Cocktails, Connections, and Conversations
Industry professionals recently gathered at Dirty Martini Birmingham for an exclusive event hosted by the Link Engineering team that blended networking with a vibrant social atmosphere. The evening brought together friends and colleagues from across the sector, creating a space for meaningful conversations and new connections.



Guests enjoyed a selection of expertly crafted cocktails alongside delicious food, all set against the backdrop of a lively and welcoming venue. Beyond the drinks and dining, the event served as a reminder of the importance of collaboration and the partnerships that drive success.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who attended and continues to be part of this journey. Here’s to many more opportunities to connect, collaborate, and celebrate together.



Link Engineering August 2025 Promotions
August 2025 saw the promotion of several Link team members as we continue to grow our team.
At Link Engineering, we believe that the strength of our company lies in the dedication and excellence of our people. As we celebrate the recent promotions within our team, it’s a perfect opportunity to reflect on how these advancements align with the core values that drive everything we do: Smart, Trust, Care, and Growth. Those promoted were:
Valentin Ivanov to Associate
Gavin Sealey to Associate
Ferdi Jafar to Associate
Punam Bramhankar to Principal Engineer
William Talbot to Engineer
Megha Bhat to Assistant Engineer

At Link Engineering, we are dedicated to continuous improvement, both personally and as a business. The recent promotions are a reflection of this commitment to growth. The individuals who have moved up the ranks have shown a remarkable dedication to their own learning and development. Their growth mindset has not only propelled their careers forward but has also played a critical role in driving the success of Link Engineering as a whole.
Supporting individuals’ career progression in line with our values is hugely rewarding. The promotions put Link in a stronger position to meet the expectations of our clients and deliver projects with appropriate levels of skill and professionalism.
Our promoted team members exemplify what it means to be smart in the world of engineering. They are not only skilled in their technical expertise but also in their approach to problem-solving. By working intelligently and effectively, they have continuously pushed the boundaries of what we can achieve. Their promotions are a direct result of their commitment to developing their knowledge and applying it in ways that benefit both our clients and our company.
As we look ahead, these promotions signify more than just personal achievements – they represent the continued evolution of Link Engineering as a dynamic and forward thinking company. Each of these leaders, now in their new roles, will bring fresh perspectives and heightened expertise that will undoubtedly contribute to our collective success.
We are confident that Valentin, Gavin, Ferdi, Punam, William, and Megha will continue to embody the values of Smart, Trust, Care, and Growth as they take on new challenges and opportunities. Their dedication to excellence ensures that Link Engineering remains a trusted partner for our clients, delivering innovative solutions with integrity and care.
These promotions also reinforce our commitment to fostering an environment where every team member can thrive. By nurturing talent and providing opportunities for growth, we strengthen our company’s foundation and ensure that we remain at the forefront of the engineering industry.
As we celebrate these milestones, we also look forward to the future, excited by the potential of what we can achieve together. Congratulations to our newly promoted team members, we are proud to have you lead us into the next chapter of Link Engineering’s journey.
How Strategic Design Saved a Client Over £930,000
At Link, our philosophy is to engineer aspirations. This means we don’t just execute designs; we partner with clients to achieve their goals for performance, value, and reliability. A recent project stands as a powerful testament to this approach, where our value engineering expertise delivered a staggering 38.3% reduction in drainage costs for a client, saving an estimated £934,313.
The project involved preparing development plateaus and access routes for future building plots. While appointed for site infrastructure design under a Design and Build contract, our most significant impact came earlier, during a Value Engineering review of the tender drainage design.
The site presented a complex set of challenges, including:
- A significant 50m fall in topography.
- Shallow mine workings and historic shafts.
- Deep areas of made ground.
- A public right of way and proximity to the West Coast Mainline.
- Strict environmental performance and planning requirements.
Our expert team redesigned the drainage strategy to overcome these hurdles efficiently and cost-effectively.
The Result: A Leaner, Smarter, and Safer Design
By re-engineering the proposed drainage solution, we achieved substantial savings without compromising on performance or compliance.
Total Project Savings: £934,313
Overall Cost Reduction: 38.3%
How We Delivered Exceptional Value
Our approach focused on two key areas:
1. A Smarter Pipe Network Design
- Reduced Total Pipe Length: Eliminated 125m of unnecessary piping.
- Eliminated Oversized Pipes: Removed the need for expensive 2100mm diameter pipes.
- Optimised Installation Depths: Shifted the design to avoid complex and costly 5–6m deep excavations, prioritising a safer and more efficient 2–3m depth range.
2. Simplified and Streamlined Infrastructure
- Reduced Manholes: Cut the number of manholes required from 24 to 18 units.
- Streamlined Materials: Optimised pipe diameter ranges for greater efficiency.
- Enhanced Water Management: Improved the overall strategy for managing surface water runoff.
Beyond Cost Savings: Building a Better Project
The financial saving was just one part of the success. Our optimised design delivered critical additional benefits that accelerated the project and reduced risk:
- Enhanced Safety: Shallower excavations significantly reduced trenching risks.
- Faster Installation: A simpler design led to quicker construction times.
- Simplified Maintenance: A more efficient network is easier and cheaper to maintain long-term.
- Reduced Carbon Footprint: Minimised equipment needs and energy use during installation.
This project underscores how strategic engineering design from the earliest stages is not an added cost, but a major investment in a project’s viability, safety, and bottom line.
Are you looking to optimise your next project? Contact us today to discover how our value-driven approach can deliver exceptional results for you.

Celebrating success at the New Civil Engineering Awards!
Link Team Celebrates Prestigious Recognition at New Civil Engineering Awards
Excitement filled the air as the Link team arrived in London for the New Civil Engineering Awards, where we were honoured to be shortlisted for two prestigious awards: Best Place to Work and SME Consulting Firm of the Year.
A United Team Effort
Representing the full breadth of our company, team members from across the business made the journey to the ceremony. From our Marketing Apprentice to our Directors, colleagues from Operations, Civil and Structural departments all came together to celebrate Link’s achievements. It was a proud demonstration of our collaborative spirit.
An Evening of Inspiration
After arriving in London, the team headed straight to the awards venue where initial nerves were settled with some well-earned drinks before the main event. With over 30 categories recognising excellence across the civil engineering sector, anticipation was high.
The evening began with a captivating keynote speech from Penny Mallory, the first woman to compete in a World Rally Car championship. She shared her extraordinary personal journey from overcoming homelessness to breaking barriers in motorsport, delivering powerful insights about mental resilience, control and commitment. Her words provided both inspiration and perspective for the celebrations to come.
The Moment of Truth
As the awards ceremony commenced, all eyes were on the first relevant category: Best Place to Work. While we didn’t take home the top prize this time, the team remained in positive spirits knowing our strongest chance was still ahead.
Then, in what became the most competitive category of the night with 10 outstanding firms nominated, the final moment arrived: the SME Consulting Firm of the Year award. The tension was palpable as the announcement approached…
And then came the news …. Link was named Highly Commended SME Consulting Firm of the Year
Celebrating in Style
With formalities complete, it was time for proper celebrations. The team took to the dance floor with enthusiasm, creating some memorable (if somewhat unconventional) dance moves and singalongs that kept energy levels high until the very end of the evening.
Sharing the Success
The following morning, we visited our London office to share the fantastic news with colleagues who couldn’t attend the ceremony. This achievement truly belongs to everyone at Link as it’s our people who make this such a special place to work and such a respected name in the industry.
A heartfelt thank you to the entire Link team! We look forward to building on this achievement in the future.






Business update – Summer 2025
We have made some updates to our organisational structure recently which will assist in achieving our future growth plans:
How will this effect you?:
- With effect from 07.2025 Link Engineering (Birmingham) Limited has been renamed to Link Engineering Consultancy Limited. All other business details, including the companies house no. (11790137) and VAT number (GB314971791), remains the same.
- With effect from 2025 Link Engineering (Manchester) Limited, companies house no. 12964419, will cease / has ceased trading. All undertakings will move / have moved to Link Engineering Consultancy Limited.
It is business as usual for us otherwise! There are no changes to our services or team structure.

If you have any questions, please contact admin@linkeng.co.uk.
Celebrating New Services and a Leadership Team Fit for Purpose
Link Engineering was establishing itself this time five years ago and our mantra was engineering first. By this we mean, be ready when called upon to get projects moving quickly. It combines our passion for quality engineering with our commercial mindset.

To us this means:
- Understanding and working with, but also challenging the planning system and industry standards
- Investing in and developing a great team who are motivated by excellent engineering and navigating challenges
- Developing ourselves as leaders
- Ensuring our senior team remains close to the scoping and delivery of projects so they get off to the best start and stay on course.
You may have heard we’ve expanded our services?!

This remains core to our values today. Whilst we’ve grown our team to over thirty people, opened new offices and expanded our services, we’re still the consultants people call when they are looking for a considered engineering solution.
We’ve strengthened our leadership team to achieve further growth and success providing greater balance and diversity to suit the ever-changing environment.
Nick has been appointed Managing Director which positions him to guide our business forward. Robert remains as our Head of Service, with Chris Hadjivassiliou heading up Civil Engineering and leading our Birmingham office, and Neil Shuttleworth leading structural engineering and our Manchester office. These form our key sectors and locations.
Nick Hirschman continues to lead our Birmingham Structures team. Jess Moore is Link’s Operations Director, responsible for our business operations.
We are very proud of the leadership team we now have in place.

Thanks for being part of our journey Let’s get your aspirations engineered
Macaroons That Make a Difference Programme
At Link, we are proud to announce our collaboration with the inspiring charity, Miss Macaroon, through their impactful mentoring programme. This initiative is designed to support young, unemployed adults, helping them gain the skills and confidence needed to secure employment and embark on fulfilling careers.

A select group of our team members, including Rachael Chambers, Sam Bartlett, James Hall , Megha Bhat, Ben Latcham, Jack Knapton, Yeakoob Choudhury, and Will Talbot, have been paired with mentees who have recently completed the “Macaroons That Make a Difference” (MacsMAD) training course. This 10-week course, offered by Miss Macaroon, is tailored to help young individuals, aged 18 to 35, overcome personal barriers to employment by teaching essential workplace skills in a unique and supportive environment. Whether working in the charity’s production kitchen or their signature Prosecco and macaroon bar, the trainees receive hands on experience, preparing them for real world job opportunities.


After completing their training, each mentee is paired with a Link mentor for continued support. Our mentors will guide their mentees through a journey of self-discovery, confidence-building, and career readiness. By helping them fine-tune their CVs, preparing them for interviews, and introducing them to industry networks, we hope to make a lasting difference in their lives.
Miss Macaroon’s MacsMAD programme goes beyond basic job training by creating meaningful experiences. Each cohort of trainees is invited to tour a local luxury hotel, meeting professionals such as the Head Chef, to broaden their career aspirations and make valuable connections.
By collaborating with Miss Macaroon, Link are thrilled to contribute to this mission. Our team is not only committed to helping these young adults find jobs but also empowering them to achieve their personal and professional goals. Working with Miss Macaroons reminds us of the profound impact we can make, and we feel honoured to be part of a programme that is changing lives.
We look forward to seeing our mentees grow, gain confidence, and step into the world of work with the tools they need to thrive. It’s a privilege to know that, together with Miss Macaroon, we are making a difference.
Link Engineering Celebrates Annual Summer Social
Recently, our team took a short break from day to day work to participate in Link’s annual Summer Social event, which included a business update presentation, a team sports day, and a BBQ to celebrate our recent performance and promote team spirit.
To start off the day, several Link Engineering team members provided updates and visions for their areas of the business. The presentations examined how we can continue to incorporate our four key values (Smart, Trust, Growth, and Care) into all aspects of our business operations while highlighting their significance. Following the presentations, there was an award ceremony where Rachael, Ben, Megha, and Val were recognised for exemplifying these values.


Our eagerly awaited business sports day, which aimed to capitalise on our team’s competitive spirit, was the highlight of the day. The sporting events featured thrilling competitions like sumo costume racing and human table football, creating an enjoyable yet competitive environment for all.
Having recently hired some new team members, who all embraced the spirit of competition, this event was a great way for the team to bond.
Link Engineering is dedicated to creating a dynamic and positive work atmosphere where each individual can achieve their best version of themselves. We are proud to have a team which consistently demonstrates passion and commitment in their work and it was a great day to reward this. Our annual Summer Social event not only celebrates our team’s achievements but look ahead to future opportunities.



The Heart of England Forest Volunteering Day
Link Engineering Volunteering Day with The Heart of England Foresting
The Link team recently volunteered to support The Heart of England Forest charity in its mission to create and conserve broadleaf forests. As part of Link Engineering’s Corporate Social Responsibility efforts, we aim to assist and support several local charities. This year, we chose The Heart of England Forest, an organization with the ambitious goal of reversing centuries of woodland decline by conserving broadleaf forests. With over 2 million trees already planted, their target is to cover 30,000 acres with new woodland, and they have successfully planted trees on 7,000 acres so far.



This initiative significantly impacts our efforts to become more carbon-neutral. By supporting The Heart of England Forest, we aim to make a positive environmental impact, help mitigate climate change, and create habitats for diverse wildlife.
As volunteers, our task was to remove plastic spiral tree guards from the growing trees, helping protect the environment and emerging wildlife. This hands-on experience allowed us to appreciate the surrounding nature and crucial work The Heart of England Forest does for the local environment.
After a productive morning, we enjoyed a rewarding walk, taking in the natural beauty that The Heart of England Forest has cultivated. This experience gave us a deeper understanding of the impact we were making, as we observed the different stages of woodland development and improvement.
It was a privilege to work with The Heart of England Forest, and the team would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Jonathan and his dog Bliss for guiding us and teaching us about The Heart of England Forest project.




Link Visits NMITE College
Tom and Val visit NMITE college to give an insight to students about working within the civil engineering sector.
Link was privileged to have the opportunity for two team members, Valentin Ivanov and Tom Price, to speak with first-year students at NMITE in Hereford about Link Engineering’s work, including our efforts to enhance the Leominster public realm, where we have been working alongside McBains, Herefordshire county council and Leominster town council to bring the project forward, with works on site currently underway!

NMITE is a college which supports young adults in becoming specialised engineers and achieving degree-level qualifications. During our visit, we provided an overview of the roles at Link and the everyday operations of an engineering consultancy. After the talk, Val and Tom led a group discussion during which they gave the students insights and recommendations on how to build competencies specific to the civil engineering sector. The session also involved students separating into smaller groups and developing mood boards for a project they were working on locally.
Link is dedicated to promoting growth in communities. We enjoy assisting organisations like NMITE, as part of our social value efforts, and hope to continue to build on our support for future generations of engineers.

“We had an incredible time together last Friday when we visited NMITE in Hereford. We took pleasure in providing information about Link Engineering’s activities, especially its project to improve Leominster’s public realm.” – Tom Price

“It was inspiring to spend time with the first-year students and witness their enthusiasm for creating local projects. Being able to support the next generation of engineers is always a pleasure.”- Valentin Ivanov