In order to improve the way we operate, we need to fully understand how our clients feel about the service we provide.

How did I get into the ground engineering industry? I was originally planning a career in an entirely different field of work, and engineering geology/geotechnical engineering isn't particularly a well-known career. It is one that I didn't even know existed! However, after having a conversation with a neighbour, who explained the career that they had as a civil engineer turned geotechnical engineer, describing the roles they had in projects in the UK and around the world! I was inspired to see how I could get into this profession. I recall having a phone call with Nick Koor (course lead for BEng Engineering Geology and Geotechnics) from the University of Portsmouth, and after a long discussion about the degree and its career prospects, Nick offered me a place which I accepted straight away!

Since opening up our Manchester Office in March 2019, Martin Cooper – Technical Director – has been bringing GEA’s expertise to the north of England and Scotland on a range of projects. Building long term partnerships has, despite temporary disruption caused by COVID, resulted in growth in this region for GEA.

I have recently seen a couple of blog posts highlighting the different approaches that are required for contaminated land investigations to obtain planning consent in London boroughs. All well and good, and helpful for developers and other stakeholders to know some of the pitfalls, but I believe we are doing our clients a major disservice by blithely reporting and not challenging these requirements.