Civil Edge

From humble beginnings to an infrastructure powerhouse - Clancy's 66-year journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Founded in 1958 by Michael J. Clancy, the business started in Wembley as a small contractor tackling drainage and roadworks. Fast forward to 2024, and Clancy is delivering multimillion-pound projects for clients like Southern Water, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks, and UK Power Networks - cementing its status as one of the UK’s most trusted infrastructure specialists. In 2023-24, Clancy posted record-breaking results for the sixth consecutive year: ✅ £378.5 million turnover (up 13%) ✅ £20.9 million pre-tax profit (a 54.8% increase!) ✅ A robust £1.5 billion order book securing long-term growth. Clancy doesn’t just build; it evolves - reinvesting £11.2 million in cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art equipment to boost productivity and efficiency. This commitment empowers its teams to deliver vital infrastructure, including HS2 (High Speed Two) Ltd bridge foundations and track drainage. Under CEO Matthew Cannon, the third generation of Clancy leadership, the company remains fiercely committed to its people, partnerships, and purpose. Whether driving the green transition, expanding water frameworks for AMP8, or pioneering industry-first innovations (microtunneling in 1990!), Clancy keeps raising the bar. From a one-man band to an infrastructure dynasty, Clancy proves family values and bold ambition can shape the nation’s future. Cheers to 66 years of building better! 👉 Want more stories like this? Subscribe to our free newsletter: https://lnkd.in/ejF2Q9iy

During the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge in the 1930s, one of the most dangerous engineering projects of its time, an innovative safety net system was introduced to protect workers. The bridge, which began construction in 1933 and was completed in 1937, required workers to labor at extreme heights above the cold waters of the bay, facing harsh winds and the constant risk of falling. At the time, safety standards were minimal, but the installation of a large safety net beneath the bridge proved to be a lifesaving innovation. This net, which spanned the width of the construction site like a giant hammock, caught workers who slipped or lost their balance while working high above the ground. The safety net provided both physical and psychological protection for the workers. While the risk of falling was ever-present, knowing that the net was in place gave them some assurance that they would survive a fall. The net proved its worth, saving the lives of 19 men who would have otherwise fallen to their deaths in the bay. This safety measure was a game-changer in the dangerous world of construction and allowed the workers to continue their task with more confidence, despite the inherent dangers of their work environment. The success of the safety net marked a turning point in construction safety, influencing future projects and setting a precedent for workplace protection. Before its introduction, workers on similar projects had little more than basic harnesses for protection, and falls were often fatal. The Golden Gate Bridge's safety net not only became a model for future large-scale construction efforts but also symbolized the courage, ingenuity, and teamwork of the workers who built the bridge. This innovation was critical to completing one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, demonstrating the importance of worker safety and the evolving standards in construction practices.

🚨 Alasdair Fowler named Tony Gee and Partners first CEO! Starting January 2025, Fowler will lead the company’s global growth, while Chris Young transitions to Chair of the Executive Board. Tony Gee is expanding in key markets like rail, energy, and marine, with operations in Canada, Hong Kong, and Australia. 📖 Read more on their leadership changes and what’s next: https://lnkd.in/eMNZGXnN

Do you remember Mowlem? Once a titan of UK construction, paving London’s streets, building Battersea Power Station, and delivering iconic projects like the Docklands Light Railway. A name synonymous with British engineering grit... until it vanished in 2006 after being absorbed by Carillion. Now, it's back - well, sort of. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐞 Mowlem’s story began with John Mowlem himself, born in Swanage in 1788. The son of a quarryman, he left for London at 17, tools on his back and ambition in his heart. By 1822, he’d launched his own stonemasonry business, laying the groundwork - literally - for what would become an empire. Under the stewardship of his nephew, George Burt, Mowlem didn’t just build landmarks; it reshaped Swanage, bringing roads, railways, and gas lighting to the town, earning Burt the nickname “King of Swanage.” Fast forward to the 20th century: Mowlem built its legacy with monumental projects like the Dublin Port Tunnel and Spinnaker Tower. But the 2000's weren’t kind. After a series of financial missteps, Mowlem was bought by Carillion in 2006 for £291 million. It seemed like the end of an era. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐥 By the time Carillion collapsed in 2018, Mowlem was just a memory. The name that once graced Britain’s skylines was nowhere to be seen. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 Enter BHM Construction International (UK) - a company with roots in the Caribbean and a reputation for stellar infrastructure projects. After a management buyout in 2022, they made a bold move: reclaiming the Mowlem name in 2024 to signal their ambitions. Today, Mowlem International LTD is a civil engineering player on the global stage. With significant contracts in Africa and the Caribbean, and projects valued at $900 million under discussion, the name is making waves again. Mowlem may no longer be the UK heavyweight it once was, but its legacy – and the brand – lives on. What do you think? Can Mowlem reclaim its former glory? Let us know your thoughts! 👇

McLaughlin & Harvey Ltd has returned to profitability with £870m turnover and £12m pre-tax profit for the year ending 30th June 2024. With £147m in cash reserves and no debt, the company is set for growth across healthcare, education, transport, and marine sectors. Its 872 employees support thousands more across the UK and Ireland, delivering both economic and social value. https://lnkd.in/e2W9i98E

Great British Railways aims to unify the UK’s rail network by 2026, potentially saving £1.5bn annually. It will replace the current franchising model with a single guiding mind. The reform will focus on improving service quality and efficiency, with Shadow GBR already tackling operational challenges. The overhaul is set to reshape UK rail by simplifying regulation and integrating passenger and freight services. Currently, Shadow GBR is removing duplication, streamlining operations, and testing integration benefits. Key initiatives include improving driver pooling to reduce cancellations and enhancing ticket compatibility across services. https://lnkd.in/e59kkrRe

Keltbray’s £100m+ infrastructure sale marks a strategic shift, enabling a new focus on commercial, energy, and tech-driven markets. By stepping back from rail and highways, Keltbray will tackle higher-growth areas like data centers and battery plants - an essential pivot as London’s construction market faces tightening margins and rising costs. https://lnkd.in/e6NrTp8R

The restoration of the 193-year-old Whorlton Bridge has reached a new milestone as VolkerLaser’s team carefully dismantles the main suspension chains following the safe removal of the timber deck. Built in 1831, Whorlton Bridge is one of the UK’s oldest suspension bridges. Durham County Council and VolkerLaser are committed to balancing preservation with modern techniques, ensuring this piece of engineering history endures for future generations. Shout-out to Chris McHutchison for the great project updates 👏 https://lnkd.in/eBSk_h9B

Costain Group PLC, ScottishPower, and Farrans Construction are investing in future talent with record-breaking early-career programs for 2025, offering over 550 positions. Costain adds 180+ roles; ScottishPower, 325; and Farrans, 50. Each program provides specialised training across sectors - from water and energy to nuclear and renewables - ensuring a skilled pipeline for UK infrastructure. https://lnkd.in/ecq8waeb

NEOM has appointed Mott MacDonald, Gensler, and Delugan Meissl Associated Architects to lead the design and engineering of Phase One of THE LINE, a groundbreaking project that’s central to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. These firms will drive the urban design, infrastructure, and architectural planning for the 170km-long, 100% renewable-energy city. With construction set to begin in early 2025, the partnerships mark a key step in realising the project's ambitious sustainability and technological goals. https://lnkd.in/eTDZS_3z