JBA Bentley’s project at Mill Fleam Pumping Station in Derby was named Medium Project of the Year at the 2023 Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) East Midlands Merit Awards (EMMAs). The EMMAs celebrate individual and project achievements, recognising the best engineering projects, outstanding individual contributions and innovation across the industry. Mill Fleam Pumping Station (Project Munio) – an £8m scheme for Derby City Council – is a key piece of flood defence infrastructure, providing heightened protection in Derby city centre during heavy rainfall, an area that has suffered historic river and surface water flooding. The scheme was the final phase of Project Munio – a key phase of work to reduce flood risk along the west bank of the River Derwent, and future proof the city against the effects of climate change. Works on site involved the installation of large hydraulic lock gates, sheet piled river walls, a fish refuge area and a new pumping station capable of passing forward flows of 4,500 litres per second. The judges highlighted that ‘the project demonstrated benefits of utilising new technologies and collaboration software.’ Due to space and time constraints, several innovations were implemented on the scheme to meet these challenges, including 3D and augmented reality to improve resource use and safety; off-site and factory manufactured products reducing site-time and enhancing quality; and collaborative design, commissioning, construction and client teams, ensuring the right solution at the right time. Nick Lister, Operations Director said: “It’s fantastic to see the project recognised by the ICE. The new pumping station will play an important role in reducing flood risk in the city. “I know how hard the team have worked to successfully deliver the works – many people thought the programme was unachievable, but the team showed what can be delivered when they come together and operate as one – utilising digital in project delivery to improve safety, drive efficiency and Innovation and aid collaboration. Congratulations and well done all.” - Learn more about The EMMAs here. Don’t forget to follow JBA Bentley on LinkedIn and Twitter to stay up to date with the latest news from across the business.

JN Bentley, together with colleagues from Mott MacDonald and JBA Bentley, hosted their first networking event for early career professionals (ECPs), in Birmingham. The day was an opportunity for colleagues to network with fellow ECPs from across the business, meet senior leaders, learn more about the network and engage with key initiatives including STEM and sustainability. Chris Bolton, Technical Excellence Leader, talks us through the day… “The day kicked off with an interactive icebreaker to get our ECPs talking, followed by a Q&A with some of our directors – Paul Bentley, Managing Director; Anne Carroll, Design Director; Nick Fawcett, Design Director and Steve Tetlow, Director. We then had presentations from some of our ECPs on key initiatives, from sustainability and carbon to corporate social responsibility and STEM. “Everyone then enjoyed a pizza and doughnut lunch before splitting into groups for a treasure hunt around Birmingham city centre. To finish the day, we had a presentation from our ECP Network Lead, Ana Farias, on what’s coming up for the network in 2023. “The day was a huge success and a great way to get our ECPs together for networking, collaboration and celebration. I’m already looking forward to next year’s ECP Day.” Our ECP Network spans across the whole business and Mott MacDonald Group. As a global network, it is a means of connecting ECPs to share ideas, knowledge and skills to support their career goals, provide development opportunities and influence the future direction of the business. Investing in early careers has long been part of JN Bentley’s approach to bringing talented people into the business to create a sustainable workforce for the future. We invest over £1million every year in the training and development of our people, supporting them to achieve their goals, reach their potential and build a successful career with us. Interested in building your career at JN Bentley? Click here to view all our current opportunities. Find and follow us on socials to keep up-to-date with the latest news from across the business too. LinkedIn, Twitter.

JN Bentley, together with colleagues from Mott MacDonald and JBA Bentley, hosted their annual networking event – ECP Day – for early career professionals (ECPs), in Manchester. After hosting their inaugural event in Birmingham last year, this year’s ECP Day was held at the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester. Attended by around 60 early career professionals from across the business – and in various disciplines – the day was an opportunity for colleagues to network with their peers, meet senior leaders and engage in workshop discussions on key topics including digital, inclusion and social outcomes. Chris Bolton, Technical Excellence Leader, said: “Bringing together early career professionals from across JN Bentley and MMB to connect, share, learn and have a laugh or two was truly fantastic. The energy and new ideas in the room were great to see and hear and to me demonstrates the role everyone in our business has on its continued success.” Our ECP Network spans across the whole business and Mott MacDonald Group. As a global network, it is a means of connecting ECPs to share ideas, knowledge and skills to support their career goals, provide development opportunities and influence the future direction of the business. Prys Roberts, Project Leader and deputy of the Mott MacDonald Global ECP Steering Committee said: “It was a pleasure to be invited to the ECP day held in Manchester. It was a fantastic event, and it was great to network with colleagues from across the UK and learn about their roles. The support received from the directors also shows the dedication the company has i developing our ECPs and building a great foundation for their careers.” Investing in early careers has long been part of JN Bentley’s approach to bringing talented people into the business to create a sustainable workforce for the future. We invest over £1million every year in the training and development of our people, supporting them to achieve their goals, reach their potential and build a successful career with us. Interested in building your career at JN Bentley? Click here to view all our current opportunities. Don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn and X to keep up to date with the latest news.

Mott MacDonald Bentley (MMB) has been shortlisted no fewer than 11 times at Northumbrian Water’s Going the Extra Mile (GEM) awards. The awards celebrate members of Northumbrian Water’s supply chain who are ‘Going the Extra Mile’ in helping them to achieve their vision to be the national leader in the provision of sustainable water and wastewater services. MMB’s relationship with Northumbrian Water spans the last two decades and in 2022 saw the companies deliver nearly £50m of work together to improve water and wastewater services for customers across the North East of England. Director, Tom Lewis, said, “We are hugely proud to have been shortlisted across so many categories at Northumbrian Water’s GEM Awards. It is excellent to see such a breadth of recognition – from customer to carbon, safety to teamwork.” “Furthermore, the nominations demonstrate that the hard work and skill of our people and teams is valued by our client as we look to deliver great outcomes on every single project. “Congratulations to everyone on the shortlist – we look forward to learning if we have been successful at the awards ceremony next month.” MMB has been nominated in the following categories: Rising Star Award (Individual) – Marc Mogie - Apprentice MEP Engineer Unrivalled Customer Experience Awards - Harrowgate Hill Rising Main Replacement Scheme Creativity and Innovation Award - Mosswood and Lumley UV Creativity and Innovation Award - Drainage and Wastewater Management Plan – Developing an industry Leading Plan (joint entry MMB and Esh-Stantec) Health, Safety and Wellbeing Award - Supporting Your Ankles – Beyond Zero Campaign One Team Award - NWG Drainage and Wastewater Management Plans Achieving a Great Result Award - Warkworth Clarifier Refurbishment Legacy Award - Castle Eden Dene Pollution Carbon Conscious Award - Sustainable Site Setup Carbon Conscious Award - Mosswood Run to Waste Diversity and Inclusivity Award - MMB EDI Strategy The GEM Awards will be hosted by Northumbrian Water in October. Learn more about recent MMB award success.

JN Bentley has been appointed to a major new civil engineering contract with the Canal & River Trust. As part of an arrangement lasting up to ten years, JN Bentley will deliver complex works across the north of the Trust’s network of historic waterways and assets. The only contractor appointed to work on complex assets on the north of the Trust’s network, the framework will see JN Bentley deliver significant repair and restoration projects at reservoirs, embankments, culverts, tunnels and aqueducts. The arrangement will also mean JN Bentley is on hand to respond to instances of flooding or canal breaches. The Canal & River Trust cares for and brings to life 2,000 miles of canals and river navigations across England & Wales; this framework represents one of the largest waterway engineering contracts they have ever awarded, with a potential total value of £500m. The contract has been awarded off the back of a thorough tender process during which JN Bentley demonstrated its ability to deliver projects safely, efficiently, and sustainably - evidenced through its experience working with the likes of the Environment Agency and multiple clients across the regulated water sector. Ian Bester, JN Bentley operations director, said: “We are delighted to be appointed to this new framework with the Canal & River Trust – an important new client for us and one that provides a fantastic opportunity to be involved with preserving and enhancing the industrial and natural heritage of the country. “Securing the framework will allow us to bring our transferrable skills developed from 50 years of experience in the water and environment sectors. We’ll focus on collaborating with the Trust and their partners to deliver safe, sustainable, high quality and innovative solutions for users of waterways across the UK. “We look forward to forging a long-term relationship together and helping Canal & River Trust continue to make life better by water.” This will be the first time JN Bentley and the Canal & River Trust have worked together, and follows soon after JN Bentley’s appointment to frameworks with another new client, Associated British Ports, announced earlier this year. Does JN Bentley sound like somewhere you’d like to come and build your career? We have a range of current vacancies – check them out on our careers pages.

JN Bentley have been appointed to 48 lots on PAGABO’s new £1.56bn civils and infrastructure framework, covering value bands £500k to £30m+ and locations in the North, Midlands, South-West and Wales. The framework will allow local authorities and public sector organisations to procure vital infrastructure projects across the UK; our inclusion will give us the opportunity to deliver social outcomes across core sectors including water and wastewater, Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCRM), gas, nuclear, clean energy, air transport and other infrastructure. This appointment follows JN Bentley’s recent success at securing a place on two new frameworks with Associated British Ports (ABP), worth up to £415m, delivering design and construction work across 21 ports in the UK. Jonny Burton, Director at JN Bentley, commented: “We are pleased to be named as one of 48 companies who have been awarded a place on PAGABO’s new civils and infrastructure framework. “This provides us with a great opportunity to collaborate with other leading contractors to deliver high quality and vital infrastructure, expanding our expert knowledge and experience across a range of sectors and demonstrating our commitment to social value and innovation.” Remember to follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter to stay up to date with the latest news from around the business.

JN Bentley has received a silver medal sustainability rating from EcoVadis after completing their sustainability management assessment. This places JN Bentley in the top 25% percentile rankings with a silver medal in recognition of sustainability achievements. EcoVadis is the world’s largest and most trusted provider of business sustainability ratings, creating a global network of more than 90,000+ rated companies. Their assessment evaluates businesses on their sustainability practices, scoring their commitments and performance against four key areas: environment, labour and human rights, ethics and sustainable procurement. As part of the assessment, EcoVadis also provide participating organisations with an action plan, detailing steps that can be taken to drive improvement in lower scoring areas. Our sustainability approach Our approach is underpinned by six pillars of sustainability. These set out a guide for our activities and commitments to ensure we operate sustainably, and we deliver sustainable outcomes in our projects. Enhance our environment Preserve resources Carbon reduction Procurement with purpose Supporting society People In achieving a silver medal rating, we have successfully demonstrated our commitment to going beyond compliance to protect the environment, putting our people first, operating ethically and with integrity and sustainable procurement. This is evidenced by our environmental management commitment, ‘to protect the environment and actively promote the improvement of our working areas’, our aim to deliver low carbon solutions, the promotion of an inclusive business culture and our ‘Procure with Purpose’ strategy; which showcase our approach to sustainability management at organisation level. “Receiving a silver medal from EcoVadis for our sustainability achievements is a fantastic result and testament to the great work the business and our teams are doing to drive the sustainability agenda, including our commitment to be net zero by 2040 and achievement of carbon neutral status earlier this year. “The assessment has also provided valuable insight into areas where we can improve our performance which we have been able to share with our Clients, including Rolls Royce and Severn Trent.” Rebecca Mann, Sustainability Lead (JN Bentley). Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitterto stay up to date with the latest news from around the business.

At JN Bentley, we know our people are our most valuable asset, so are committed to investing in their potential to help them learn, grow and excel. Investing in our workforce and having a strong development plan is fundamental to the continued success of the business; the huge variety of benefits for both company and employee are worth the investment. Improvement Workforce development contributes to an improvement in performance, safety, efficiency and profitability, allowing us to deliver an improved quality of service to our clients. Additionally, by enabling people to be better at their jobs, we’re improving worker engagement, retention and satisfaction. On an individual level, the opportunity to learn and develop new skills and accredit personal knowledge leads to increased self-esteem and motivation, helping good employees to grow into great leaders. Professional accreditation also means that our people are able to gain a recognised qualification that is benchmarked against national performance standards of work-based, on-the-job learning. Investment in our frontline workforce We continue to invest in our frontline workforce - site personnel such as lead hands, operatives and foremen. With a weekly resource of over 470 employees, it’s important that we demonstrate our commitment to our people and their learning and development. Our training team and resource managers identify areas of operation that would benefit from increased investment and in the past 24 months we have delivered the following accredited development programmes with our site personnel: 60 behavioural safety coaches for front-line supervisors 350 Level 2 NVQ in plant and lifting operations for our operators 80 Level 3 NVQ in site supervision for our frontline supervisors 35 Level 4 NVQ in lifting operations 48 Level 5 NVQ diplomas in lifting operations for our site managers Image: Behavioural safety training By investing in employees at all levels, we are demonstrating care in their professional growth and potential to progress to senior positions within the company, or, just as importantly, develop their own knowledge to allow them deliver more successful outcomes. This feeds into a positive culture of belonging, motivation and productivity across all levels and ultimately, happy people that enjoy coming to work. - Does JN Bentley sound like somewhere you could build your career? We have opportunities across the country – check out our careers pages for details.

What do we mean by the term ‘digital’? Rather than simply just a piece of IT or software, digital is the combination of processes, technology, people and information working together to achieve efficiency. Utilising digital construction means to achieve efficiency through the application of those four elements. Those efficiencies don’t just manifest in an optimised construction programme, but branch out to encompass quality, cost, safety and carbon. Digital construction is a broad area, but this article focuses on the use of common data environments (CDE) to share a single source of the truth, and setting out on site with data not drawings, including the use of intelligent machine control; some people might call this 'construction from 3D model data’. Image caption: Digital screen inside the cab of an intelligent excavator Digital screens inside the cabs of intelligent plant at the Komatsu production factory, Durham. The design model is downloaded to the system allowing the operative to visualise the design via the onboard screens and operate the machine exactly to the design. The machine control features help to improve accuracy - auto-stop control, auto grade assist, auto tilt control, minimum distance control and bucket angle hold all mean the operator can safely rely on the system without worrying about digging too deep or damaging the surface. Digital transformation is revolutionising the construction industry and redirecting the project delivery process onto a more sustainable path to the future. Recently, our operational board of directors visited the Komatsu production factory in Durham, to see and hear first-hand how a leading global plant manufacturer – and one of our largest plant suppliers – are developing and delivering innovative solutions for the construction industry. In particular, how intelligent plant is optimising operations, adding value and improving efficiency in project delivery. Image caption: JN Bentley operational board at Komatsu factory visit When we talk about digital construction in JN Bentley/MMB, we’re talking about how we can use digital tools and processes to support the actual construction of our projects. One aspect of this that benefits from digital transformation is getting design information out to sites. Traditionally, we would issue printed drawings with a drawing register and possibly PDF copies too. Instead, by utilising a Common Data Environment (CDE) such as BIM360, all the graphical design data is stored in one place, accessible through the web so everyone involved is working from the same information. Revision information and transmittals are automatically logged, and any technical queries are logged as design issues and assigned to a member of the team, with a deadline to resolve and full audit trail. The site team are able to carry out take-offs directly from the design without requiring specialist CAD software (or getting the scale ruler out!). As-built data can be uploaded back onto the CDE and mark-ups can be digitally integrated with the design, significantly streamlining the completions process. This improves collaboration which is crucial for managing time-constrained or complex capital projects. Using these digital tools to communicate design data is helpful, but what if there was a way of not needing the drawings at all? Our design process is digitally mature, with designs produced in 3D BIM models, from which the 2D drawings are derived from. Digital construction allows us to obtain setting out points directly from the model, increasing time and resource efficiency. Survey instruments can be connected to the CDE through the cloud and design models accessed through those, allowing engineers to fully visualise the design in 3D out on site and to have full ownership of the setting out points . The as-built data that has been surveyed is then uploaded back on to the CDE as the work is completed. Another tool that is being utilised across sites, especially large earthworks projects, is Intelligent Machine Control (IMC). Image caption: Intelligent machine control (IMC) IMC refers to plant and machinery fitted with GNSS receivers and other sensors, allowing the exact location of the blade /bucket to be known against a design model imported into the machine’s system. The operator sees the design on screen and is able to work to complex surfaces without the need for traditional setting out. Key benefits of IMC include: Improved quality and accuracy Reduced requirements for Site Engineers (reduced people-plant interface) Removal of waiting time for Plant Operators who require setting out points from Site Engineers Removal of over digging risk Reduced fuel use and carbon Known below ground services can also be inputted and a no-dig buffer zone set to assist in reducing service strikes On our sites, we encourage teams to complete a digital delivery plan to identify how elements of digital construction might benefit the project and how these can be successfully implemented. - Read more on how we’re embracing digital, including digital construction, in our latest Annual Review (page 36) – read it here. Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter to keep up to date with the latest news from across the business.

MMB and JBA Bentley have enjoyed a successful night at the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)’ annual awards in Yorkshire and Humber. Held at the Leeds Marriott Hotel, the annual ICE gala dinner celebrated and showcased the very best of engineering across the Yorkshire and Humber region. JBA Bentley’s flood alleviation scheme at Winteringham Ings to South Ferriby, delivered with the Environment Agency, was presented with a Certificate of Excellence in the Centenary Award category. In the Smeaton Award category, Mott MacDonald Bentley’s scheme with Yorkshire Water at Swinsty Impounding Reservoir Spillway received a Certificate of Commendation. JBA Bentley have successfully delivered flood alleviation works at Winteringham Ings to South Ferriby, on the South Bank of the Humber Estuary. Following severe flooding in 2013, the existing defences and surrounding areas suffered £50m worth of damage. JBA Bentley constructed a range of new defences designed to provide better protection from future flooding, whilst successfully overcoming significant ecological and social challenges. The project has been recognised previously for excellent environmental practice and low carbon delivery by the Green Apple Organisation, as well as by CECA for demonstrating an excellent approach to Health and Safety. At Swinsty Impounding Reservoir, Mott MacDonald Bentley designed and constructed a new reinforced concrete spillway and raised the crest bridge to improve safety at one of Yorkshire Water’s most visited impounding reservoirs. Due to the heritage of the reservoir, many existing structures were re-used to preserve its history and drive carbon efficiency. This is the first award recognition for the project, building on our strong reputation for reservoir safety work in the Yorkshire region. Operations Director, Ian Bester, said, “Well done to the teams involved in both projects. “Maintaining a focus on low carbon delivery and excellent collaboration with our clients has helped us to deliver two challenging schemes that will have a positive impact on the surrounding areas and their communities. “Congratulations to all – it’s fantastic to receive such highly-regarded recognition.” Find out more about our work at Winteringham Ings to South Ferriby at Water Projects Online. Read about our scheme at Swinsty in the latest edition of our Annual Review. Don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter to stay up to date with the latest news from across the business.