEMA sets out sustainability assurances needed from government

Leading bodies from business, environment and professional institutions (including CIWM) have set out key assurances “needed” from Government to put sustainability at the heart of the UK’s economic model. Read more…

EV charge points outstrip petrol stations for first time ever

There are now more EV charging locations than petrol stations in the UK, according to the latest industry data. Read more…

Browse our latest Water and Utilities jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Construction Industry:

Urban Land Institute launches Urban Technology Framework

The Urban Land Institute, creators of sustainable communities, has launched an Urban Technology Framework to help cities advance into the next generation. Read more…

New consulting outfit lands first major contracts

A new consultancy business has picked up a string of wins with major contractors just months after setting-up. Read more…

TfL secures 12 major developments on Crossrail infrastructure sites

Transport for London (TfL) has secured a deal with Aviva Investors to build a mixed-use scheme, above Crossrail infrastructure and opposite the new Liverpool Street Elizabeth line station. Read more…

Plans in for £125m Birmingham build to rent scheme

Developer Taylor Grange has submitted plans to clear an old factory site in Birmingham’s Digbeth area for a 500-home build to rent scheme. Read more…

Major contractors warned again over late payment work ban

Cabinet minister Oliver Dowden has fired another warning at major contractors over late payment. Read more…

Browse our latest Construction jobs here.
Register for job alerts here.

This weeks latest news in the Rail Industry:

Network Rail unveils new regional managing directors

Network Rail has announced five new regional managing directors as part of its “evolution” towards a more passenger-focused approach. Read more…

Evolution not revolution

Metal wheels on metal rails have, for almost 200 years, provided energy-efficient transport due to their low rolling resistance and effective load bearing. Read more…

Late May bank holiday works complete – Network Rail

Our huge team worked round the clock this late May bank holiday weekend to carry out vital upgrades for passengers. Read more…

Technical Seminars at Railtex – Keynote Speeches Revised

The Technical Seminar programme, arranged and hosted by Rail Engineer, gives Railtex exhibitors the opportunity to talk about their latest developments to an enquiring and knowledgeable audience. Read more…

How rail timetabling works

A new rail timetable went live on May 19, introducing 1,000 new services every day. Read more…

Browse our latest rail jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

Our Water and Infrastructure Director, Rob Kelly, visited the University of Southampton at the beginning of the month to deliver a workshop for the students.

The aim was to help students by giving advice on the essentials needed to land a job after they graduate. Covering CVs and Interview tips, Rob went into detail about:

  • CV format
  • CV content
  • Tailoring techniques
  • Personal profiles
  • Interview preparation
  • Organisation research
  • Killer questions
  • Interview approach
  • STAR technique.

The STAR technique is designed to guide you through competency-based interview questions, often questions starting with ‘Tell me about a time you did X’.

S – Situation T – Task A – Approach R – Result

Competency questions are generally used to find out how candidates would react to certain situations, by asking for real-world examples to back-up their claims.

Don’t let their open-ended nature fool you. There is a formula you can apply to keep your answers on track, which is where STAR comes in. Click here to read the full details and examples with how this technique can help you.

If you are looking for some help with writing your CV or would like tips about what you can do to prepare for an upcoming interview, our Advance Advice page is where you need to go next! We have lots of articles here to help and these have come from top, experienced recruiters who know recruitment processes like the back of their hand.

Click here to read more interview tips.

Click here to view our CV tips and Click here to download our FREE CV template

The latest news this week in the Built Environment:

SDS acquires Waterscan’s water recycling business

Water infrastructure systems supplier SDS has announced its acquisition of the water recycling division of Waterscan Ltd and affirmed its strategic vision to advance the development of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) for water reuse. Read more…

First UK housebuilder to debut waste plastic road

Springfield Properties has become the UK’s first housebuilder to use waste plastic to build a road on a housing development. Read more…

Bid race starts for £240m housing upgrade framework

Bids are being invited for places on a £240m framework run by the procurement arm of regional social housing consortium Efficiency North. Read more…

Network Rail unveils new regional managing directors

Network Rail has announced five new regional managing directors as part of its “evolution” towards a more passenger-focused approach. Read more…

Winvic nets 935,000 sq ft M5 business park

Developer St Modwen has struck a deal with industrial shed specialist Winvic to start work on the first phase of its 935,000 sq ft industrial and logistics development in Gloucester. Read more…


Browse our latest jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Property Industry:

Contract race underway for £500m Tottenham Hale scheme

Plans have been unveiled for a £500m development in Tottenham Hale containing seven residential blocks. Read more…

£1bn regeneration scheme in Merton gains traction

Plans for a £1bn regeneration scheme in the London Borough of Merton have progressed with the submission of two further detailed planning applications. Read more…

Housing association buys house builder to boost construction

Hampshire based housing association Vivid has bought local house builder Bargate Homes. Read more…

Farrans to build tallest offices in Northern Ireland, City Quays 3

Farrans has secured a £50m contract to build the new City Quays 3 project on behalf of Belfast Harbour – the largest development project undertaken by the client to date. Read more…

Average prices in the UK increased by 1.4% in the year to March 2019, official data shows

Average house prices in the UK increased by 1.4% in the year to March 2019, up from 1% in February 2019, the latest official figures shows. Read more…


Browse our latest Property jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Water & Utilities Industry:

Southern Water targets invasive species with extra training

Southern Water is working to train up its staff and contractors to help recognise invasive non-native species (INNS). Read more…

Gove takes action to ban plastic straws, stirrers and cotton buds

Environment Secretary Michael Gove has today (22 May) confirmed a ban on plastic straws, drinks stirrers, and plastic stemmed cotton buds in England, following overwhelming public support for the move. Read more…

Severn Trent and Nottinghamshire council team up on flooding

Severn Trent has worked in partnership with Nottinghamshire County Council to provide additional flood protection to over 40 homes as part of its £60 million project to improve the water and waste network in Newark. Read more…

Unilever pioneers detectable pigment for black plastic

Unilever has pioneered the use of a new detectable black pigment for its High Density Polyethelyne (HDPE) bottles for its leading brands, TRESemmé and Lynx, so they can be detected by recycling plant scanners and sorted for recycling. Read more…

Deephams wins ICE ‘Greatest Contribution to London’ award

Thames Water’s £250 million Deephams sewage works upgrade won the ‘Greatest Contribution to London’ trophy at the ICE London Civil Engineering Awards. Read more…

Browse our latest Water and Utilities jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Construction Industry:

Newcastle firm targets £50bn London rooftop homes sector

Newcastle developer, The High Street Group of Companies, has bought London rooftop homes specialist First Penthouse. Read more…

London office construction hits three-year high

The construction of new offices in London is at its highest level in three years, according to Deloitte Real Estate’s latest London Office Crane Survey. Read more…

BAM Nuttall profit hits 10-year high

Operating margins at BAM Nuttall recovered to 3% last year after the UK civil engineering contractor delivered strong growth. Read more…

Interserve wins £8m specialist education construction contract

Interserve Group Limited has been selected by the Department for Education to design and build Prospect House to deliver specialist education for children in Blackley, Manchester. Read more…

VolkerFitzpatrick wins £27m rail station upgrade

VolkerFitzpatrick will upgrade East Anglian railway stations at Waterbeach and Littleport as part of a significant enhancement scheme to tackle congestion between Cambridge and King’s Lynn. Read more…

Browse our latest Construction jobs here.
Register for job alerts here.

This weeks latest news in the Rail Industry:

RailStaff Awards: A conduit for change

When Lee Woolcott-Ellis was recognised at the 2018 RailStaff Awards, it launched a roller coaster ride that he’s yet to get off.  Read more…

Young Rail Professionals: A call to action

Before joining the rail group, I had the privilege of moving between different sectors – most recently higher education. Read more…

Railway Children to reconquer Kilimanjaro

Think back to 2009 and you might remember watching a group of celebrities take on the challenge of reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro for Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day.  Read more…

Military is good for rail

Stewart Thorpe finds out why so many service leavers turn to and succeed in the industry. Read more…

The value of community rail

A new report from the Association of Community Rail Partnerships (ACoRP) has evaluated the benefits of the community rail movement to individuals, local areas and society. Read more…


Browse our latest rail jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Built Environment:

Meet the UK’s first Climate Change Teacher

Bec Wakefield becomes the first UK teacher to become accredited under the UN’s Climate Change Teacher pilot programme. Read more…

Downing starts £250m London student tower

Liverpool-based developer Downing has started work on its largest London project to date. Read more…

Thames saving 20 million litres a day after 250,000 home visits

Thames Water has now helped 250,000 homes save 20 million litres of water every day as part of its award-winning smarter home visit project. Read more…

Network Rail announces £136m contract winner to manage its road vehicle fleet

Network Rail has awarded a £136m contract to Hitachi Capital to manage its road vehicle fleet for the next four years. Read more…

Plan for 1,300-home led scheme near Harrow

Housing association Network Homes has bought land next to Northwick Park Hospital in Brent to kick-start a major regeneration project, bringing new homes and commercial space to the area. Read more…

Browse our latest jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Property Industry:

Bank Holiday house hunters shake off Brexit gloom

Recent figures have shown that UK house hunters are growing weary of the ‘wait and see’ approach and are returning to the market. Read more…

Downing starts £250m London student tower

Liverpool-based developer Downing has started work on its largest London project to date. Read more…

Location remains vital for landlords

Location, location, location has long been a major factor in the decision-making process of property buyers everywhere, and this is certainly no different when it comes to landlords. Read more…

L&G targets last-time buyers with 3,000 homes plan

Legal & General is making a move on the retirement homes sector setting up a specialist developer and operator called Guild Living to build urban later living communities. Read more…

Surge in number of older buy to let investors during 2018

Newly released data from specialist buy to let broker, Commercial Trust Limited, has revealed that the idea of slowing down for a large number of the UK’s senior population is not an option. Read more…

Browse our latest Property jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Water & Utilities Industry:

Northumbrian Water in roadside mapping project

Northumbrian Water vans are about to get smarter as a result of a new project with Ordnance Survey and intel company Mobileye. Read more…

Scotland’s 20p DRS Will Include Aluminium And Glass

Scotland’s new Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) will include aluminium and steel cans as well as drinks containers made of glass and Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic with a 20p deposit as part of plans to combat climate change. Read more…

Exciting time for water sensors, says Ofwat director

It is an exciting time for the roll-out of sensors in the water industry, Ofwat associate director Alison Fergusson has said, in advance of her appearance at the Sensing in Water conference. Read more…

New Project To Explore Fate Of Electricals And E-Waste

A new study has been announced that will look the fate and destination of electricals and electronics to support strategies on WEEE collection and reporting. Read more…

Pesticide amnesty helps environment for South East Water

An anonymous pesticide amnesty sponsored by South East Water has enabled the safe removal of over a tonne of unused and out-of-date pesticides from farms in Kent. Read more…

Browse our latest Water and Utilities jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Construction Industry:

Galliford Try tops April contracts league

Galliford Try booked the highest value of industry orders in April despite putting its whole construction arm under review following big losses on the Queensferry Crossing and Aberdeen Bypass. Read more…

Construction industry suppliers ‘prepared for Brexit’

Construction industry suppliers say they expect a slight dip in the market following Brexit, but reveal they are prepared thanks to contingency plans, according to a survey by MRA Research. Read more…

Most expensive cities for construction in 2019 revealed

New York, San Francisco and Hong Kong are the world’s most expensive cities to build in, according to the latest International Construction Cost Comparison published by Arcadis. Read more…

Hunt starts for Commonwealth Games stadium contractor

Birmingham City Council has started the hunt for a contractor to deliver the 2022 Commonwealth Games stadium. Read more…

Digitalisation in construction: The path ahead

If the construction industry wants to unlock its full potential through digital transformation, the next five years are essential, says Steve Radley, strategy and policy director of the Construction Industry Training Board. Read more…

Browse our latest Construction jobs here.
Register for job alerts here.

This weeks latest news in the Rail Industry:

Passengers set to benefit following early May bank holiday upgrades

A workforce of thousands across the country delivered renewed infrastructure and improved facilities – leading to better services for passengers. Read more…

Bond Street a year behind other Crossrail stations due to tunnelling problems

Crossrail’s Bond Street station is a year behind schedule compared to the rest of the project’s stations because of extensive tunnelling delays, Mark Wild has revealed. Read more…

Ex-HS2 manager reveals route design complexities

A former High Speed 2 (HS2) area manager has pinpointed two major challenges facing route designers working on the southern half of the project.  Read more…

Five things you didn’t know about our fleet – Network Rail

Our fleet of vehicles and machinery works hard all year round.

It plays a crucial role in keeping the railway safe for passengers and freight operators, such as each autumn, when 61 specialist trains and vehicles minimise the impact of leaf fall and help reduce the chances of delays. Read more…

First new driverless Subway trains arrive in Glasgow for testing

The first of Glasgow’s new subway fleet has arrived in Scotland and begun an intensive testing programme in preparation for their launch as the first driverless trains in the UK. Read more…

Browse our latest rail jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Built Environment:

Barclays announce further cuts to HTB rates

Barclays has announced that from tomorrow, new rate reductions on Help to Buy mortgage products will come into effect. Read more…

£14m Peak District rail freight extension unveiled

A £14m rail freight extension in the Peak District has been unveiled by Network Rail to boost construction productivity and take lorries off the road. Read more…

Which UK city has been crowned the best for families?

Now in its third year, the annual Family Living Index from MoneySuperMarket reveals this year’s best and worst locations in the UK to raise a family. Read more…

Driverless dump trucks used for first time on A14 site

Earthmoving contractor CA Blackwell has put self-driving trucks to work for the first time on Britain’s biggest road upgrade. Read more…

EA, OS and SEPA develop ‘MasterMap’ of Britain’s watercourses

Ordnance Survey (OS), the Environment Agency (EA) and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) have collaborated to bring together a nationally consistent view of Great Britain’s watercourses. Read more…

Browse our latest jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Property Industry:

Housebuilding props up UK construction sector in April

UK construction output marginally expanded in April driven by the quickest rise in housebuilding so far in 2019, according to the latest construction PMI. Read more…

New buildings must be net zero carbon by 2030

The industry has a little more than 10 years to take all new buildings over to net zero carbon if the Government is to hit its 2050 target on emissions. Read more…

Boom in build to rent lifts 2019 housing starts

Fast growth in multi-storey private rental housing has lifted new home registrations in the first three months of the year. Read more…

£9.4m construction project to deliver new homes in Bexley

Wates Residential has extended its partnership with Orbit after being appointed to help deliver a £9.4m project for new homes in the London Borough of Bexley. Read more…

£40m moveable modular homes deal to help homeless

Extraspace Solutions has won a £40m contract to provide modular homes for homeless Londoners. Read more…

Browse our latest Property jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Water & Utilities Industry:

Planning green light given for Ringsend upgrade

Planning permission has been granted for the upgrade of Ringsend Wastewater Treatment Plant near Dublin, Ireland’s largest wastewater treatment project. Read more…

Cash-for-trash initiative looks to save Britain’s waterways

Environmental consultancy APEM has launched a ‘cash-for-trash’ initiative to help tackle the problem of plastic pollution in Britain’s waterways. Read more…

Draft Environment Bill “Does Not Match EU Protections”

The Government’s draft Environment Bill does not match the current environmental protections provided by membership of the EU, according to the findings of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Efra) Committee. Read more…

Renationalisation may cost just £14.5 billion, Moody’s says

The cost of renationalising the water industry could be significantly lower than previous estimates, according to new research carried out by the rating agency Moody’s. Read more…

Yorkshire Water to install record number of acoustic loggers

Yorkshire Water has announced that it will invest £10 million to install a world-record number of acoustic loggers in its underground pipe network to detect leakage. Read more…

Browse our latest Water and Utilities jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Construction Industry:

Wates confirms £60m Commonwealth Games pool win

Wates Construction is set to make a splash in the West Midlands after winning the design and build contract for the £60m aquatic centre to host events for the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Read more…

Jacobs appointed to design new private terminal at Manchester Airport

Jacobs has been selected by Manchester Airports Group (MAG) to design its new PremiAir terminal, offering a unique private terminal for passengers flying on commercial airlines. Read more…

Balfour Beatty set for Midland Met finishing deal

Balfour Beatty looks set to seal the deal to complete Carillion’s Midlands Metropolitan Hospital within the £267m finishing budget. Read more…

Network Rail awards signalling contracts worth £750m

Network Rail has awarded six framework contracts worth £750m to deliver signalling and telecoms across the UK. Read more…

Industry giants shamed over late payment

Seven major contracting firms have been removed or suspended from the Government’s Prompt Payment Code for failing to pay suppliers on time. Read more…

Efficiency boost for local housebuilders

Spantherm is an innovative ground floor system from Creagh Concrete that is being adopted by a growing number of local housebuilders. Read more…

Browse our latest Construction jobs here.
Register for job alerts here.

If you are well organised and have planned for your interview, your confidence will increase ensuring that you stand out from other candidates. So, before the interview process, ensure that you:

Know your CV

Familiarise yourself with your CV just before you meet with the interviewer. You are likely to be asked to qualify decisions that have led you to joining organisations on your CV. Make sure you highlight any achievements that will make a positive impression so you are able to emphasise these to explain how you will add value to the company.

Dress to Impress

Pick your outfit and try it on before the interview. Make sure everything fits well and is comfortable. Look the best you can, in attire that is appropriate for the role you are being considered for. If you can feel comfortable and confident in how you look, then this will show in how you present yourself.

Research the Company

Familiarise yourself with information of your potential employer, their culture and work ethos. Research any issues or opportunities within the industry and understand fully how you can contribute positively to assist in resolving or implementing them. As a general rule, the more famous the brand, the more the interviewer will expect you to have done your homework. Researching the company shows that you are serious about the job.

Know the role/job description

When it comes to interview preparation, the job description is your best friend. Not only will a thorough examination of the duties and required personal qualities help you to understand more about what the role entails, it’ll also help you to recognise exactly what the employer is looking for. Then, you can tailor your answers accordingly – coming up with tangible examples that prove you’re the best candidate for the role.

Plan your journey

Confirm the time and location of your interview the day before. If you are taking public transport, make sure you have an up-to-date timetable. If you are driving, allow time for delays and parking. If possible, you may wish to check the journey time by doing a trial run ahead of the interview.

Make a positive First Impression

The importance of making the right first impression cannot be overstated, particularly in the first 30 seconds. The interviewer will begin to form an opinion of you from the minute you arrive. Be punctual and greet the interviewer with a firm handshake, eye contact and a smile, but do be careful not to crush their hand! A little more pressure than they give is a good guide.

“A job interview is not a test of your knowledge, but your ability to use it at the right time”

Click here to view more tips from us.

Click here to view our latest live jobs.

The latest news this week in the Built Environment:

Spotlight on earthworks

Extreme weather increases the risks that people and property are typically exposed to. Read more…

Digital UK map of buried utilities to save lives

Work is starting on an ambitious project to draw up a digital map of all UK underground pipes and cables to end strikes and save workers lives. Read more…

Be First appoints McLaren for Barking town regeneration scheme

Be First has confirmed the appointment of McLaren Construction to construct 169 affordable and shared ownership homes at the heart of Barking Town Centre. Read more…

Siemens Mobility submits plans for Goole rolling stock plant

Siemens Mobility has submitted an outline planning application for a £200m rolling stock plant at Goole in East Yorkshire which would manufacture and commission vehicles for the UK market. Read more…

£45m Edinburgh concert hall gets green light

Edinburgh’s first purpose-built music and performance venue for over 100 years has got the green light from city planners. Read more…

Browse our latest jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Property Industry:

Galliford Try to deliver new homes at Meridian Water scheme

The first 725 homes, including affordable homes at Enfield Council’s £6bn Meridian Water scheme, will be delivered by development partner Galliford Try Partnerships. Read more…

Green light for reworked Paddington Cucumber

Revised plans for the Paddington Basin scheme in London nicknamed the Cucumber have been given the thumbs up. Read more…

Taylor Wimpey announce “good start” to the year

Housebuilder, Taylor Wimpey, has announced that it has made a “good start” to 2019, while acknowledging the effect of increased build cost inflation for the year. Read more…

Osborne confirmed winner of £40m Regent House rebuild

Osborne has been awarded the £40m contract to rebuild Regent House on George Street in west London. Read more…

How can automation help lettings agencies?

Recent government research has suggested that as many as 1.5m jobs in England are at risk of being automated. What could this mean for letting agencies? Read more…

Browse our latest Property jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Water & Utilities Industry:

Thames Water battles giant ‘concreteberg’

Thames Water is removing a record-busting ‘concreteberg’ from under the streets of central London after discovering an industrial amount of solidified cement plugging three Victorian sewers. Read more…

Southern Water bans anti-nesting nets in projects

Southern Water has banned the use of nets intended to prevent birds nesting in trees and bushes as part of its engineering projects. Read more…

Apple Announces “Major Expansion” Of Recycling Programmes

Apple has announced a major expansion of its recycling programmes, quadrupling the number of locations US customers can send their iPhone to be disassembled by Daisy, its recycling robot. Read more…

CCWater wants all companies to adopt compensation changes

The Consumer Council for Water (CCWater) has praised seven water companies for boosting compensation for people that are left without running water and called on the rest of the industry to follow suit. Read more…

Energy and Utility Skills joins with Youth Employment UK

Energy & Utility Skills has launched a collaborative partnership with Youth Employment UK to encourage more young people into the energy and utility sector. Read more…

Browse our latest Water and Utilities jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

We are thrilled to announce that Matt Bray has joined Advance TRS as Managing Director of Construction. With over 25 years of experience recruiting in the construction, built environment and major infrastructure sectors, Matt has become the ‘go-to’ man in the world of construction recruitment for many of his clients. His knowledge and professional network are a huge asset to the growing recruitment firm.

“I’m thrilled to be able to join Advance TRS, bringing a new line of business to further establish the company’s growing construction sector” he explains.

Matt has a strong track record of using innovative management and business development strategies to work with clients, ranging from major blue chip organisations to successful SME’s, to place senior hires and project leaders. Comfortable and proven in developing strong business relationships, which deliver revenue in a number of sectors, building an enviable portfolio of client contacts and continues to expand his network.

For Matt, “a key skill is the ability to identify a business opportunity, listen to the need of the client and then propose an innovative solution to deliver results. This honest trustworthy approach ensures businesses and people find me easy to deal with and become an integral partner to enhance their business.”

Matt has significant experience leading recruitment teams, B2B sales and senior appointments through a credible and professional approach to the provision of recruitment solutions. His experience and presence have already brought a positive, professional influence to the team, supporting him in his new role to continue the expansion of the company’s growing Construction division.

He brings with him the experience of having previously directed experienced recruitment consultants in delivering both UK wide and International search campaigns, alongside senior level contingency recruitment to the permanent and interim contract markets.

Group Managing Director, Andy Ridout, explains;

“I’m delighted to have attracted Matt to join the Advance TRS leadership team and I feel we have further strengthened our impressive service offering. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience, this combined with an exceptional portfolio of clients, which complement those of the Advance TRS Group.”

“His proven track record and unrivalled knowledge of the Construction sector further imposes Advance TRS Group as a market leader in the Built Environment recruitment sector.”

Matt leads the Construction Division at Advance TRS, providing both permanent and contract recruitment solutions for the UK construction market. With a personal focus on senior and executive hires, his specialist team support with construction project staffing for every phase, from concept and planning through to delivery and commissioning.

See what Matt’s clients say about him:

“I’m always impressed with Matt’s network and knowledge of the construction industry. Matt takes the trouble to understand our business and teams before recommending suitable candidates. This ensures that the behaviour and personality fit is as strong as the skills match. I have no hesitation in recommending Matt and his team.”

“I’ve continued to work with Matt Bray over a number of years, as he understands the industry, and targets candidates that truly meet my requirements.”

“It’s been a pleasure doing business with Matt over a number of years – he’s become my ‘go-to’ man in the world of construction recruitment and makes it his business to understand my business.”

To find out more about Matt, the Construction division at Advance TRS or our full client service offering, call 01483 361 061. Alternatively, click here to search for the latest construction, property, rail and water jobs.

The latest news this week in the Water & Utilities Industry:

Wokingham collects 66 tonnes of food waste in first week

Some 66 tonnes of food waste was collected during the first week of a new separate collection in Wokingham, the borough council has announced. Read more…

Infrastructure leaders launch ambitious health and safety plan

Leaders from across UK infrastructure are joining forces in 2019 to make an ambitious step change in the safety, health and wellbeing of everyone involved in major infrastructure projects in the UK. Read more…

Scottish Water innovation centre now running at full capacity

One of the UK water industry’s most unique development centres is working at full capacity for the first time since its launch less than three years ago – testing innovative treatment technologies with the aim of making processes greener, cheaper and faster. Read more…

Cost of deposit return scheme “largely outweighs gains”, says IEA

The running costs of the government’s proposed deposit return scheme (DRS) for drinks cans and bottles is a very expensive way of achieving very little, according to a new briefing from the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA). Read more…

South East Water in smart metering deal

South East Water is taking part in a digital water meter trial which could revolutionise the way the water industry detects and prevents leaks. Read more…

Browse our latest Water and Utilities jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Construction Industry:

Galliford Try to review construction business

The regeneration and construction group, Galliford Try, has announced that is beginning a strategic review of its construction business. Read more…

Morgan Sindall boosts north west leadership team

Morgan Sindall Construction has strengthened its North West leadership team with new area directors for Liverpool and Manchester. Read more…

Walter Lilly wins £55m London medical HQ project

The specialist building arm of the Renew Group, Walter Lilly has secured a pre-construction services agreement for a £55m headquarters project for the London Institute of Medical Sciences. Read more…

Residential construction output increased by 5% in 2018

Preliminary data indicates that total residential construction output increased by 5% in 2018 to £74.2bn, according to the latest Construction and Housing Forecast Bulletin from AMA Research. Read more…

Autumn start for Mount Anvil’s largest ever scheme

London developer Mount Anvil, in partnership with ExCeL London, has secured planning for phases two and three of its Royal Docks development in East London. Read more…

Browse our latest Construction jobs here.
Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Property Industry:

Brexit impasse continues to challenge the market

The housing market remained subdued in March, a picture that has been evident in the sales market for several months now, according to our latest UK Residential Market Survey. Read more…

£3.5m affordable housing development in Powys underway

A contract to build Powys County Council’s first affordable housing development for social rent in over 40 years has been awarded to a Welsh building company. Read more…

Creating people-centred designs – RICS

Ed Suttie describes how a pioneering project is collecting evidence on how biophilic office layouts can improve the health and well-being of workers. Read more…

Goldman Sachs invests £75m in modular housing firm

Modular housing specialist TopHat has secured a £75m investment to grow its Derbyshire-based operations. Read more…

McGoff replaces Eric Wright on £70m Altrincham scheme

Developer Nikal has announced the appointment of local contractor McGoff Construction to deliver enabling works on its £70m Altair scheme in Altrincham. Read more…

Browse our latest Property jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Water & Utilities Industry:

Most utility customers prefer digital billing, finds survey

Two-thirds of utility customers would rather receive their bills for gas, electricity and water digitally, according to a survey of 2,000 consumers commissioned by multichannel communications expert Opus Trust Communications. Read more…

Largest water filtration system in Europe installed in Norwich

Anglian Water has begun installing a state-of-the-art filtration system at its Water Treatment Works in Norwich as part of its £36million scheme to keep customers’ taps running for decades to come. Read more…

Water companies launch World Water Innovation Fund

Water companies including Severn Trent and United Utilities are joining forces to form the World Water Innovation Fund, which aims to find, develop and accelerate the ground- breaking technologies that will make a real difference to peoples’ lives across the world. Read more…

Arup and Costain secure Yorkshire Water contract

 

Browse our latest Water and Utilities jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Construction Industry:

 

£100m deal to deliver 785 additional homes in Greater Manchester

Savills Financial Consultants has supported Bolton at Home to secure a £100m funding deal, enabling the construction of 785 additional homes across Greater Manchester. Read more…

Swansea seeks developer for £750m city revamp

Swansea Council is to start the hunt for a development partner for its proposed £750m redevelopment of major city sites. Read more…

Clarion buys Merrielands Cresent site off Inland for £78m

Inland Homes has exchanged contracts for the sale of its Merrielands Crescent site in Dagenham, East London with housing association, Clarion Housing Group. Read more…

Bouygues starts £161m Brighton student scheme

The University of Brighton has awarded a contract to Bouygues Construction for financing, designing and constructing a new student residence on the Moulsecoomb campus. Read more…

HS2 Euston demolition milestone as workforce tops 1,000

HS2 has completed two major demolition projects at Euston to clear the way for the new platforms and concourse. Read more…

 

Browse our latest Construction jobs here.
Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Rail Industry:

 

University buys land for ‘game-changing’ high-speed rail institute in Leeds

A 10-acre plot of land has been acquired by the University of Leeds in order to build a brand-new Institute for High-Speed Rail and System Integration which will be co-located with HS2 eastern leg’s rolling stock depot. Read more…

Industry calls on volunteers to step forward in support of the Samaritans

The rail industry has announced the “Million Hour Challenge”, which aims to encourage staff to donate their time, energy and skills to help the Samaritans support people in emotional crisis. Read more…

DfT’s £300m scheme to see disabled access at 73 railway stations improved

The DfT has announced a £300m investment to see disabled access improved at 73 UK rail stations. Read more…

Launch for Fast Trackers 2019

Newcastle College’s rail academy hosted the launch of Fast Trackers 2019 on March 15. During the morning, a group of 30 college students were welcomed by organisers Network Rail and Mott MacDonald and introduced to the academic routes into engineering by college staff. Read more…

Birmingham New Street becomes UK’s first 5G train station

A live trial of 5G has been launched at Birmingham New Street, making it the first train station to trial the “lightning-quick network tech” in the UK. Read more…

 

Browse our latest rail jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

 The latest news this week in the Built Environment:

 

Buyer registrations jump 16% in February

The latest data and analysis from national estate agent, haart, has revealed that pent-up demand possibly fuelled by the Brexit waiting game has seen buyer registrations jump 16% on the month. Read more…

DfT’s £300m scheme to see disabled access at 73 railway stations improved

The DfT has announced a £300m investment to see disabled access improved at 73 UK rail stations. Read more…

No Deal Interim Environmental “Shadow Body” Announced

Environment Secretary Michael Gove has announced that an interim environmental “shadow body” is in place in the event the UK leaves the EU without a deal in place. Read more…

British Water members not keen on water nationalisation

Companies across the water supply chain believe that the Labour Party’s plan to nationalise English water companies would negatively impact their businesses as well as customers, according to a survey by British Water. Read more…

Kier picked for £200m Camberley town centre revamp

The development arm of Kier has been named preferred bidder to deliver the £200m redevelopment of part of Camberley town centre in Surrey. Read more…

 

 

Browse our latest jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Property Industry:

How many homes are actually being built compared to those gaining planning approval?

Newly released figures have shown that 236,000 approved homes a year are evaporating into developer land banks. Read more…

It’s not easy being green…

There are now a huge variety of services, designs and products which can help us become more energy efficient. Read more…

Brent’s tallest building transformation underway

Plans will deliver affordable workspace, a Lidl supermarket and hundreds of affordable homes, the redevelopment is expected to be complete by 2022. Read more…

Henry wins £115m Guinness East London scheme

Henry Construction Projects has been confirmed as preferred main builder for the first phase of a major housing scheme planned by Guinness Partnership in East London. Read more…

TSB announce launch of new BTL remortgage products

TSB has announced that it has expanded its buy-to-let remortgage range, offering either £300 cashback or free legal fees via intermediaries. Read more…

Browse our latest Property jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

 The latest news this week in the Water & Utilities Industry:

 

 

Northumbrian fits eel screens in river intakes

Northumbrian Water is installing special screens at its water intake in Warkworth on the River Coquet to protect eels, in the first part of a £9M project. Read more…

Jaguar Land Rover To Recycle Aluminium From Own Vehicles

Jaguar Land Rover is developing the next phase of its aluminium closed loopstrategy with an innovative recycling initiative to transform the vehicles of today into the cars of tomorrow. Read more…

Tesco Trials Technology That “Makes All Plastic Packaging Recyclable”

Supermarket giant, Tesco, is set to trial a collection scheme this week that will see previously unrecycled plastic turned back into oil. Read more…

Ryanair becomes first airline to enter top 10 ranking of EU carbon polluters

Ryanair is now one of the highest emitters under the EU’s Emission Trading System (EU ETS), with official data released yesterday suggesting the airline has become the first non-coal plant to enter the… Read more…

Companies submit revised PR19 business plans to Ofwat

The majority of water companies in England and Wales have re-submitted their PR19 business plans to Ofwat today (1 April). Read more…

 

 

Browse our latest Water and Utilities jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Construction Industry:

 

ISG lands new £281m London neurology centre for UCL

ISG has been appointed as UCL’s main contractor to begin pre-construction work on a new neurology centre in central London. Read more…

City planners give green light to “The Tulip” tower

The City of London Corporation has approved a planning application from Foster + Partners for the tallest tower in the Square Mile. Read more…

Henry wins £115m Guinness East London scheme

Henry Construction Projects has been confirmed as preferred main builder for the first phase of a major housing scheme planned by Guinness Partnership in East London. Read more…

Kier wins £13m Bradford Academy

Kier has been named by the Department for Education to design and construct an 880-place academy in a grade II listed mill in Bradford. Read more…

L&Q to buy north-west rival and spend £4bn on homes

South east housing association L&Q is in talks to take over the North West’s Trafford Housing Trust with ambitious plans to boost house building in the region. Read more…

 

 

Browse our latest Construction jobs here.
Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Rail Industry:

 

Week on the Network – Network Rail

Network Rail works hard to improve the railway each week, you can see their ‘week on the network’ video here.

Network Rail announces CP6 spending plans of £42 billion

Network Rail has released its plans for Control Period 6, which starts on 1 April 2019. These show how the company intends to spend over £42 billion over the five years of CP6 (2019-2024) on maintaining and renewing the railway with the aim of increasing reliability and improving performance. Read more…

Funding sign-off for first half of HS2 construction delayed by ministers

Ministers have delayed signing off on the first half of funding for HS2 over concerns about the flagship rail project’s spiralling costs. Read more…

Northumberland line could reopen for passengers in 2022

Northumberland County Council’s plans to reopen the line from Newcastle upon Tyne to Ashington via Blyth to passenger services by 2022 have taken a step forward with the completion of the Strategic Outline Business Case for the plan. Read more…

UK Government announces support for feasibility study into Borders Railway extension

The UK Government has announced its backing for a feasibility study into an extension of the Borders Railway. Read more…

 

Browse our latest rail jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Property Industry:

First Brighton build to rent scheme approved

Legal & General’s housing arm has gained planning for Brighton’s first build to rent scheme near the city’s train station. Read more…

Bellway launches London Partnerships arm

House builder Bellway has launched a new housing partnerships business in London while it still looks for further regional expansion of its private homes business. Read more…

£3.7 million confirmed to fund five new garden towns across England

New garden towns will provide up to 64,000 much needed homes in five locations across England from Hertfordshire to Gloucestershire, it has been confirmed. Read more…

Business booming for building services giant TClarke

Business is booming at TClarke as the building services specialist posted results ahead of market expectations. Read more,,,

Estate agents fees in Europe are cheapest in the UK

New research has found that home sellers in the UK pay much less in estate agent fees than other countries in Europe, and appear to pay less than anyone else. Read more…

 

Browse our latest Property jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Water & Utilities Industry:

 

 

MGJV secures £14.6M pipeline contract with Southern

The joint venture between Galliford Try and Morrison Utility Services (MGJV) has been awarded a £14.6 million contract by framework client Southern Water to lay a 10km pipeline in West Sussex. Read more…

Clancy Docwra, Kier secure leakage detection contract with Anglian

Clancy Docwra and Kier have been awarded a contract to carry out leakage detection services for Anglian Water as part of the IMR Water alliance. Read more…

Ofgem grants price cap derogation extension to three firms

Energy industry regulator Ofgem has extended the derogation it has given to three renewable energy suppliers in relation to the standard variable tariff (SVT) price cap. Read more…

Shell Energy: First Utility rebranded as over 700,000 customers are switched to renewable power

Shell has today further underlined its growing interest in the power and renewables sector, announcing today that First Utility is to rebranded as Shell Energy and will from today provide over 700,000…Read more…

UK’s Largest Waste Wood Gasifier Becomes Operational

Bioenergy Infrastructure Group (“BIG”), an independent power producer specialising in energy-from-waste and biomass, has announced that one of its largest assets in the UK, Ince Bio Power, has become fully operational after successfully completing its testing phase. Read more…

 

 

Browse our latest Water and Utilities jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Construction Industry:

Guinness and Stonewater to build 4,500 homes by 2022

Homes England has signed off another major strategic framework agreement with social housing providers Guinness Partnership and Stonewater. Read more…

Morgan Sindall set for £60m St Albans mixed-use scheme

Morgan Sindall Construction has been named preferred bidder for a mixed-use development in the heart of St Albans city centre. Read more…

Business booming for building services giant TClarke

Business is booming at TClarke as the building services specialist posted results ahead of market expectations. Read more…

Vast York Central scheme gains outline approval

Outline planning has been granted to develop over 2,500 homes and a new commercial district next to York railway station. Read more…

McLaren wins £27m North London HQ job

McLaren Construction has secured the £26.7m job to build a headquarters in North London for software giant Metaswitch. Read more…

Browse our latest Construction jobs here.
Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Property Industry:

Spring housing market dampened by Brexit uncertainty

The latest figures from Rightmove have revealed that the usual buoyancy associated with the spring housing market has failed to materialise this time round largely due to Brexit. Read more…

Tolent to build first homes at £400m Leeds scheme

Tolent has won the job to build the first prototype houses at Kirkstall Forge in Leeds, paving the way for the initial 112-homes at the £400m site. Read more…

Placefirst unveils £27.5m build to rent plan for Bolton

Placefirst has unveiled its vision to transform a key site in Bolton Council’s town centre masterplan, the town’s first urban village. Read more…

Build to rent specialist plans Bolton urban village

Build to Rent developer Placefirst has unveiled £27.5m plans for a Bolton town centre site. Read more…

Buyer fees scrapped at Network Auctions

Network Auctions’ has announced that their ‘E’ online property buying platform has been revamped and buyer fees have been scrapped as they adapt to the changing market. Read more…

Browse our latest Property jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Water & Utilities Industry:

Severn Trent names contractors for £2bn programme

Water company Severn Trent has named the first contractors that it intends to use to deliver its £2bn investment in its construction projects for AMP7. Read more…

Kier names Davies as new chief executive

Kier Group has announced the appointment of Andrew Davies as chief executive with effect from 15 April. Read more…

England may run short of water within 25 years – EA chief exec

Environment Agency chief executive Sir James Bevan has warned that England is on course to run short of water in less than 25 years. Read more…

Nestlé And Veolia Join Forces To Tackle Plastics Leakage

Nestlé and Veolia have announced a collaboration to work on waste collection, sorting and recycling of plastic material, with a particular emphasis on flexible plastic packaging. Read more…

Thames Water launches interactive water calculator

Thames Water has launched an interactive online tool to help customers save money by gaining a better understanding of their water use. Read more…

Browse our latest Water and Utilities jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Construction Industry:

Hi-Vis site wear launched for pregnant women

Pregnant construction workers can now buy a range of hi-vis clothing to wear on site. Read more…

Tolent awarded £400m Kirkstall Forge project in Leeds

Tolent has been awarded the contract to build the first residential stage at Kirkstall Forge, a flagship £400m project in Leeds. Read more…

Interserve £170m prison project to be rebid

The Ministry of Justice is to retender the £170m HMP Glen Parva new build prison project in Leicestershire. Read more…

ENGIE secures £20m Scarborough LIFEstyle scheme

Scarborough Borough Council has approved a planning application by ENGIE, to build a bespoke over 55s housing development in Scarborough. Read more…

Griffiths to restart Dawnus Kingsway transformation project

Swansea Council has revealed that Welsh civil engineering contractor Griffiths will complete work on the £12m Kingsway transformation project. Read more…

Browse our latest Construction jobs here.
Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Rail Industry:

 

 

Network Rail reveals the winner of final track works contract worth £1.5bn

Network Rail has announced Balfour Beatty as the preferred bidder to carry out track upgrades across central England for the next decade in a contract worth an estimated £1.5bn. Read more…

Greater Anglia train drivers taking leap into new technology

New state-of-the-art train simulators are being used to train 768 Greater Anglia drivers that will be driving the new trains due to replace all of the company’s existing fleet from later this year, when it starts to receive 38 bi-mode and 20 all-electric trains from Stadler followed by 111 more electric commuter trains from Bombardier. Read more…v

The Train Drivers Academy

In the months up until 2021, around 7,000 new vehicles are set to be introduced by train companies across the country. Drivers will swap some of the oldest rolling stock on the network for some of the most state- of-the-art in the world as a result of the country’s current multi-billion-pound train-building boom. Read more…

“Radical yet respectful” proposals for Birmingham Moor Street station revealed

Proposals for a “radical yet respectful” transformation to Birmingham Moor Street station have been released. Read more…

New Hitachi 385s to replace ScotRail’s ‘happy trains’

ScotRail has confirmed that it is withdrawing its Class 365 ‘happy trains’ fleet and replacing them with new Hitachi Class 385s. Read more…

 

 

Browse our latest rail jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Property Industry:

 

 

Brexit uncertainty causes further damage to UK housing, says RICS

Prolonged Brexit uncertainty will likely cause further damage to the UK housing market, according to the latest RICS UK Residential Market Survey. Read more…

5 common reasons why your house is not selling

There are many stages that need to be completed before your house finally sells. Some naturally take longer than others and may be out of your control. Read more…

5 small changes to make your home more eco-friendly

Many homeowners are becoming more aware of the impact of their actions on the environment and pride themselves on living sustainably. Whether you are a first timer or a full blown eco-warrior, these five simple home improvement tweaks will make a real difference. Read more…

Torsion to build £65m twin towers in Leeds

Court Collaboration in partnership with Torsion Developments has submitted a planning application for a £65m two-tower block development in Leeds. Read more…

RealPage Energy Summit: The Power of Connecting

The best and brightest in multifamily utility management are convening this spring at the RealPage Energy Summit. At the company’s Richardson, Texas headquarters April 16-18, experts will offer a deep dive into the latest energy trends and regulations, and like-minded professionals will tackle some of the most pressing issues facing the industry. Read more…

 

 

Browse our latest Property jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Built Environment:

 

Interserve to file for administration as rescue rejected

Interserve shareholders have rejected the proposed rescue plan leaving the board to file for administration today. Read more…

Brexit uncertainty causes further damage to UK housing, says RICS

Prolonged Brexit uncertainty will likely cause further damage to the UK housing market, according to the latest RICS UK Residential Market Survey. Read more…

Network Rail reveals winner of final track works contract worth £1.5bn

Network Rail has announced Balfour Beatty as the preferred bidder to carry out track upgrades across central England for the next decade in a contract worth an estimated £1.5bn. Read more…

New EnTrade scheme helps farmers protect Poole Harbour

A group of farmers in Dorset have been equally rewarded by Wessex Water for growing cover crops that brought reductions in the levels of nitrates that enter Poole Harbour. Read more…

Asda Removes 6,500 Tonnes Of Own Brand Plastic Packaging

Asda has announced it has removed 6500 tonnes of plastic from its own brand packaging since February 2018. Read more…

 

 

Browse our latest jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

 

 The latest news this week in the Water & Utilities Industry:

 

 

IKEA and shipping giant CMA CGM to pilot first sustainable marine biofuel

Swedish furniture retailer teams up with shipping giant CMA CGM, GoodShipping Program and Port of Rotterdam to test marine biofuel made from forest residues and waste cooking oil. Read more…

Proposals To Tackle Non-Compliant Products Sold Online

Defra has published proposals to tackle non-compliant products sold through online marketplaces. Read more…

Mott MacDonald, Microsoft team up on smart infrastructure

Mott MacDonald and Microsoft have announced a strategic partnership to deliver smart infrastructure. Read more…

Biffa Acquires Specialist Waste Recycling Limited

Integrated waste management company Biffa has announced that it has today (12 March) acquired Specialist Waste Recycling Limited (‘SWRNewstar’), from a consortium of investors including Angus MacDonald OBE. Read more…

Tony Juniper appointed chair of Natural England

Environment Secretary Michael Gove has confirmed that Tony Juniper CBE will be the new Chair of Natural England. Read more…

 

 

Browse our latest Water and Utilities jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Construction Industry:

 

 

A developer wanted for £1.5bn Manchester innovation district

The University of Manchester has unveiled ambitious plans to create a £1.5bn innovation district on the site of its North Campus near the planned HS2 station. Read more…

V&A museum begins search for contractor for £22m centre

The Victoria & Albert (V&A) museum in London has started the tender process to select the main contractor for a £22m scheme to create a research centre and space for its collections. Read more…

Simons Group lands starring role on £20m cinema scheme

Simons Group has been awarded the main contract to build a new £20m  cinema and restaurant complex at East Square in Basildon, Essex. Read more…

Watkin Jones forward funds £90m Wembley scheme

Student rooms and build-to-rent specialist Watkin Jones has forward sold a planned 600-bed student scheme in London near Wembley stadium. Read more…

Balfour Beatty hits 2.4% construction margin

Balfour Beatty has returned to industry standard margins and built up strong cash reserves completing a four-year turnaround plan. Read more…

 

 

Browse our latest Construction jobs here.
Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Rail Industry:

 

Network Rail: Week on the Network

Network Rail works hard to improve the network each week, here’s their weekly update, read more…

LNER trains for East Coast Main Line given approval to enter passenger services

New LNER rolling stock for the East Coast Main Line (ECML) has received approval for its Class 800 Azuma trains to enter passenger service. Read more…

We’re investing over £100m in the railway this Easter

This Easter we’ll deliver more than £100m of investment in a better railway. A 13,800-strong workforce will work around the clock to keep the railway open and deliver more reliable infrastructure, improved facilities and services for passengers. Read more…

Rail minister gives boost to Hull-Manchester Airport direct rail link

Rail minister Andrew Jones has pledged to look at the options for a direct train service from Hull to Manchester Airport. Read more…

Midland main line electrification extended

Network Rail has been instructed to design an extension of the Midland main line electrification programme from Kettering to Market Harborough station, rail minister Andrew Jones has confirmed. Read more…

SWR and Porterbrook trial new emission-slashing rail technology

Groundbreaking emission-reducing technology is to be fitted to South Western Railway (SWR) train units as part of a new trial aiming to cut down harmful emissions from diesel trains by 80%. Read more…

 

Browse our latest rail jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Built Environment:

 

 

AquaPea leak system finding success in insurance sector

Innovations company Qinov8 has partnered with Auger, a tech specialist for the insurance industry, on the AquaPea leak repair system for water supply pipes. Read more…

Peabody plans 1,000 homes at former Holloway Prison site

Peabody has today successfully acquired the former Holloway Women’s Prison site in London for around £80. Read more…

New May timetable announced as rail bosses insist ‘lessons learned’ following last year’s chaos

The rail industry has confirmed the new summer 2019 timetable, with 1,000 extra services added to relieve overcrowding as rail bosses say they “learned the lessons” of last year’s chaos.

Read more…

SWR and Porterbrook trial new emission-slashing rail technology

Groundbreaking emission-reducing technology is to be fitted to South Western Railway (SWR) train units as part of a new trial aiming to cut down harmful emissions from diesel trains by 80%. Read more…

Annual house price growth climbs to 2.8%

The latest data and analysis from Halifax has revealed that house prices in the three months to February were 2.8% higher than in the same three months a year earlier – a rising from 0.8% recorded in January. Read more…

 

 

Browse our latest jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Property Industry:

CBRE & RICS announce the launch of new progressive diversity book

Global real estate advisor CBRE together with the RICS are pleased to celebrate the International Women’s day announcing the launch of a new book: Managing Diversity and Inclusion in the Real Estate Sector. The launch will take place at MIPIM 2019 in Cannes. Read more…

Final consent for £1bn Ford Dagenham housing scheme

Plans to build one of only three schemes in London with over 3,000 planned homes have cleared the final planning hurdle. Read more…

Peabody secures former Holloway prison site to build 1,000 homes

Peabody housing association has acquired the former Holloway Women’s Prison site in London for £82m, to build more than 600 social rented and affordable homes. Read more…

 

More encouragement needed for women in the property sector

As it’s International Women’s Day today (8 March 2019), Katy Jordan, Storey Homes’ Managing Director, explains what it’s like, as a woman, to have a career in the housebuilding industry. Read more…

Over a third of landlords set to slash spending

New research by specialist mortgage lender, Kent Reliance, finds that rising running costs and higher taxes are pushing around 36% of UK landlords into cutting their expenditure. Read more…

 

 

Browse our latest Property jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Water & Utilities Industry:

 

 

AquaPea leak system finding success in insurance sector

Innovations company Qinov8 has partnered with Auger, a tech specialist for the insurance industry, on the AquaPea leak repair system for water supply pipes. Read more…

Innovative household leakage technology set to appeal to home insurers

A ‘smart leak defence’ system which protects against water leaks in UK homes and properties is set to launch, with the promise of appealing to home insurers. Read more…

Plastic-Free Paper Cup Inventor Among Female Pioneers Awarded Funding

Pioneering female inventors have been recognised today (8 March) for innovations including a process to make disposable coffee cups waterproof without the need to use plastic. Read more…

Severn Trent begins £6M refurb of 100-year-old boreholes

Severn Trent has started work to refurbish two century-old boreholes in Wolverhampton to ensure customers continue to receive a reliable supply of drinking water in the area. Read more…

Yorkshire Water publishes ethnic pay gap

Yorkshire Water has revealed that its mean ethnic pay gap is 3 per cent and, after becoming one of the first companies in the county to publish, has encouraged others to follow suit. Read more…

 

 

Browse our latest Water and Utilities jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Construction Industry:

 

Henry Construction bags Croydon tower deals

Henry Construction has landed tower deals worth nearly £55m from the Brick by Brick housing development company set up by Croydon Council. Read more…

£900m Bishopsgate Goodsyard scheme downsized

Hammerson and its development partner Ballymore have dramatically downsized proposals for the £900m Bishopsgate Goodsyard scheme in London. Read more…

O’Keefe forecasts 12% revenue fall due to Brexit

South East groundworks and concrete contractor O’Keefe Construction is predicting that Brexit project delays will hit revenues by around 12% this year. Read more…

UK construction activity drops to 11-month low

UK construction activity fell during February, ending a ten-month period of sustained expansion, as a drop in commercial building and civil engineering activity was heavily to blame. Read more…

Laing O’Rourke to deliver Oxford University Biochemistry Building

Laing O’Rourke has signed a contract with the University of Oxford to complete the construction of their Biochemistry Building, due for completion in December 2020. Read more…

 

Browse our latest Construction jobs here.
Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Rail Industry:

 

 

Predicting system failures before they occur

One of Network Rail’s key objectives is to improve service – and safety – for users and stakeholders. But it knows only too well that to achieve this, it must reduce the occurrence of system failures. Read more…

Bombardier plans digital takeoff with Heathrow Express fleet

Last month, it was reported that Porterbrook and Bombardier had signed a contract to upgrade a fleet of 12 Class 387 Electrostar units for the prestigious Heathrow Express service. The scope involves fitting the European Train Control System (ETCS) and a number of other passenger-focused upgrades. Read more…

Good Growth: Barking Riverside

Despite recent economic shocks, London’s population continues to grow. By 2041, the city’s population is expected to grow to over 10 million. Read more…

Lord Berkeley: TransPennine freight is being sidelined

Freight has suffered from the lack of capacity across the Pennines, especially for container trains needing W10 or W12 gauge. Read more…

Smart on Rail with Transport for the North

The launch of ‘Smart on Rail’ across the whole of the region marks a major milestone for Transport for the North (TfN). Read more…

 

 

Browse our latest rail jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

 The latest news this week in the Built Environment:

 

 

Llangollen railway: Funding bid to finish steam project

After 45 years of building a railway line between two Denbighshire towns, volunteers say they need £10,000 to finish the last stretch. Read more…

O’Rourke seals £70m Oxford Uni biochem project

Laing O’Rourke has finally signed a contract with the University of Oxford for phase two expansion of its acclaimed biochemistry building. Read more…

Thames Water turns up pressure on water thieves

Thames Water is ramping up the pressure on those who illegally tap into supplies and steal water after four separate offenders were heavily fined in court. Read more…

NatWest lifts DSS restrictions on BTL landlords following campaign

NatWest is lifting restrictions on buy-to-let landlords to allow them to let to tenants in receipt of housing benefit. Read more…

UK Collaboration Awarded £0.8m For Tech To Tackle Black Plastic

A unique project born from a collaboration between recycling compliance scheme Ecosurety, plastic innovations specialist Impact Solutions, recycling specialists Impact Recycling and plastics injection moulder company McLaren Plastics has been awarded £0.8 million by the Government’s Innovate UK grant scheme. Read more…

 

Browse our latest jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Property Industry:

 

 

Plan to build 700 homes at York gas works site

Private rental specialist Moda has teamed up with developer North Star to redevelop York’s former gas works site. Read more…

£9.9m funding injection for Liverpool’s Festival Gardens

Up to 1,500 family homes will be built at the Festival Gardens in Liverpool due to a £9.9m funding boost from Homes England. Read more…

Unite to spend up to £500m on student halls to 2022

Student accommodation specialist is pressing ahead with several major scheme shrugging off concerns about Brexit and its impact on EU student numbers. Read more…

Housebuilding rates increase yet doubts remain on meeting target

More than half of housebuilders increased the rate at which they built new homes over the last year and predict a further rise over the next 12 months, according to a new survey. Read more…

New Tools Extend Lead of Commercial Property Management

Not content to rest on their laurels, the design team for RealPage’s Commercial Property Management Suite has rolled out a trio of enhancements intended to streamline business for commercial customers. Read more…

 

 

Browse our latest Property jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

 The latest news this week in the Water & Utilities Industry:

 

 

Interserve considers alternative rescue plan

Interserve has said its board is now considering an alternative to the rescue plan announced earlier this month. Read more…

New membrane system promises industrial wastewater breakthrough

A new pilot plant to treat industrial wastewater is being built that could potentially reduce the amount of liquid waste by over 90 per cent. Read more…

Water retailers need to do better on complaints, says CCWater

Water retailers must do more to turn the tide of non-household complaints received by the Consumer Council for Water (CCWater), says the water watchdog. Read more…

UU sewer workers praised for tackling Liverpool fire

Two quick-thinking sewer workers have been praised by United Utilities bosses after tackling a blaze at a house in Liverpool. Read more…

Irish Water apologises for activated sludge spill

Irish Water has apologised to the public after a tank failure at Dublin’s Ringsend Wastewater Treatment Plant caused a significant discharge of activated sludge into the estuary of the River Liffey. Read more…

 

 

Browse our latest Water and Utilities jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Construction Industry:

 

Laing O’Rourke signs £195m construction contract for Soho Place

Laing O’Rourke and Derwent London plc have exchanged construction contracts worth £195m for the Soho Place, Tottenham Court Road W1 scheme. Read more…

Former Bouygues London boss joins McLaren

Darren Gill is joining McLaren this week as Managing Director for the London business. Read more…

Laing O’Rourke technical director to leave

Laing O’Rourke Group Technical Director Paul Westbury is leaving the business. Read more…

Housebuilding rates increase yet doubts remain on meeting target

More than half of housebuilders increased the rate at which they built new homes over the last year and predict a further rise over the next 12 months, according to a new survey. Read more…

Kier takes over Birmingham Arena Central scheme

Kier Property has struck a deal with Miller Developments to take forward the Arena Central scheme in Birmingham. Read more…

 

Browse our latest Construction jobs here.
Register for job alerts here.

 

 

A personal statement is usually the opening paragraph on your CV. It should be a short summary about you, to help employers see how you view yourself as a person and as an employee.

We’ve put together three simple tips for writing your personal statement:

How long should it be?

Your personal statement should be one paragraph, aiming for a minimum of 5 lines up to a maximum of 12 lines on a word document. If you’re looking for a word count, aim for up to 150 words.

If it’s too long, you risk repeating yourself and rambling too much!

If it’s too short, you’re not selling yourself enough!

What should it include?

You need to think about three key questions:

    • Who are you and what do you currently do?
    • What are your career goals?
    • What can you offer to your next employer, that could make you stand out above the rest?

Can I keep the same one for every job I apply for?

All job requirements are different. If you have the time, it would be beneficial to adapt your personal statement each time you apply for a job, so you can make it as relevant as possible to the role you are applying for. Make sure you do your research on the specific requirements the employer is asking for, both for the job and personal skills.

Remember, your personal statement gives you a chance to sell yourself in one paragraph. The rest of your CV is your work experience and your qualifications, so this gives you the opportunity to add that personal touch.

Here’s an example we’ve put together:

“As an experienced project manager, I have a proactive approach which has resulted in numerous successful completions of important projects across the rail industry. I am now coming to the end of my current project and am seeking a new challenge. I am a reliable and well-organised manager, bringing various expertise and knowledge to the table. I have extensive experience across the board and my attention to detail and communication skills is what makes me stand out from the rest.

TOP TIP

Make sure you ask someone to read through this for you to pick up any spelling or grammatical errors! You can’t always see these when you are writing yourself.

The latest news this week in the Rail Industry:

 

Week on the Network

See what Network Rail have been up to this week, read more…

Liverpool Lime Street station remembers its past with unique display

Liverpool Lime Street station has had a thorough overhaul recently, with new platforms, signalling and track. But its heritage has not been forgotten as three slabs from the original station platforms, dating from 1836, have been included as part of the rebuild. Read more…

Final 100mph speed checks made on electrified Manchester to Preston railway

Final checks have been made on the newly electrified railway between Manchester and Preston as a test train made its last journey over the route for the arrival of 100mph in May. Read more…

New look for West Midlands Trains across Birmingham

Passengers on the Cross City line in the West Midlands (Lichfield – Birmingham – Redditch/Bromsgrove) are starting to experience an improvement in their on-train comfort as the first of West Midlands Trains’ Class 323 units re-enters service after a substantial refit. Read more…

‘Clearer vision’ and improved joined-up working needed to deliver growth in Cambridge-Oxford arc, NIC says

The potential of the highly-anticipated Cambridge-Oxford arc project could be stunted if the government does not provide a “clearer vision and better joined-up working” to maximising the output of the corridor, the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) has claimed. Read more…

 

Browse our latest rail jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Property Industry:

 

 

Intu looks to build housing at Lakeside

The owner of the Lakeside shopping centre is planning construction of around 1,000 build-to-rent flats at the Essex retail park. Read more…

BMHT to build 2,000 homes over the next five years

After completing 10 new homes, Birmingham Municipal Housing Trust (BMHT) is on track to build a further 2,000 new homes over the next five years. Read more…

First-time buyer numbers hit 12-year high during 2018

The latest data and analysis from UK Finance has revealed that despite ‘challenging’ market conditions and the ongoing Brexit and political circus, first-time-buyer numbers reached a 12-year peak during last year. Read more…

£105.5m build to rent London development announced

Telford Homes has announced they will be exchanging contracts for the sale of its Equipment Works build to rent development which comprises 257 units in Walthamstow. Read more…

Top tips for first-time-buyers

According to recent figures, the number of first-time buyers coming to the market has risen from 671,000 during 2016-17, to 785,000 during 2017-181. Read more…

 

 

Browse our latest Property jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Water & Utilities Industry:

 

 

DTL to deliver apprenticeship training for South Staffs Water

Utilities specialist Develop Training Limited (DTL) has won a contract to deliver an apprenticeship in water mains laying for South Staffs Water. Read more…

Pumping station switch-on for Severn Trent’s £60M Newark project

Severn Trent’s £60M water and wastewater project in Newark has reached a new milestone, as the company has now switched on its new Terminal Pumping Station at Crankley Point. Read more…

Scottish Water starts £15M River Kelvin project

Scottish Water’s multi-million pound investment project in Glasgow’s West End to help improve the environment and water quality in the River Kelvin is under way. Read more…

Defra Announces Waste “Smart tracking” Funding Winners

Five companies working across the UK have been awarded up to £80,000 to develop innovative digital solutions to tackle the challenge of tracking waste from its source through its treatment and final disposal. Read more…

Rainwater used for sewer jetting in Northumbrian initiative

Northumbrian Water has started using harvested rainwater in jetting operations to clear sewer blockages, as an alternative to using clean, treated water for the purpose. Read more…

Arup announces Chisholm appointment

Douglas Chisholm has joined Arup in London, bringing over 30 years of leadership experience and knowledge in consultancy, construction and client-side programme management. Read more…

 

 

Browse our latest Water and Utilities jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Construction Industry:

 

O’Rourke finally seals UK construction finance deal

Laing O’Rourke has finally completed a refinancing deal for its UK operations after all its contracts were put under the microscope by lenders for months. Read more…

McAleer & Rushe gets go-ahead for two Maldron hotels

Northern Ireland-based developer and contractor McAleer & Rushe has checked-in with planning to build hotels in Birmingham and Glasgow city centres. Read more…

Two Portsmouth ‘Grenfell’ tower blocks to be torn down

Two landmark Portsmouth tower blocks are set to be demolished after work to strengthen them was estimated to cost £86m. Read more…

Telford Homes to start 260 London rental homes scheme

Telford Homes secured another forward funding deal with long-term rental specialist Greystar to deliver a near 260 homes build-to-rent scheme at Walthamstow in East London. Read more…

Amey Rail appoints former Carillion MD as new chief

Former Carillion Rail managing director Andy Joy has been appointed to head Amey’s Rail business. Read more…

Browse our latest Construction jobs here.
Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Rail Industry:

 

 

Stuart Calvert to be new Digital Railway head

Stuart Calvert, director of programme technical services and supply chain at Network Rail’s Group Digital Railway (GDR), has been announced as its new managing director following the retirement of David Waboso. Read more…

Scheme to double train capacity on West Norfolk line awarded funding

The capacity on West Norfolk’s trains is set to double after funding for an extension of trains running between Lynn and Cambridge has been given government approval. Read more…

Battered Dawlish rail line gets £80m for new protective sea wall

A new taller sea wall is to be built at Dawlish as the DfT announced that up to £80m is being made available to build it – five years on from the storms which wreaked havoc on the rail line. Read more…

Urgent safety advice calls for louder horns on Edinburgh trams after pedestrian’s death

The RAIB has issued urgent safety advice calling for louder warning horns to be fitted on Edinburgh’s trams following the death of a pedestrian. Read more…

Rail industry proposes ending peak-tickets in ‘radical’ overhaul of rail fares

Train operators have called for a major reform of the rail fare system which would scrap peak and off-peak ticket pricing and support the rollout of ‘tap-in, tap-out’ travel nationwide. Read more…

 

 

Browse our latest rail jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Built Environment:

 

 

New TfW director appointed for north Wales

Transport for Wales (TfW) has appointed Lee Robinson as its new development director for North Wales. Read more…

Buckingham confirmed for £120m Swansea arena

Buckingham Group Contracting has been confirmed by Swansea Council as the principal contractor under a pre-construction services agreement (PCSA) for the city’s new £120m digital arena. Read more…

Yorkshire Water starts smart analytics trial to help battle leakage

Yorkshire Water is trialling the use of smart analytics to find leaks in its network. Read more…

UK Recycling Rate Edges Up To 45.7%, New Figures Show

The UK recycling rate for waste from households was 45.7% in 2017, increasing slightly from 45.2% in 2016, according to new figures from Defra. Read more…

Where is currently the best place to buy a home in England?

A perfect balance of affordability and low crime rates surely has to be high up on the list of priorities for prospective homebuyers. And, it’s safe to assume that some areas will fare better than others with regards to this. But where are they? Read more…

 

 

Browse our latest jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.

The latest news this week in the Property Industry:

 

 

Go-ahead for 200-home Cardiff build-to-rent scheme

Private rented housing developer PLATFORM_has got the thumbs up to deliver one of Wales’ first big build to rent schemes in Cardiff. Read more…

Stratford receives £78m funding from Homes England

Two new neighbourhoods will be built at London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park following funding from Homes England. Read more…

Government signs off £250m for major housing projects

The Government has signed off nearly £250m of funding to clear the way for construction of almost 25,000 more homes. Read more…

Weston and Tesco plan to turn store site into 1,400 homes

Weston Homes and Tesco are preparing plans to redevelop a supermarket and car park in Goodmayes, east London into a new mixed-use development. Read more…

Hamiltonhill set for 600 new homes

Queens Cross Housing Association has now secured £40m funding from M&G Investments for ambitious plans to build 600 new homes and transform Hamiltonhill, Glasgow. Read more…

 

 

Browse our latest Property jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.