
15 April 2025 | By Atkins Search
On March 31st, Atkins Search officially wraps up the fourth and final quarter of this financial year, and what a journey it has been!
In this quarter’s update, we celebrate Lily’s achievement of completing her Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship and her promotion to Business Support Administrator, alongside Olivia joining our construction team. We also mark our 9th year in business, reflect on our journey, and look ahead to Year 10 with excitement. Plus, don’t miss an exclusive sneak peak at our hot jobs section, helping you get ahead in the new financial year!

Congratulations To Lily on Completing Her Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship
On Saturday 8th March 2025, Lily officially completed her Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship with Nottingham College! Apprenticeships are the backbone of career development in the construction sector. They allow individuals to “earn while they learn,” gaining practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge. This combination ensures apprentices like Lily are well-prepared to tackle the challenges of the modern job market.
Not only did Lily complete her apprenticeship this quarter, but she also won employer of the quarter for Q3. This quarter we were excited to mark this special occasion by enjoying an unforgettable evening cheering on the Nottingham Panthers ice hockey team, a local favourite that brought excitement and energy to our celebration.
Lily’s successful completion of her apprenticeship is a testament to her hard work and determination. Her journey demonstrates the importance of mentorship, hands-on experience, and continuous learning in building a successful construction career. Further to Lily’s Apprenticeship completion, we are delighted to announce Lily has been promoted to Business Support Administrator. As she embarks on this next chapter, Lily is equipped with a unique blend of skills that will undoubtedly make her an asset to any team or project she joins.

9 Years in Business!
In January, Atkins Search proudly marked its 9th Year in Business!
As Atkins Search marked nine years in business, it was a moment for us to reflect on our journey; filled with successes, challenges, and invaluable lessons. The previous year was a transformative one, both for the business and on a personal level.
One key takeaway Atkins Search learnt from the past 9 years was to enjoy the journey. In the fast-paced world of recruitment, it’s easy to get consumed by the destination, but true success comes from embracing the process, learning from setbacks, and making the experience meaningful. Additionally, age is no barrier to success. At Atkins Search, growth is about mindset, adaptability, and commitment to personal development. A diverse team, united by shared values and ambition, is what drives a business forward. On a personal level, continuous learning is key. After years of prioritising business over personal growth, investing in development brought fresh perspectives and renewed energy.
What’s next for year 10?
· Smile – Enjoy the ride and the people who make it worthwhile
· People – Surround us with the best and keep raising the bar
· Standards – Maintain excellence, because that’s what defines us
· Growth – Keep pushing forward, both personally and professionally
With decades of experience in recruitment between us, we have come a long way, working with some of the UK’s top companies to provide outstanding talent and success. Over the years, we’ve built lasting relationships, connected top talent with outstanding businesses, and continuously evolved to stay at the forefront of recruitment. A huge thank you to everyone who has been part of our journey so far and we cannot wait for what the future holds!

Antony Row has taken some time to reflect on the past 9 years which you can see here – 9 Years in Business: A Journey of Growth and Learning – Atkins Search
Atkins Search x Stepnell Netwalking
On Thursday 20th February Atkins Search and Stepnell came together once again for our second Networking event, Netwalking. Netwalking takes networking beyond the boardroom and into the great outdoors, where the relaxed setting sparks engaging discussions, new connections, and plenty of laughter! Our first Netwalking session was such a hit that we had to do it again!
Laura, Antony, Nicole and Fay laced up their walking shoes and headed to the stunning Gedling Country Park, proving that when business meets movement, great things happen. We explored the Park, surrounded by scenic lakes, wildlife, and fresh air, eliminating any pressure environment, reducing stress and boosting creativity to obtain fresh ideas and meaningful conversations. After another successful walk, we’re already planning the next one!

Navigating The Rapidly Changing UK Construction Job Market 2025?
The UK construction industry is set for 8% growth in 2025, creating exciting opportunities for those looking to enter or advance in the field. To stay competitive, professionals should focus on technical skills like Building Information Modelling (BIM), sustainable construction, and digital technologies, which help future-proof careers against automation. Equally important are soft skills such as project management, problem-solving, communication, and leadership, which enhance career progression.
With the industry shifting towards skills-based hiring, job seekers should acquire relevant certifications, highlight practical experience, and build a strong digital presence through LinkedIn, project showcases, and personal websites. Networking strategically, whether online or at industry events, can also open doors to new opportunities. The demand for construction professionals is high, with a predicted need for 251,500 additional workers by 2028, and median earnings rising by 5% in 2024 to £2,633 per month.
To thrive in this evolving landscape, adaptability and continuous learning are essential. Stay ahead by upskilling, leveraging transferable skills, and exploring remote or hybrid work options. Apply for our exclusive construction job opportunities today!

New Team Member!
Atkins Search is pleased to introduce our newest team member, Olivia Jones.
Olivia began her career in 2021 with Dewey Group as an apprentice within the Training division. By early 2022, after achieving her NVQ Level 3 Business Administration Diploma, she transitioned into recruitment as a Recruitment Resourcer within the Blue-Collar team, specialising in placing Piling Rig Attendants, Concrete Pump Operators and Machine Operators on a temporary basis.
Olivia joined Atkins Search in January 2025 as a Recruitment Consultant, where she is eager to build upon her previous experience within White Collar recruitment. She is working within the Freelance Construction Team, specialising in placing Construction professionals such as Site Managers, Project Managers, Quantity Surveyors, Planners and Estimators on a temporary, contract and Interim basis.
We wish you a long and happy career with us at Atkins Search!
Congratulations, welcome to the team!

Atkins Search Personal Development and Well-being Month Challenge:
The beginning of a new year often brings a post-holiday slump, dark mornings, and the pressure of new resolutions. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle of deadlines, meetings, and responsibilities, often putting personal well-being last. To combat this, Atkins Search launched the Personal Well-being Month Challenge, encouraging the team to focus on their mental, emotional, and physical health through weekly challenges.
Each challenge correlated to the 6 pillars of Personal Development: Affirmations, Visualisations, Scribing, Exercise, Listening and Reading. This was designed to inspire self-reflection, gratitude, and positivity. Every challenge encouraged the team to prioritise self-care and support one another, reinforcing the importance of well-being both inside and outside the workplace.
Let’s keep the conversation going! At Atkins Search we have made self-care a priority throughout the rest of the quarter, and we will continue to do so all year long.








The lost decade – how Broad Marsh mistakes set Nottingham back
The redevelopment of Nottingham’s Broad Marsh site has been marred by mismanagement and stalled plans, starting with Intu’s failed £81m project in 2018. After Intu collapsed, the city council took control, spending millions on proposals that never materialised. Despite setbacks, including funding rejections and shifts in plans, the area is set for redevelopment, with long-awaited work expected to begin in 2029-30. The site’s decade-long dereliction has left a significant burden on the city, which now faces the challenge of revitalising this central location.

200 jobs created as Derby manufacturing plant opens
Vaillant has opened a new £40 million manufacturing plant in Derby, creating 200 jobs. Vaillant Group develops heating, cooling, and hot water products and employs around 17,000 people globally. The facility, located at Indurent Park, will produce energy-efficient hot water cylinders and air source heat pumps, which extract heat from the air and transfer it indoors for heating or cooling, are key to reducing residential carbon emissions. Designed with sustainability in mind, it includes features like rainwater harvesting and energy-efficient lighting. The plant’s expansion reflects Vaillant’s commitment to low-carbon solutions and strengthens its presence in the region.

Multimillion-pound hub to bring jobs to Nottinghamshire
A new £21.1 million enterprise hub, the Pencil Works, is set to create 50 jobs in Stapleford, Nottinghamshire. The project, funded by the Stapleford Towns Fund, will offer office spaces and starter units, with a focus on supporting small businesses. Sustainability is key, with energy-efficient features like solar panels and heat pumps. Construction begins in May, with completion expected by 2026. The development reflects Broxtowe Borough Council’s commitment to both local business growth and environmental responsibility.


A testimonial from a recently placed Project Manager working with a well-renowned specialist in property investment, construction & project management for Laura Belcher –
“It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Laura throughout my job searching experience. Laura has been fantastic in seeking opportunities that suit my requirements and providing incredible insight into the organisations people and culture. This has made my job searching experience significantly less stressful and Laura’s insight and support was a significant factor in making my interview successful.”

Our charity partner for 2024/25 is Tough To Talk, a pioneering charity dedicated to breaking the silence around male suicide and promoting mental health awareness. Founded on the principle that every man should have access to support when he needs it most, we are committed to changing lives and making a difference.
Here’s how you can support Atkins Search and Tough To Talk:
Donate: Every contribution makes a difference. Support Tough To Talk directly here – https://gofund.me/f6d740fe
“Too often, men suffer in silence, afraid to share their struggles and seek help due to the stigma surrounding male mental health issues. The time for change is now. We must come together as a society to break down barriers, challenge gender bias, and create environments where men feel comfortable discussing their mental health.”
Tough To Talk compiled some tough facts to show how the work they do is vital and unfortunately necessary:
The construction industry loses 4 men a day to suicide in England alone.
Suicide is the number one preventable cause of death for men in the UK under 50.
10 men die by suicide every day in England and Wales (The statistics for Scotland are higher).
Most men who die by suicide are not known to have problems by family, friends or mental health services.
Atkins Search will be working closely with Tough To Talk and Steve Whittle over the rest of the year and we are so proud to be positively contributing towards this incredible charity.
If you, or someone you know, are struggling, have a look at Tough To Talk’s website for advice and guidance on managing mental health and getting the required level of support here –
If you, or someone else, require immediate support call 999 or go straight to A&E if you can.
Alternatively, call the Crisis Response Service (Mental Health) on 111 (08454647 for Wales).
Atkins Search are actively fundraising to support this incredible charity and their cause, if you can, please consider interacting with our fundraising link – with your help, we can make a difference – Help fund life-saving support and training today!

In Memory of Neesha Kanani
As we reflect on the past quarter, it is with great sadness that we share the devastating news of the passing of our dear colleague and friend, Neesha Kanani.
Neesha joined Atkins Search in June 2024 and very quickly became an integral part of our team. She naturally took on the role of “mother hen” to those she worked with, always offering care, guidance, and warmth. Renowned for her experience within the Geotechnical & Surveying sector, she brought a wealth of knowledge to our business, which she shared in her own distinct and memorable way.
She taught many of us more about “bridges” than we ever thought we’d need to know, as this was definitely one of her favourite topics that she was clearly passionate about. Her vibrant personality, infectious laugh, and unmistakable “Essex twang” will be sorely missed by everyone at Atkins Search.
During this incredibly difficult time, we extend our deepest condolences to her family, her husband, Manesh, and their children, Zidane and Zahra. Our thoughts are with them, and we remain here to support them in any way we can.
Neesha will be truly missed by all who had the privilege of working alongside her.
Rest in peace, Neesha.