Alex gears up for AMP 8 framework

At Building Careers we pride ourselves on our consultants putting business at the heart of the construction conversation and that’s exactly what we are doing on our Civil Engineering desk.

Alex Marsh, who leads the desk for Building Careers, is placing himself in middle of what is being claimed is the largest infrastructure spend in history - United Utilities' AMP (Asset Management Plan) 8 framework.

With procurement doors flung wide open, the rush to secure positions within this framework has begun as clients get ready for the news of a successful tender.

The AMP period typically lasts for five years and involve planning and investment in water and wastewater infrastructure. This means growth for one of the biggest water companies in the country in United Utilities and it will need skilled managers, engineers and operatives to deliver it – that’s where we come into play.

Alex said: “The recent opening of procurement channels for the £6 billion building framework for AMP8 and AMP9, as reported by New Civil Engineer, signals a rallying cry to professionals across the industry. The move to get the right candidate lined up is very much now and I’m stepping up my focus on talent acquisition tailored to the specific demands of these projects.”

Within the North West strategic placements have already been made within regional contractors and sub-contractors. With boots firmly on the ground and eyes set on the future, Building Careers’ site visits to some of the region's largest Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTW) provide invaluable insights into the operational dynamics of these projects.

Alex said: “Only last week I attended a site in Greater Manchester where we completed a walkaround to understand the logistics, process and procedures of how these works will be delivered and the skillset of the people required to complete them.

“I saw this £10m project at first hand where I met key decision makers on this scheme. It gave me an incredible insight into what it’s like to work there. We have already made a difference by placing the right person into the role on this particular project. My site manager has saved nearly £20,000 in efficiencies after only six weeks being on site. This is just one of the reasons why companies like this want to work with me and my colleagues at Building Careers.”

It’s not just in water where we are seeing a turn in the market. In Manchester the skyline is covered with projects like Downing's £400 million RC frame scheme. With about two years left on the project,  it underlines the city's march to firmly establishing itself as the biggest on the map outside the capital.

Meanwhile, Liverpool welcomed a fresh influx of investment, breathing new life into its cityscape. Liverpool and Wirral Waters schemes are impressive, not forgetting the work in the Knowledge Quarter of the city at Paddington Village and Everton’s Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium.

But it's not just towering structures that mark progress; surrounding connecting towns undergo a rejuvenation of their own. Managers have lent their expertise to projects such as the Stockport Interchange, where groundworks take precedence in shaping future transport landscapes.

Alex added: “I’m working with contractors big, small and everywhere in between. There’s no shortage of pipeline for these companies. Smaller subcontractors are also feeling the benefit and the ripple effect of the push to improve our cities and towns across the North West. More and more people are getting in touch with me as our candidates are making a big difference and they want a piece of it.”

The call for skilled professionals echoes louder than ever. Get in touch with Alex on 07897069 127.

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