We’re delighted to announce the promotion of eight members of the Link Engineering team this August. This recognition is a testament to their hard work, development and the valuable contribution they make to our team and our projects. 

At Link, our people are at the heart of what we do, and these promotions reflect the talent, commitment and ambition across our growing teams. From those early in their career taking their next steps to experienced professionals moving into senior technical and leadership roles, each promotion represents an important milestone in their career at Link. 

Congratulations to our newly promoted team members 

William Merricks – Technician 

Daniel Donohoe – Assistant Engineer 

James Hall – Assistant Engineer 

Nicholas Side – Assistant Engineer 

Max Montgomery – Assistant Engineer

Karishma Lally – Principal Engineer 

Tom Andrews – Principal Engineer  

Ben Latcham – Principal Engineer 

These promotions recognise the progress each individual has made in their role, as well as the contribution they make to our projects, clients and colleagues. 

For William, Dan, James, Max and Nick, their promotions reflect the development of their technical knowledge, growing confidence and increasing responsibility within project teams. They have each shown a strong willingness to learn, take on new challenges and contribute to delivering great outcomes for our clients. 

For Karishma, Tom and Ben, promotion to Principal Engineer honours their significant technical expertise, leadership and experience. Alongside their project responsibilities, they play an important role in supporting and mentoring colleagues, sharing their knowledge and helping to shape the future of our engineering teams. 

At Link, we want people to have the opportunity to build a career that reflects their ambitions. That means giving our people the support, responsibility and opportunities they need to keep developing, whether they are taking their first steps into the profession or progressing into senior roles. 

It’s something that sits at the heart of our Growth and Care values, and it’s brilliant to see that commitment reflected in the progression of our team. 

Congratulations to William, Dan, James, Max, Nick, Karishma, Tom and Ben on their well-deserved promotions. We’re looking forward to seeing what comes next for each of them. 

“I’ve always been drawn to projects that matter. Whether it’s supporting national energy infrastructure, complex nuclear facilities, defence programmes or everyday buildings like schools and hospitals, engineering is ultimately about solving problems and creating lasting impact.”

Neil Shuttleworth
Director | Chartered Engineer | MEng (Hons) CEng MICE

Director and Chartered Engineer with over 20 years of experience. Neil specialises in complex infrastructure and building projects across the energy, defence, nuclear and industrial sectors, with extensive expertise also spanning the healthcare, education, commercial and retail sectors. Combining structural engineering expertise with a broad understanding of civil and geotechnical engineering, Neil leads multidisciplinary teams to deliver practical, risk-informed solutions.

How did you get into engineering, and what led you to where you are today?

At school, like many engineers, I found I was good at maths and physics. I enjoyed solving problems with multiple variables and finding practical solutions. Combined with the opportunity to create something tangible and lasting, engineering seemed like the obvious path.

After graduating with a first-class degree in Civil and Structural Engineering, I started my career working on major building projects including hospitals, schools, retail developments and commercial schemes. As my career progressed (and the 2008 recession hit), I became increasingly involved in the energy, nuclear, industrial and defence sectors. The scale, complexity and critical nature of these projects presented unique challenges and demanded a deeper level of engineering competence.

This shifted my role from predominantly designing new structures to assessing existing assets and systems. This type of work relies less on applying prescriptive design standards and more on understanding how structures actually perform, using inspection data, material properties and operational history to make evidence-based decisions. In sectors such as nuclear and defence, where safety, risk and cost must be carefully balanced, this requires a high degree of engineering judgement and has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career.

While my background is in structural engineering, I enjoy understanding the wider engineering picture. Working closely with civil engineers, geotechnical specialists, contractors and clients has given me a broader perspective that helps me coordinate multidisciplinary teams and identify risks and opportunities early in a project. For example, on several projects I recognised where challenging ground conditions or significant cut-and-fill requirements were likely to affect foundation design, allowing ground investigations and foundation strategies to be reviewed early, helping deliver a better outcome for the client.

Over time, my role has evolved from designer to project manager and now director. However, I still actively undertake technical work, which is something we value at Link. Earlier in my career, I was told I would eventually have to choose between a technical or management path, but I have found that combining both has been a real strength. It allows me to support and challenge our teams where needed, and communicate technical issues in a clear, practical way for clients.

In many ways, that balance of technical excellence, leadership and client focus is what attracted me to Link. The opportunity to establish and grow our Manchester team from scratch was a challenge I was excited to take on. It hasn’t always been easy, but I’m proud of the team we’ve built, the projects we’re delivering and the opportunities we’re creating for the future.

Is there a project you’re particularly proud of?

Nuclear Decommissioning at Sellafield

One of the projects I’m most proud of was supporting the demolition strategy for the Pile 1 Chimney at Sellafield, one of the UK’s most significant nuclear decommissioning projects. The chimney stood approximately 110 metres high and 14 metres in diameter, with around 1,400 tonnes of reinforced concrete and steel forming the diffuser structure at the top. Located in the middle of an operational site, it had to be dismantled in small sections, presenting a unique combination of structural, logistical and safety challenges.

My involvement began with assessing the existing structure and developing a safe demolition sequence. As the project progressed, my responsibilities grew from Lead Engineer to Design Consultant’s Project Manager, overseeing both the technical delivery and broader project requirements. When I joined the project, the proposed approach involved strengthening the diffuser before demolition could begin. Through detailed analysis and structural assessment, I proved that the diffuser could be dismantled safely without strengthening works, which saved time and cost and avoided putting people at risk.

One of the most technically demanding aspects of the project was showing that the structure could safely support a tied tower crane. This required a level of engineering judgement that extended well beyond conventional code-based design and drew heavily on my experience in assessing existing structures.

What makes this project particularly memorable is the impact it delivered. We developed a safer, more efficient solution for a nationally important programme – something very few engineers get to be a part of during their careers.

Supporting Critical Infrastructure

Alongside my nuclear experience, I’ve led multidisciplinary teams across the energy and industrial sectors, including National Grid facilities and electrical substations that form part of the UK’s critical national infrastructure. Much of this work involved upgrading existing assets and enhancing site security under demanding programmes needed to prepare for the 2012 Olympic Games.

I’ve also been fortunate to contribute to a number of defence programmes. While these projects are often confidential, they share many of the characteristics that define work in the nuclear sector: complex stakeholder environments, stringent safety and assurance requirements, and the need to make robust engineering decisions where risk, operational requirements and programme constraints must all be carefully balanced.

On one defence project, I was involved from the outset as Structural Lead, working closely with safety case managers and other disciplines to evaluate alternative structural solutions as the design developed. The role required more than simply designing a structure; it involved understanding the wider objectives of the facility, challenging assumptions and helping the wider team navigate emerging requirements as the project evolved.

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

The energy, defence and nuclear sectors are entering a period of significant investment and transformation. We’re seeing renewed momentum behind nuclear power through projects such as Hinkley Point C, Sizewell C and the development of Small Modular Reactors, alongside investment in renewable energy and the electricity network needed to support it. Defence spending is also increasing significantly, though the debate around how it will be funded continues. Either way, there is clearly a growing need for engineering expertise to support the delivery, renewal and long-term operation of critical infrastructure.

While this demand spans both new-build projects and existing infrastructure, many organisations are looking at how assets can be adapted, upgraded and have their operational life extended. This is often driven by programme timescales, capital constraints and the desire to reduce embodied carbon, making asset assessment and life extension an increasingly important part of the engineering landscape.

Digital tools and emerging technologies are becoming increasingly important, but engineering judgement remains fundamental. In my experience, some of the greatest value engineers provide comes from identifying risks, opportunities and project constraints early, by drawing on their knowledge and experience before detailed design begins. That insight helps clients make informed decisions, avoid unnecessary cost and move projects forward with confidence.

I also see a growing need for engineers who can bridge disciplinary boundaries. As projects become larger and more complex, successful delivery depends on identifying interface issues and dependencies in the early stages. In many cases, it is at the overlap between disciplines where the greatest opportunities, and the greatest challenges, are found.

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

My approach to leadership is collaborative, supportive and focused on providing clarity.

I believe the best outcomes come from bringing together talented people, creating an environment where they can challenge ideas constructively and giving them the confidence to develop their own judgement.

When recruiting or mentoring engineers, I look for interest, enthusiasm, curiosity, integrity and a willingness to keep learning. Technical skills are important, but communication, teamwork and professional judgement are often what separate good engineers from great ones. I always encourage engineers to come with potential solutions rather than simply present a problem.

One of the best pieces of advice I could give is never be embarrassed to ask questions or pretend to know something that you don’t. Nobody knows everything and sometimes the simplest questions prevent issues manifesting themselves later in projects.

Engineering is a continual learning process regardless of how much experience you have. There is always something new to learn from colleagues, clients and projects, and it is not all top down! Get outside your comfort zone – that’s where the growth happens.

What do you get up to outside of work?

Outside work my wife and two young children keep me busy and provide a welcome balance to the demands of my career. I love watching my kids’ personalities and interests develop.

I enjoy staying active, spending time outdoors and following the mighty BWFC and F1. I also like to DIY, which is probably not surprising given my profession. We have been renovating our house for the past couple of years, and I’ve enjoyed doing parts of it myself – though I am ready for it to end now!

What excites you most about the future?

The UK is entering an exciting period of investment across energy, defence and critical infrastructure. Having spent much of my career working in these sectors, I’m excited by the challenges and opportunities ahead. We have a hugely talented team, and I’m looking forward to building on what we’ve achieved so far as we continue to grow our Manchester office, developing the next generation of engineers and helping our clients deliver nationally significant projects.

Whether you’re looking to join our team or are seeking support on your next project, I’d be delighted to have a conversation. Please don’t hesitate to drop me an email at neil.shuttleworth@linkeng.co.uk, call 0121 716 0100, or connect on LinkedIn.

Twice a year, our Birmingham, Manchester and London teams come together for our company-wide Business Update, a day dedicated to sharing where the business is heading, but just as importantly, to championing our culture and values whilst spending time with colleagues from across our offices. This time around, the whole team gathered in Birmingham for a day packed with insight, celebration and connection.

Setting the Tone

The day opened with a talk from Martin, our new Ground Engineering Technical Lead, who joined Link with a strong background in diversity, equity and inclusion. Martin highlighted the benefits diversity of experience and ways of thinking bring, from better problem-solving as people bring different approaches and skills to the table, to stronger respect and understanding across teams, and greater adaptability in competitive markets.

“As a neurodivergent (autistic, dyslexic and dyspraxia) and visually impaired person in engineering, EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) is important to me because it helps create an environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background. Everybody Doing It in small steps helps to ensure that barriers to progression, unconscious bias and unequal opportunities are identified and addressed, allowing people to be valued for their skills and contributions. It also creates a more inclusive culture where individuals feel respected, heard and able to bring their authentic selves to work. So for me, EDI is about fairness, respect for one another and creating an industry where future generations can see engineering as a career that welcomes and supports everyone to thrive.” – Martin, Ground Engineering Technical Lead

It set a positive and inclusive tone to the day, and we’re delighted to have Martin’s experience with championing diversity at Link.

Our Values & Our Vision

With so many new faces in the room, it felt like the perfect opportunity to recap our company values, structure and journey so far. Leadership shared their vision for the business and how they’ll be supporting the team through the next phase of growth. There’s a very exciting development on the horizon which we’re not quite ready to share yet – watch this space!

We also took the chance to reflect on some of the great social activities and ESG achievements we’ve had this year. Our social team Will and Blayn have organised some fantastic events, from VR Sandbox sessions and World Cup watch parties to games nights and rooftop cocktails. It’s these kinds of moments that turn a team of 50 into a real community!

We’ve also given back to the local community through work experience placements, apprenticeships, volunteering days, supporting children’s football teams and building relationships with schools and universities. Our Principal Civil Engineer, Dylan Purewal has recently taken up the mantle of ESG lead and has already made a great impact by helping organise the Link Green Commute Week, which is just one of our many sustainable travel schemes.

“For me, ESG is simply about doing business the right way. It’s about thinking beyond short-term results and considering the impact we have on our people, our communities and the environment. I’m proud to be leading this work and helping ensure ESG becomes part of how we think and operate every day.” — Dylan Purewal, Principal Civil Engineer

New Systems, New Projects, and New Faces

The team got a first look at the upcoming changes to our internal systems and processes, designed to cut out friction from day-to-day work. Before our Structures team gave the room a glimpse into their world, including a fascinating London-based project we’ll be sharing more on soon.

Then it was over to Alan Yan, our new London Director, to introduce himself to the wider team for the first time. He shared some great highlights from his career, including working on the National Tennis Centre in Qiddiya City, Ellison Institute of Technology in Oxford, UCB Headquarters Campus in Windlesham, and the new London Museum Smithfield. Fun fact, Alan is included in the Guinness World Records!

Our Ops Director, Jess, closed out the morning with a look at the Link 4 You benefits package, along with a preview of a brilliant new benefit offering launching in August.

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.

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.

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.

We have made some updates to our organisational structure recently which will assist in achieving our future growth plans:

How will this effect you?:

1. 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.
   
2. 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.

If you have any questions, please contact admin@linkeng.co.uk.

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?!