Atkins Search Quarter 3 Newsletter 2025-2026
Newsletters
Gaining Insight into the Future of Construction Recruitment at UKREiiF 2025
Atkins Search proudly participated in UKREiiF 2025, a landmark event that brought together over 16,000 professionals from across the UK’s property, construction, and infrastructure sectors to share ideas and drive real net zero, sustainability and social value progress across the UK. Held in the heart of Leeds, this forum was a dynamic hub for collaboration, innovation, and strategic partnerships.
From the high-profile opening keynote by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner to the kayak arrival by Adam Greatrix, this year’s UKREiiF stood out for its energy and ambition. Atkins Search played an active role in several fringe networking events, including:
- Co-hosting lunch with Stepnell where professionals from across the sector connected over a delicious 3 course meal in a vibrant yet relaxed setting.
- Evening networking with MDA Consultancy and EDGE, where drinks were consumed and conversations flowed!
- Co-hosting breakfast with Selcon, a refreshing breakfast session that sparked meaningful conversations on future projects and workforce needs.
UKREiiF reinforced the power of in-person networking and highlighted the need for agile, forward-looking recruitment strategies across consultancy, housing, and infrastructure in today’s competitive landscape.
Unforgettable City Break to Palma
To celebrate a period of hard work, dedication, and exceptional teamwork, the Atkins Search team jetted off to a sunny weekend in Palma! We began our trip with a food and wine tour, where we were able to embrace the local culture, discover hidden gems and learn more about the impressive architecture in the city. The team got to watch nougat be made and try local tapas including, beef empanadas, homemade ensaimada, a variety of Iberian ham and cheeses. This was all washed down with local wines which made great souvenirs for our friends back home. Sharing new experiences is one of the best ways to bring people together, and it certainly worked for us. From leisurely strolls and relaxing round the pool, to shopping trips through the gorgeous streets and sangria-fuelled evenings, the trip was packed with lots of laughter, relaxation and unforgettable moments.
This was an incredible holiday and time for the team to relax, but it was also a celebration of everything we’ve built together. It was a perfect opportunity to strengthen bonds, recharge our batteries, and create memories that will be talked about for years to come.
Employee of Quarter 4 Social
In June, we took the time to recognise our Employee of the Quarter for Q4 of the last financial year, Olivia Hartley, where she chose to celebrate her success in true American style with burgers and beer pong! To honour Liv’s exceptional contributions to the team during Q4, we embraced the summer sun and celebrated in Nottingham with an American-themed evening packed with lots of energy, food, and games.
We started the evening at the Red Dog Saloon, where the team enjoyed classic American comfort food including juicy burgers, spicy wings, and crispy fries. Next stop was a lively beer pong tournament at Roxy Ball Room, where Lily walked away with the title of Beer Pong Champion! We ended the night with karaoke, where hidden vocal talents (and some brave souls powered by cocktails) took centre stage. As the team sung their hearts out, this will be a memory that will last well beyond the quarter.
Recruitment is about finding the right fit for both candidate and company. At Atkins Search, our strong internal culture informs every part of our recruitment strategy. When we help clients build teams, we bring the same passion and focus that we apply to our own culture.
Top 5 Skills in Demand for Careers in Sustainable Construction
As the UK construction industry accelerates towards net zero and environmentally responsible practices, demand is growing for professionals who bring green expertise to their sustainable construction projects.
1. Retrofitting and Sustainable Construction Refurbishment Techniques: with the government’s net zero targets and schemes like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme extended until 2028, there’s a national push to improve the energy performance of existing buildings.
2. Familiarity with Low-Carbon and Eco-Friendly Building Materials: as more developers and contractors adopt sustainable construction practices, familiarity with low-carbon materials like limecrete, recycled steel, sustainably sourced timber, and low-carbon concrete is vital.
3. Energy Efficiency Assessment and Environmental Modelling: understanding how to evaluate the energy performance of a building using simulation tools such as SAP, SBEM, or IES is a major plus for job seekers.
4. Waste Reduction, Recycling and Circular Construction Knowledge: with the industry shifting towards a circular economy model, employers now seek individuals who understand waste reduction strategies and material lifecycle planning.
5. Experience with Environmental Certification Standards (BREEAM, LEED, PAS 2080): being familiar with green building certification frameworks such as BREEAM, LEED, or PAS 2080 can elevate your position in the candidate market.
Whether you’re an employer seeking to futureproof your workforce, or a candidate looking to make your next move in green construction, we are here to help.
New Team Member!
Atkins Search are pleased to introduce a new team members!
We’re delighted to welcome Jess White as our new Senior Resourcing Consultant, working closely alongside Nicole and Laura in our Consultancy division. Jess joined Atkins Search in May 2025 and enhances our ability to deliver first-class recruitment services particularly for job seekers in the Midlands. We’re so excited to watch you on board and watch you grow and progress with us!
We wish you a long and happy career with us at Atkins Search!
Laura Belcher Joins Women Leaders at the NWIC June Luncheon 2025
The NWIC June Luncheon 2025, held in June at the iconic Trent Bridge Cricket Ground in Nottingham, brought together some of the region’s most inspiring professionals from across the construction and built environment sectors. Laura Belcher, Operations Director, represented Atkins Search as an advocate for diversity and inclusion in construction as well as recruitment. The event highlighted the importance of:
- Championing women in construction at every level, from apprenticeships to boardrooms
- Creating safe and equitable workplaces
- The role of specialist recruiters, like Atkins Search, at improving hiring practices
- Building authentic professional networks that drive career progression
Last year, the Office for National Statistics reported that just over 15% of the UK construction workforce is made up of women. It’s clear the construction industry is still grappling with gender imbalance, therefore, events like this offer much-needed space for reflection and action by bringing together industry-leading women from across the construction industry.
Nicole Broughton Employee of the Quarter!
We’re delighted to announce that Nicole Broughton has been named our Employee of the Quarter for Q1. This is a well-deserved recognition of her ongoing commitment, drive, and positive contribution to Atkins Search.
This quarter, Nicole has played an integral role in the wider success of the business. She truly lives and breathes our values, consistently builds strong relationships with leading organisations across the Midlands, and is a great example of how mentorship, hands-on experience and a growth mindset can shape a successful career in recruitment.
Well done, Nic! This achievement is well deserved!
Housing provider set to build on development pipeline with £75m loan
Housing provider Stonewater has secured a £75m loan from RBS (part of NatWest Group) to support its 2030 corporate plan and development programme. The funding will help deliver Stonewater’s development pipeline across the East and West Midlands, Yorkshire, and South-West over the next five years.
The loan includes sustainability-linked targets offering reduced interest rates if Stonewater meets environmental performance indicators across its existing portfolio and new homes. Stonewater, which owns and manages 40,000 homes nationwide, was advised by Savills Financial Consultants and Devonshire’s on the transaction.
CFO Anne Costain said the funding will be “integral to delivering our 2030 corporate plan and building safe, warm homes for customers.”
Demolition works underway in £50m project to transform town centre
Demolition works are continuing on a £50m regeneration scheme to transform the western end of Freshney Place in Grimsby. The project, commissioned by North East Lincolnshire Council and delivered by GMI Construction Group, will create a new cinema, food and beverage outlets, and a modern market.
The scheme aims to secure the long-term future of Freshney Place and the 1,700 jobs it currently supports. Units in The Bullring have been demolished, with construction expected to begin later this year.
GMI has committed to providing apprenticeships, hiring unemployed people, and offering work experience opportunities during the build. Council leader Councillor Philip Jackson called it “one of the largest schemes this council has ever invested in” and praised GMI’s efforts to support local job creation and educational projects.
ABP reveals plans for 103,000 sq ft speculative development
Associated British Ports (ABP) has submitted plans for 103,000 sq ft of multi-let industrial and logistics space at its Helm @ Immingham site, as the first phase of a wider 227-acre regeneration project. The speculative development will offer units ranging from 4,820 to 26,797 sq ft, targeting SMEs in energy ventures, port logistics, manufacturing and distribution.
Located near the A180 and major Humber estuary ports, the site can ultimately provide 1.1m sq ft of industrial space plus 90 acres of automotive storage with on-site renewable energy. JLL, Gent Visick and PPH will market the scheme.
ABP regional director Andrew Dawes said the development “represents a material strengthening of the UK’s trade infrastructure” and supports the energy transition through renewable energy provision. The site forms part of the South Humber Industrial Investment Programme (SHIIP).
A testimonial from a recently placed Project Administrator Assistant working with a well-renowned Principle Building Contractor, Specialising within the Healthcare, Education, Leisure and Blue Light Sectors for Ashleigh Curwood –
“From the very first call, Ashleigh has been an absolute delight to communicate with.
She is very clear and direct with the information and knowledge she gave me. She was so polite and bubbly that I was instantly comfortable speaking with her.
Meeting face to face before my interview was such a great interaction, she made me feel confident for my interview, which made me walk in with all the knowledge I needed to get the job. With in 20 minutes of my leaving the interview, may I add!!! The joy was shared!
She has been fantastic helping me with my resignation and consoling me after the resignation was handed in. Ashleigh instantly calmed me and made me see the bigger greater picture in moving forward.
I hope Ashleigh has a great future in whatever she does. The lady is fantastic and very professional. Thank you”
Our charity partner for 2025/26 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.
Throughout the next quarter, our team have decided to take on The Lake District Challenge and conquer England’s highest peak at 978 metres on September 13th. We plan to tackle the 9.4-mile Scafell Pike route via the Corridor Route from Seathwaite.
In August, training, building strength and partaking in other charity initiative in preparation for the big day.
Every step taken on The Lake District Challenge is a step towards supporting men’s mental health, breaking down the stigma, and promoting open conversations.
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!
