Celebrating Excellence in the Industry
On Thursday, 21 November 2024, the prestigious SCCS London Survey Dinner was held aboard the iconic HMS Belfast in London. The event was an unforgettable evening and a great opportunity to connect with colleagues and friends from across the civil engineering community. Over 120 attendees gathered to celebrate the remarkable projects and individuals who have significantly contributed to the industry over the past year.
The evening was highlighted by the presentation of several distinguished awards, recognising exceptional talent and innovation within the industry.
Here are the highlights and winners of the night:
Rising Star in Innovation
This award celebrates an individual who has demonstrated academic excellence or innovation in the industry within the last year. The nominees were:
Nayan Mistry, Balfour Beatty:
For his pivotal role in managing the complex design of SCL tunnels at Hinkley Point C, ensuring geospatial conformance, and developing improvements in software and workflows with Amberg and Leica Captivate.
Harriet Langfield, Geo-Instruments working as part of Geo-Socotec JV:
Recognised for her drive, ambition, and commitment since entering the industry in 2021. As a Senior Monitoring Engineer, Harriet has developed significant survey knowledge and cultivated strong relationships, serving as a role model for women in engineering.
Fuat Akkoyum, Laing O’Rourke:
For his dedication to developing a new in-house utility survey team within LOR, minimising risks associated with underground utilities, and producing detailed reports that have helped the team flourish.
Winner:
Harriet Langfield, Geo-Instruments working as part of Geo-Socotec JV
Best Use of Technology
This award honours an individual or organisation who has shown initiatives to implement and utilise technology to deliver outstanding advantages on a project. The nominees were:
Alex Cornea, Bouygues
For his innovative use of technology to improve accuracy and efficiency on construction projects, including laser scanning and the latest total station technology.
The Team on the A41 project, Clancy
For their use of cutting-edge technology to successfully deliver a high-profile highway diversion project with unprecedented accuracy and efficiency.
The Team on the Crown Place Project in Birmingham, Winvic
For trialing and implementing new technologies such as remotely operated cranes, augmented reality solutions, and Leica iCONtrol for a seamless workflow on a high-rise building project.
Alex Barron, Align JV
For leading the engineering surveying on HS2 Colne Valley Viaduct and Chiltern Tunnels, developing and deploying tunnel applications that addressed positional issues caused by environmental variables.
Winner:
Alex Barron, Align JV
Nurturing Emerging Talent
This new award recognises organisations that prioritise and actively contribute to the development of young professionals, empowering the next generation of industry talent. The winners were:
Winner:
AccXel and Wates Construction Group
This joint award celebrates the partnership between AccXel, the UK's first industry-led construction school, and Wates Construction Group. Together, they are developing the next generation of sector talent, ensuring apprentices are well-prepared to meet industry challenges.
Winner:
Recognised for their significant impact on the training and development of surveyors and engineers. The team, led by Mark Brueton and including Micky Ellis, Will Sherwood, and Steffan Henson, has successfully trained over 300 engineers, enhancing the workforce's skills and capabilities.
Outstanding Contribution
This award acknowledges individuals who have made a significant and sustained contribution to the industry throughout their distinguished careers.
Winner:
Dr. Andy Wetherelt, Camborne School of Mines
Dr Andy Wetherelt has spent his career in the Tunnelling and Mining Industries and lectured at the Camborne School of Mines for 33 years.
He has been actively involved in the directional control surveys (Gyro) at many mines and tunnels throughout his career including the Channel Tunnel, Belfast Sewers Project, HPC, HS2, Boulby Mine and the Woodsmith Mine to name a few.
William Hedges, Survey Manager, Woodsmith Mine Project, Coire Glas Exploratory Works, STRABAG AG UK was fortunate enough to be taught Advanced Surveying by Andy as part of the SLEM course at CSM and is sure he has been an inspiration to many within our industry.
His knowledge of the subject and the way that he conveys this knowledge is something that I’ve always appreciated.
What a contribution he has made to the industry!
All the best to Andy!
The SCCS London Survey Dinner 2024 was a fun night of celebration, honouring the remarkable achievements and dedication of individuals and organisations within the industry. Congratulations to all the nominees and winners for their outstanding contributions and innovation. We look forward to seeing even more incredible accomplishments in the coming years.
Kevin Smith, Hexagon's Regional Director for the UK, emphasises the immense value of our network within the civil engineering community, stating,
"Our people are our greatest asset, and it is this belief that inspires us to continue to host the London Survey Dinner."
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of the London Survey Dinner 2024! A special acknowledgement goes to the dedicated event and catering staff at the Imperial War Museum and HMS Belfast, whose efforts ensured a memorable evening for all attendees.