Atkins Search are celebrating Jess’s 1-year work anniversary!
Life at Atkins Search
On September 30th, Atkins Search wrapped up their second quarter of this financial year, and it feels like this quarter has been all about movement!
In this newsletter, we reflect on all the movement we did throughout the past three months to raise vital funds for Tough to Talk. We discuss the Lake District Challenge, where we challenged ourselves to climb England’s highest peak and also look back on our preparation, where we challenged our team to compete in our August Move Challenge. It’s been great to see everyone embrace their competitive sides, whilst staying active and raising awareness for men’s mental health.
ASL Q2 Newsletter 2025-2026
Employee of Q1 Social: Nottingham Pub Crawl
This quarter, we were thrilled to celebrate Nicole Broughton, our Q1 Employee of the Quarter, whose outstanding performance exemplifies what makes a great construction recruiter.
As part of her reward, Nicole chose to organise a team social event featuring a Nottingham pub crawl with a professional twist. Each team member selected their favourite local venue, and Nicole created her own activities and competitions relating to our team. Nicole organised bingo and arcade games, but the highlight had to be the quizzes and get-to-know-me questions which revealed some very interesting facts about the team! Halfway through the night, we made a well-deserved food stop at Magic Garden Nottingham before continuing the celebrations. Special congratulations also go to Ashleigh Curwood, who won the most challenges on the night! Thank you Nicole for a fabulous evening!
Atkins Search Lake District Challenge
On Saturday September 13th, Atkins Search are proud to have taken on Scafell Pike, alongside our partners at Clegg Construction and fantastic clients from Morecroft Electrical Ltd, Pick Everard and Cartwright Communications. We conquered England’s highest peak at 978 metres with more than 3,000 feet of ascent. Our construction recruitment specialists covered over 10 miles in just 7 hours, testing every ounce of our determination in support of Tough to Talk.
On the day we battled wet and windy weather conditions, pushed through sore legs and blisters, to bring our teams together for charity. A huge thank you goes out to everyone who joined us on the day and to those who have supported our fundraising efforts so far. There’s still time to donate via our JustGiving page here.
This was an incredible achievement from the team, we’re looking forward to seeing what challenge 2026 has in store!
The Atkins Search Dream
Atkins Search Recruitment has always believed that building a high-performing recruitment team begins with building a positive, supportive culture. On Friday 4th July, we tied in our annual incentive theme with a lively celebration for Independence Day, and it’s safe to say the office was awesome!
Our theme for this financial year is the “Atkins Search Dream”, derived from The American Dream. The Dream suggests that anyone, regardless of background, can achieve success and a better life through hard work and determination.
At Atkins Search, we’ve built a reputation as a specialist construction recruitment agency because of our expertise in the sector and also the culture we foster within our team.
Our recent Independence Day celebration was a fun excuse for fancy dress and American food, and we did enjoy plenty of hot dogs, mac ‘n’ cheese, Krispy Kreme and peanut butter and jelly cake pops! We also wanted to bring the team together, strengthen bonds, and reinforce our 5 positive values that make our business thrive.
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Data Centre Construction Boom
The UK construction industry is experiencing an unprecedented surge in data centre development, driven by explosive growth in digital infrastructure demands. UK data usage is expected to double by 2026, creating massive opportunities for construction professionals seeking rewarding careers in this rapidly expanding sector. The numbers paint a remarkable picture of growth. Developers are eyeing up work on 94 new-build data centres in the UK, according to an analysis, with the data-centre pipeline value at more than £36bn. This represents one of the largest construction booms in recent UK history.
Major projects are already underway across the country. For example, a massive AI data centre campus is underway, which would deliver over 1.5m square metres of hyperscale floorspace across a campus of 15 data halls and is expected to cost around £7.5bn to build in Lincolnshire alone. As the UK continues to invest in its digital infrastructure, Glenigan data suggests that data centres will remain a key growth driver for the construction industry. With multiple projects advancing through the planning pipeline, and demand from AI and cloud services growing steadily, the outlook for the sector remains robust.
Whether you’re an experienced construction professional looking for your next challenge, a recent graduate seeking to specialise in cutting-edge construction, the data centre sector offers exceptional career prospects.
At Atkins Search Recruitment, we’re uniquely positioned to help you navigate this exciting market. Our deep understanding of both the construction industry and the specific demands of data centre development means we can match your skills and ambitions with the right opportunities.
3 New Team Members!
Atkins Search are pleased to introduce three new team members!
We are delighted to welcome Emma Welsh to Atkins Search in September 2025 as Divisional Director, working alongside https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonyr/Antony Rowe and Laura Belcher to manage the Permanent Construction and Residential team. With over 18 years of experience in the recruitment industry, Emma has already made a fantastic impact, strengthening our ability to support both construction professionals and employers across the Midlands.
We’ve also expanded our consultancy team with Amy Hutchinson joining as Senior Recruitment Consultant, working closely alongside Olivia Hartley and Laura Belcher. Amy specialises in placing Construction professionals within the North West, strengthening our ability to place top-tier talent in construction jobs across the North of the UK.
In addition, our construction team has grown with Alex Edwards joining as Senior Recruitment Consultant, working alongside Ashleigh Curwood, Emma Welsh and Antony Rowe. The addition of Alex strengthens our ability to place top-tier talent in building jobs and civil engineering positions across the East Midlands region.
With more hands-on deck, we can provide even better service to both job seekers looking for construction work and employers seeking skilled construction professionals. We wish you all a long and happy career with us at Atkins Search!
Click here to read more about Emma! Click here to read more about Amy! Click here to read more about Alex!
Nottingham Hot Property 2025
On 10th July 2025, Laura Belcher, Nicole Broughton and Olivia Hartley attended the 21st anniversary of Hot Property. This was the teams fifth year at Nottingham’s favourite charity event, and we can confirm the Construction industry sure does know how to party!
Nottingham Hot Property marks one of the city’s biggest annual charity events. The fundraiser showcases the best talent in the region, to raise money for a local Nottingham charity. This year, the event was kindly supported by a number of sponsors and partners to bring the event to life and make it a resounding success. The sponsors included, Pulse Consult, Gleeds, Overbury, Blueprint Construction, CPMG and HWA Consulting.
To date, Nottingham Hot Property have seen more than 200 people take to the stage and has now raised in excess of £419,000 for local children’s charities, helping to create a positive change to many youngsters’ lives. Nottingham Hot Property 2025 proudly supported Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People, a charity fuelled by a mission to provide vital care and support for babies, children and young people battling life-limiting illnesses, as well as their families. It’s a real privilege to contribute to something that makes such a tangible difference.
Olivia Hartley Employee of the Quarter!
We’re thrilled to announce that Olivia Hartley has been named our Employee of the Quarter for Q2. This is truly a well-earned recognition of her dedication, drive and the positive impact she has made at Atkins Search.
Over the past quarter, Olivia has been instrumental in driving the wider success of our business. She truly embodies our 5 values and continuously builds strong partnerships with leading organisations across Yorkshire, whilst also demonstrating how mentorship and a growth mindset can pave the way for a successful career in recruitment.
Well done, Olivia! This achievement is well deserved!
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East Midlands start-ups on the rise amid ongoing economic uncertainty
A recent report reveals that new business registrations in the East Midlands reached 2,566 in September, the highest monthly total since March and up 20% on the same month last year. At the same time, the region saw a drop in insolvency activity, with fewer business failures and creditor meetings recorded.
Despite the upbeat signs, experts caution that the business environment remains volatile. Sectors like construction are under strain from falling activity and weak consumer confidence, while rising unemployment and labour market tensions heighten uncertainty.
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VPI gets green light for UK’s first carbon capture permit
VPI has been granted the UK’s first environmental permit for carbon capture, enabling the use of Shell’s Cansolv amine capture system at its Immingham Combined Heat and Power plant. The Environment Agency’s approval marks a pivotal step in decarbonising one of the country’s most carbon-intensive industrial hubs. Planning permission from North Lincolnshire Council has also been secured for a retrofit rather than a wholly new facility.
The project is designed to capture up to 3.3 million tonnes of CO₂ annually, providing scale to support the Viking CCS transport and storage network and enabling neighbouring energy-intensive users and import pathways to benefit. It integrates with the adjacent major port and aims to become an “anchor emitter” within the broader Humber CCS cluster.
At peak construction, the scheme is expected to generate around 20,000 jobs and attract £13 billion in private investment in the region. VPI and supporting authorities now look ahead to the next steps: recognition by government as a core emitter for Viking CCS and securing co-funding for advancing the development into a final investment decision within this Parliament.
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Midlands to receive £900m investment boost from Trump visit
The UK Government has announced that the Midlands will benefit from a £900 million wave of US investment following President Trump’s State Visit. This includes confirmed commitments across multiple sectors such as logistics, advanced manufacturing, and digital infrastructure.
Key projects include Prologis’ expansion of the Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal (DIRFT), which aims to enhance freight capacity, reduce reliance on road haulage and generate long-term jobs; Boeing’s work modifying two US Air Force E-7A Wedgetail aircraft in the UK, which will bring more than 150 jobs to Birmingham; and a £150 million investment by Amentum, set to create over 3,000 new roles, including many in the Midlands.
Additional investments involve technology companies such as Cisco launching a new Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) programme, expanding their UK presence and growing operations in Birmingham. The total UK-US inward investment tied to the State Visit exceeds £150 billion, making it the largest such investment announcement associated with a State Visit.
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A testimonial from a recently placed Assistant Project Manager working with a nationally recognised Construction Consultancy for Nicole Broughton –
“I honestly can’t thank Nicole enough for everything she’s done for me. From the very first conversation, it was clear she wasn’t just ticking boxes and she genuinely cared. Nicole took the time to understand not just what I was looking for on paper, but who I am, what matters to me and the kind of environment where I’d truly thrive.
She went above and beyond at every stage; messaging out of hours, checking in just to make sure I felt supported and never once making me feel like just another candidate. What she delivered wasn’t just a job, it was an opportunity that felt tailored to me in every way, aligned perfectly with my values, goals and aspirations.
It’s rare to come across someone in recruitment who brings so much heart, commitment and attention to detail into their work. Nicole made the entire journey feel personal, empowering and genuinely exciting.
Thank you, Nicole, for going the extra mile (and then some). You’ve made a lasting impact, and I’m incredibly grateful.”
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 this quarter, our team completed our August Move Challenge in preparation for our The Lake District Challenge. We conquered England’s highest peak at 978 metres tackled the 9.4-mile Scafell Pike route via the Corridor Route from Seathwaite.
Every step taken on The Lake District Challenge was a step towards supporting men’s mental health, breaking down the stigma and promoting open conversations.
The construction industry faces unique mental health challenges. With high-pressure environments, physical demands and traditionally masculine workplace cultures, construction workers often struggle to discuss mental health openly. As a specialist construction recruitment agency, we understand the importance to reduce these pressures that affect our construction candidates and construction employers. As a consequence, Atkins Search continues to raise money throughout the next quarter, and our team will be partaking in more charity initiatives to support Tough to Talk.
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!
As the summer months come to a close, we’re proud to have strengthen the way we collaborate with our clients and candidates and made our processes more efficient than ever. Thank you to everyone who has supported us this quarter and we’re looking forward to seeing what Q3 has install!
Searching for your next career move? Contact Atkins Search today!
Explore our opportunities today to see how we can help you find a role that excites you.
You can register your CV by visiting our website homepage, or by contacting us directly via phone, email or LinkedIn.
0115 671 6334
