Alan Yan – People Spotlight

How do you see the industry changing in the years ahead? 

The outlook for civil engineering in London and the Southeast is positive. We are currently working on several large housing masterplans which reflects the continued drive we’re seeing for meeting housing requirements. This goes hand in hand with continued investment and priority given to transport, energy, water, flood protection and waste.  

At the same time, the sector is being shaped by real pressures: skills shortages, the need to unlock further housing growth, and the drive to improve resilience to climate change while continuing to support economic growth. 

It’s impossible to look ahead without considering the role of AI and digital technology. Digital engineering is already embedded in the way we deliver projects, but I expect to see continued advances in areas such as BIM and digital twins. We’re also likely to see AI playing a greater role in supporting design processes and analysing data, which I believe will help us to work more efficiently.  

That said, AI shouldn’t be a substitute for engineering expertise. As the saying goes, “you put rubbish in, you get rubbish out” – the quality of the output depends entirely on the quality of the information and instructions provided. Ultimately, AI-generated outputs should always be reviewed and challenged by a qualified engineer.  

This is particularly important for the next generation of engineers. There is no substitute for a strong understanding of fundamental engineering principles. Engineers need that knowledge to ask the right questions, interpret results correctly and apply professional judgement. We have already seen examples across the industry where an overreliance on AI has led to mistakes, highlighting the importance of maintaining appropriate oversight.  

I’m pleased to say that, at Link, we have policies and processes in place to ensure it is used responsibly, helping us improve efficiency and productivity while maintaining the quality and integrity of our work. 

How would you describe your approach to leading and mentoring engineers? 

My approach is very much built on trust. I empower my team to own the delivery of their projects rather than managing over their shoulder, and I believe it’s important to back that up with both transparency and support. Ensuring the team understands not just what we’re doing, but why, enables them to take ownership of decisions, and grow from them, as opposed to just following instructions.  

That same principle carries through to how I mentor younger engineers. Trust takes time to build, which is why I prioritise making space to work with them one-to-one and establish real rapport. It’s also what I look for when I’m bringing people into the team. Technical ability matters; but having a positive attitude and a willingness to take the ball and run with it matter more, as those skills are much harder to teach. 

If there’s one piece of advice that has stayed with me throughout my career, it’s the value of communication and collaboration. Whether it’s an issue with foul water capacity, a change in land ownership or any other project challenge, being upfront about the implications, clearly explaining the options and working together to find a solution almost always delivers the best result. 

I’ve found that most problems can be resolved, or at least significantly reduced, through open and honest communication. In fact, I’d say it prevents issues from escalating 99% of the time. Projects are always easier when everyone understands the challenge, the potential impact and the path forward. 

What do you get up to outside of work? 

Outside of work, my family keeps me busy. I’ve got two young children, so much of my free time is spent with them, whether that’s days out, holidays or simply making the most of time together. 

When I do get a bit of time to myself, I’m usually training for a half or full marathon. Whether joining my run club or training solo, I find being active as much of a mental reset as a physical challenge and I’m very grateful to have the health, time and opportunity to do so. Running has taken me to some incredible places over the years, and I’m proud to have completed the original World Marathon Majors. With new majors now being added, I may have to start planning the next one! 

What excites you most about the future? 

What excites me most about the future is the potential of Link’s London office. There is a real opportunity for growth, building strong relationships, developing talent, and driving innovation across London and the Southeast. As our multidisciplinary offering continues to develop, I see even greater opportunities to bring different engineering disciplines together, something I’ve always enjoyed as part of delivering complex projects. That collaborative approach not only enables us to provide more value for our clients, but also encourages innovation, opens doors to new sectors and allows us to challenge ourselves to achieve more as a business. 

If you need support on your next project, or are considering joining our team, I’d welcome the conversation. Please drop me an email at alan.yan@linkeng.co.uk, call 0121 716 0100, or connect with me on LinkedIn.