Construct - Issue 50

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RESURFACING TRAFALGAR SQUARE REVITALISING SLOANE STREET CONSTRUCT ISSUE 50 STABILISING HAMMERSMITH BRIDGE

Foreword

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Chief Executive Officer Andrew Hansen

THERE’S A LOT TO LIKE IN THIS ISSUE, FROM STORIES ABOUT CUTTING-EDGE R&D TO HIGH-QUALITY CRAFTSMANSHIP A common thread runs through them: the power of collaboration. At FM Conway we know that we achieve more when we work with others. That sentiment was brought vividly to life at the event we held with the City of London Corporation last November, discussing how the infrastructure industry can tackle shared challenges. We’re taking steps to build on those fruitful conversations – turning talk into action. We know the best relationships are developed over time. It’s thanks to the strong partnerships we’ve built with our clients that we’ve been able to make progress and innovate. In much the same way that collaboration delivers progress, we see the best view of the future when advances in plant machinery and material technology complement one another. Earlier this year we completed a pioneering trial with Transport for London to address the major blocker in the use of electric plant machinery, the charging itself. A new method of mobile and rapid charging, supported by telematics data and a strong supply chain, took fossil fuel powered plant out of the equation, and showed what infrastructure works could look like with viable charging solutions in place. Combine projects like these with advances in materials technology – we’re currently looking at new frontiers in bio-enhanced additives with National Highways – and you see the stepping stones towards a net zero sector. We are also continuing to invest in our people so that they can deliver great work. We’ve launched an initiative to help women in our business achieve their goals, professionally and personally. Through our positive experiences of collaboration, we know that many heads are often better than one. They’re even better still when they bring different perspectives and expertise to the table, and that’s why we’ll always champion diversity in our business.

Contents 03 FEMALE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME CHAMPIONING SUPPORT

AND GUIDANCE FOR WOMEN

04 TRAFALGAR SQUARE

RESURFACING A LONDON ICON 06 ELECTRIC EQUIPMENT TRIAL INITIATIVE TACKLING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS 08 TESTING BIO-MATERIALS EXTENDING THE LIFESPAN OF ROADS 10 HAMMERSMITH BRIDGE STABILISATION PROGRAMME 12 SLOANE STREET REJUVENATING POPULAR STREET 14 SUSTAINABILITY FORUM DISCUSSION ADDRESSING INFRASTRUCTURE’S BIGGEST CHALLENGES 16 5 MINUTES WITH MARK FLINT 18 A JOBWELL DONE 19 NEWS IN BRIEF

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People

SUPPORTING SUCCESS, CHAMPIONING ASPIRATIONS

FM CONWAY IS FURTHER SUPPORTING WOMEN WITHIN THE BUSINESS WITH A BRAND NEW FEMALE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME DESIGNED TO HELP THEM ACHIEVE THEIR GOALS, BOTH IN AND OUTSIDE OF WORKING LIFE

FM Conway is delivering a programme, in partnership with Passe-Partout, designed to support women in pursuit of their personal and professional aspirations. This initiative provides coaching, workshops, and mentorship, catering to ambitions both within and beyond the workplace. ‘Great people, great work’ is a mantra that defines FM Conway, putting people at the heart of the business. This importantly includes championing gender diversity and supporting women as they navigate the industry. One demonstration of FM Conway’s commitment to this is a new six-month development programme, Personal Best 2.0. The programme sees 20 women partake in a structured series of workshops and benefitting from the advice of dedicated coaches – trained senior colleagues from within FM Conway.

Whether participants are taking on a challenge like learning a new skill or improving work-life balance, they receive support and guidance on how to achieve their aims. Unlike more common solely career-focused initiatives, it’s giving participants the chance to define their own success as well as building new professional relationships across the business. “The best part about this scheme is its flexibility. It recognises that some priorities lie outside of an office or job site and places value on these goals too. We understand that supporting our colleagues’ lives beyond the workplace enables them to perform at their best within it. “We’ve got a fantastic lineup of senior women in the business including Rhia Morgan, Liz Garvey, Maria Pratt – and myself – sponsoring the four key components of the programme. The social bridges and support channels established by Personal Best 2.0 will last beyond the scope and duration of this programme,” says Ella Cole, head of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at FM Conway. FM Conway’s adoption of this programme contributes to the broader ‘All Great People’ strategy that places equity, diversity, and inclusion at the core of the business. Personal Best 2.0 launched in late spring and runs until October.

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Project

WORKING IN ONE OF LONDON’S MOST FAMOUS DESTINATIONS TOOK CARE AND LONG-TERM THINKING A LANDMARK

Where can you find some of Europe’s most prized artwork, four famous lions and a team of FM Conway operatives hard at work? Trafalgar Square, of course. Earlier this year, the team resurfaced London’s iconic thoroughfare. With tens of thousands of vehicles of all sizes and many more pedestrians passing through Trafalgar Square every day, FM Conway knew that customer and stakeholder management was key to the successful delivery of this project. Conversations between FM Conway, Westminster City Council and stakeholders such as Transport for London and the Metropolitan Police started early, to develop a plan of action that would keep the heart of London beating while work was ongoing.

“Trafalgar Square is not only one of the most recognised British landmarks around the world but also one of the busiest. The surfacing work had to hit a multitude of targets – deliver excellent performance and durability, be done at speed, with maximum efficiency while keeping our carbon goals in mind. We’ve worked with FM Conway over the years and are aligned on the high standards we aim for – so we were confident that together we could achieve these targets while completing these important works,” says Mark O’Leary, operations manager at Westminster City Council who led the project. A significant consideration for the team was how to navigate the busy traffic flow. Vehicles approach from The Mall, Whitehall and the Strand, with the square marking the convergence of three of London’s most recognisable roads. Maintaining access to the Houses of Parliament to the south and Buckingham Palace, which is just a stone’s throw away on The Mall, was imperative.

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“Trafalgar Square is not only one of the most recognised British landmarks around the world but also one of the busiest”

RESURFACING It was equally important to support the trade and vibrancy of the theatres and retail destinations popular with locals and tourists alike at the West End. Rolling road closures were implemented, always LOCATION Piccadilly Leicester Square TRAFALGAR SQUARE

“It took careful planning, hard work and consistent cooperation to pull together. We took the opportunity to think beyond the immediate project to consider how we could help the client save time and money in future – using a mix which delivers durability. This brings sustainability benefits too. If you lay a better material first time, then you aren’t wasting resources fixing it in future.” With sustainability in mind, the team also used Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) to fuel all vehicles on the site. HVO is made from renewable raw materials like used cooking oil, vegetable oils, and animal fats, so it’s a more environmentally friendly choice than diesel. It has a cleaner burn, producing less NOx and particulate matter, and can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90% compared with traditional fossil fuels. Under the watchful eye of Admiral Nelson, the FM Conway team worked day and night, with the successful outcome proving the capability of the team to complete high quality work in the centre of the capital.

keeping at least one direction open for traffic, while FM Conway’s traffic management division was on hand to deal swiftly with any on-site problems. FM Conway and its partners had long term impact in mind at Trafalgar Square. Durability of materials is always important, but at such a busy intersection, reducing the likelihood of having to complete reactive maintenance works in future was front of mind. FM Conway’s SureLane mix was used, which offers an increased lifespan and can withstand heavy traffic, helping skid resistance on a key part of London’s road network. Paul Padfield, surfacing director, FM Conway: “There aren’t many construction jobs like this. It’s a privilege and a responsibility to work in places like Trafalgar Square and we knew how important it was to deliver the resurfacing work efficiently.

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FACTS Contract Trafalgar Square Client City of Westminster Divisions Surfacing Term

Maintenance Consultancy

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Project

AN INITIATIVE THAT TACKLES EMISSIONS, INEFFICIENCIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT IN URBAN CONSTRUCTION BREAKING NEW GROUND

FM Conway and its partners have completed a pioneering trial of on-demand electric equipment charging. The initiative has the potential to be a blueprint for a cleaner, quieter and more sustainable way of delivering urban street works. The construction industry is electrifying. More projects are making the switch to zero-emission machinery in line with the Zero Diesel Sites Route Map, an initiative backed by government and the Construction Leadership Council to support the roll out of electric plant as well as other clean power sources such as hydrogen. The opportunity is huge. London alone has more than 5,000 diesel mini excavators at work however due to a regulatory loophole they currently sit outside the control of low emission zones, which means over one year they emit the same level of pollutants as 100,000 passenger cars. Switching to electric alternatives would mark a major step forward in construction’s push to deliver net zero. However, barriers remain to widespread take up of greener equipment, in particular how to charge it. Compact diesel machines, such as excavators and loaders, are especially tricky. Currently, the typical model is to charge them from fixed locations, causing downtime and making projects less efficient while also creating unnecessary

transport emissions. Alongside the lack of easy charging infrastructure, the speed of adoption has also been hobbled by range limitations. FM Conway and its partners sought to tackle these problems head-on at the Redcliffe Gardens project in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. “The project showed that electric kit can deliver levels of productivity and performance on a par with, or better than, traditional diesel equipment”

FACTS Contract Redcliffe Gardens Client Transport for London Divisions Major Projects Consultancy Sustainability Transport Surfacing Traffic Management Aggregates and Asphalt Street Lighting

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whenever needed is going to have a positive impact in terms of carbon emissions.

Commissioned by Transport for London and overseen by the major projects division at FM Conway, the scope of works included design changes to three junctions where Redcliffe Gardens meets Redcliffe Square, Tregunter Road, and Fawcett Street. Completed over 11 weeks, it aimed to enhance pedestrian safety and complement the reduced road speed limits. Because the work involved a lot of breaking out of existing structures and adding new raised sections, the project was an ideal test case for FM Conway and its partners at Volvo Construction Equipment, Charge Fairy and machinery distributors SMT GB. The trial used Volvo’s EC18 electric compact excavator and L25 electric wheel loader coupled with a mobile charging solution from Charge Fairy which delivers power directly to machinery on site, enabling continuous operation. performance on a par with, or better than, traditional diesel equipment, paving the way for city street works to be completed faster and cleaner. “TfL and the Mayor wish to make London a carbon neutral city so we’re constantly chipping away to make our operations more environmentally friendly. Having charging for smaller machines available wherever and The project showed that electric kit can deliver levels of productivity and

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South Kensington

Earl’s Court

" Working together to break barriers with our delivery partners made this possible and we couldn’t be more pleased with the results,” says Carl Eddleston, director of streets and network operations, TfL. Air quality data collected during the project showed significant reductions in CO 2 and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions versus traditional plant, aligning with World Health Organisation guidelines and London’s Clean Air Act. Originally planned as a four-week trial, its success led to an extension to 11 weeks on the Redcliffe Gardens project. “Bringing charge infrastructure to site instead of taking machinery away is a game changer and if we can do it in London – one of the world’s largest low emission zones – then in theory it can be done anywhere and scaled to bigger projects,” says Matt Tallon, sustainability director at FM Conway. “The trial proved the technical and commercial validation of the approach. It also showed the power of innovative collaboration when it comes to environmental responsibility. When we can work with clients and partners to think out of the box and see what’s possible, great results can follow.”

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REDCLIFFE GARDENS

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Hurlingham

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Innovation

TESTING THE USE OF BIO-MATERIALS IN BINDER MIXES TO EXTEND THE LIFESPAN AND DUCTILITY OF STRATEGIC ROADS BIO-BOOSTING OUR ROADS

FM Conway is working with National Highways to increase the longevity and elasticity of roads using bio-materials in recycled asphalt product (RAP). By keeping roads in use for longer, this innovation helps to lower carbon emissions, minimise disruption for users, and reduce reactive maintenance costs over the long term. FM Conway’s trials have shown that recycled asphalt can match if not surpass virgin materials in terms of performance. We know that it works, but the business is now asking: how can we make it even better? Over the course of a road’s life, it faces plenty of stressors, from the harsh sun and UV rays, to rainfall and freeze-thaw cycles, not to mention traffic load. All of these serve to make asphalt hard and brittle – which is where bio-rejuvenators come in. Derived from waste cooking materials, these have the potential to preserve the strength and flexibility of asphalt, reducing the growth of cracks and slowing the unravelling of the asphalt surface.

Operators like National Highways are looking at ways to improve our strategic road networks while balancing rising costs, quality and carbon emissions – no easy task. The operator is conducting nationwide trials with varying percentages of RAP and bio enhanced surface binders for different types of roads. One of these experiments was conducted in partnership with FM Conway, repaving six sections of the A21 as part of the trial. The A21 is a major road connecting Greater London to parts of Kent and East Sussex – a vital artery for commuters and link between the towns and villages along its path. The goal of the trial was to test how additives like bio-rejuvenators affect the performance of materials containing high RAP content. The trial covered six patches, two that were resurfaced with traditional mix as a control, two with 50% RAP and two others with 50% RAP and bio-rejuvenator for robust comparison.

The goal of the trial was to test how additives like bio rejuvenators affect the performance of materials containing high RAP content.

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“...it could unlock huge potential in how we tackle challenges like getting to net zero”

The trial covered six patches, two that were resurfaced with traditional mix as a control, two with 50% RAP and two others with 50% RAP and bio-rejuvenator for robust comparison.

The next and potentially biggest hurdle is implementing the results of this trial into business as usual. Andy continues, “Regulatory constraints are rightly tight for Britain’s strategic road network – safety has to come first. But if we can find a way to make it easier to innovate under controlled circumstances then it could unlock huge potential in how we tackle challenges like getting to net zero. “One option might be to explore year-long departures from specifications as a first step, rather than the piecemeal model we have at the moment. It would save time and resources on negotiating higher recycled material quantities on a project-by-project basis. At the same time, it would give the client control to review the departures after a year and modify them as necessary.”

“RAP in material mixes is nothing new. The question now is what’s needed to push the RAP content even higher and make it work harder. Could bio - rejuvenators give more protection to our roads and make them more resilient to use and weather extremes? The trials with National Highways will give us the answers – what worked, what must be tweaked and by how much,” says Andy Weymouth, framework delivery manager at FM Conway. Rigorous testing is currently underway at the University of Nottingham, using accelerated wear simulations in the laboratory in addition to visual monitoring of the patches. Early indications are promising service life extension by 20 to 30%. A good result has the potential to reduce both long-term repair costs and carbon, on top of minimising closures for maintenance.

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Project

STRESS REDUCTIONON INNOVATION AND EXPERTISE WERE ESSENTIAL FOR THE COMPLEX AND TECHNICALLY CHALLENGING WORKS ON ONE OF THE OLDEST SUSPENSION BRIDGES IN THE WORLD

In February 2022, FM Conway began works to stabilise Hammersmith Bridge, the iconic green and gold Grade II* listed Thames crossing. Opened in 1887, it saw more than 130 years of continuous use before it was closed to motor vehicles in 2019. Now, the bridge is again open to pedestrians, cyclists, and e-scooters thanks to repair works carried out by FM Conway. After years of service to pedestrians and moving vehicles, including horse-drawn carts, cars and lorries, the historic bridge had developed fractures in the cast iron pedestals. These are critical components of the suspension system, and the deterioration meant essential repair works were required.

This made the stabilisation programme carried out by FM Conway of utmost priority. As a first step, the small fractures in the pedestal structures that support the bridge’s weight had to be strengthened. The FM Conway team created a high strength concrete mix and tested it rigorously over a six-month period before using it in all four cast iron pedestal cavities, the first of many bespoke solutions developed for the works. “Throughout the stabilisation, we were working to tolerances of within maximum deviation +/-0.05 millimetres. Working with such small margins on a large project was challenging and rewarding in equal measure,” explains Sam Goddard, project manager at FM Conway. “Some of the Daver bars were seized in place, meaning we had to drill them out, working from each side to meet at a central point. We used specialist metrology techniques to calculate the exact drilling points, due to the risk of potentially drilling and damaging the existing saddle.” The next step was to replace the seized Victorian - era cast iron roller bearings with new elastomeric bearings. These are designed to reduce friction and enable smooth, low-wear movement. This was a complex job that required a tailored fix. It involved lifting the bridge off its pedestals using hydraulic jacks to allow the installation of new elastomeric bearings.

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All photography courtesy of Hammersmith & Fulham Council Bespoke hydraulic jacks that allowed the bridge to be raised by ten millimetres were locked in place using grout which dried over a 48-hour period. With the bridge lifted, the team was able to access the old rollers and pull them free from their mounts. After raising the bridge another fifteen millimetres, the new bearings were installed before returning the bridge to its original position. HAMMERSMITH BRIDGE “We’ve worked with FM Conway on a number of projects, and FACTS Contract Hammersmith Bridge Stabilisation Client

we’ve built the trust to work on sensitive and detailed-oriented tasks like this” Customised steel frames were installed to mitigate the additional stresses of the jacking process. The first phase of this work was completed during a single overnight closure and was the only time during the project when the crossing was completely closed to the public. “We carried out non-destructive tests on every critical component throughout the process,” says trainee supervisor Jaden Brighten. “The jacking phase represented a major step up in the stress levels on the bridge, so from the moment works started, we made sure that every new and existing part was capable of taking the strain.”

London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham Divisions Structures Consultancy Traffic Management Delivery Partners Mott McDonald Arcadis

With all permanent works completed and a new bridge deck, lighting, and safety measures installed, the crossing was reopened to pedestrians, cyclists, and e-scooter users in April 2025. The successful delivery of the works, in partnership between FM Conway and Hammersmith and Fulham Council, ensures the bridge will continue to connect the residents of Barnes and Hammersmith for years to come. “Our borough’s central crossing, Hammersmith Bridge stands for more than just a name – it’s a London icon,” says Ian Hawthorn, assistant director of highways and parks at the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. “We’ve worked with FM Conway on a number of projects, and we’ve built the trust to work on sensitive and detailed-oriented tasks like this, giving the bridge a new lease of life for pedestrians and cyclists alike.”

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Public realm

HIGH-END DELIVERY REJUVENATING ONE OF THE CAPITAL’S PREMIER RESIDENTIAL AND SHOPPING STREETS TO CREATE A TIMELESSLY ELEGANT EXPERIENCE FOR ALL WHO LIVE AND VISIT THERE

At approximately one kilometre in length and 20 metres wide, Sloane Street is one of the longest and most luxurious streets in London. Originally designed for horse and carriage over 200 years ago, FM Conway has delivered a revitalising streetscape project so that it can be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike for the next century and beyond. Sloane Street’s architecture, location, retail, and hospitality, make it one of London’s most attractive destinations for locals and well heeled visitors from across the globe. But with its last major streetscape created more than two centuries ago, it was in need of a modern update. Cadogan, in partnership with the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, looked to FM Conway to deliver the works.

Nearly 10 years in planning and delivered over two years, the project presented a real opportunity for FM Conway to showcase its ability for carrying out a holistic transformation to create a greener, cleaner and more elegant streetscape, which is part of the Council’s Amazing Spaces schemes. It included everything from major resurfacing and introducing traffic calming measures to installing bespoke low-energy lighting and planters, widening and repaving footways

to create more space for pedestrians, landscaping and inset parking bays.

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“Sloane Street is an area of huge historic significance, and we wanted to make sure it remains a world-class destination well into the future”

Engagement with local stakeholders throughout the project ensured they were consulted on decisions when picking the look and feel of the street, including choosing the lighting columns and paving stones. The old disparate mix of stone, concrete and asphalt was replaced by 8,500m² of honey-hued Yorkstone for the pavements which have also been expanded by 23%. The level of attention to detail was such that all the Yorkstone was hand selected at the quarry in Britain to ensure a uniform look across the street. The hardiness of granite meant that 2,500m of granite kerb and 1,300m² of granite table was laid in the more heavily used pedestrian areas, loading bays and parking areas. To enhance the character and uniqueness of the street, 54 bespoke dual-height lighting columns were installed. The design combined heritage and modern fundamentals to successfully deliver LED lighting technology to support emissions reductions. The thread of sustainability ran throughout the project encompassing waste management where possible. Much of the original stone paving was recovered and is now being used on Sloane Square, the next enhancement scheme in the area.

The FM Conway team installed 44 planters and 41 pots turning Sloane Street into the green boulevard it is today. In total, over 100 trees were planted to help absorb airborne pollutants and provide shelter and protection for pedestrians. Alongside other soft landscaping, these will increase the permeable surface area in Sloane Street by approximately 600m², reducing water run-off into the drainage system. The team maintained careful planning and co-ordination of traffic management and a robust communication plan was designed to keep all stakeholders informed about every stage of the development. Maintaining consistent access was another important consideration for the local businesses, ensured by a rolling south to north closure to help keep disruptions to a minimum. “Sloane Street is an area of huge historic significance, and we wanted to make sure it remains a world-class destination well into the future. It was a complex project, but FM Conway was a safe pair of hands. We are very pleased with the results – and the transformation has garnered much

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Green Park

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FACTS Contract Sloane Street Client Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Divisions Term Maintenance Surfacing Street Lighting

praise from our residents and retailers alike,” says Jane Henshaw, director of projects at Cadogan.

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Partnership

Hannah Pathak, CEO at Forum for the Future, led a thought provoking session on predicting and preparing for future trends

HITTING THE TARGET TOGETHER

A COLLABORATIVE SUSTAINABILITY FORUM GATHERED CLIENTS, PEERS, AND THE FM CONWAY TEAM TO DISCUSS HOWWE DELIVER A RESILIENT AND FUTURE-PROOFED INFRASTRUCTURE SECTOR

Attendees dived into specific topics in depth in a series of roundtable discussions on bridging the skills gap, reaching net zero and managing funding pressures

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FM Conway brought together clients and partners to address some of infrastructure’s biggest challenges around people, planet and purpose. The message was clear: we need joined-up action to make genuine progress. The infrastructure industry is at the heart of delivering the government’s missions around driving growth, improving people’s lives and transitioning to a low carbon economy. However, the sector has some big mountains to climb to deliver its potential. As one of the UK’s biggest carbon emitters, it needs to find practical, scalable ways to achieve net zero and to do this quickly as the clock ticks down to 2050. Meanwhile, the construction supply chain is facing a skills cliff edge, grappling with an ageing workforce at the same time as it tries to attract the people needed to drive innovation and technological reform. And underlying all of this is the issue of funding, with public infrastructure operators navigating squeezed budgets. Against this backdrop, FM Conway hosted industry experts and supply chain partners at the capital’s historic Guildhall, to explore how the industry could pull together in the same direction. Despite the scale of the issues, the desire to tackle them head on was clear. Following a welcome from FM Conway CEO Andrew Hansen, Hannah Pathak, CEO at Forum for the Future, led a thought-provoking session on predicting and preparing for future trends. If infrastructure wants to boost its resilience and get itself on a sustainable footing, she explained, then it needs to change the way it thinks about long-term challenges and build consensus around meeting them.

Attendees then dived into specific topics in depth in a series of roundtable discussions on bridging the skills gap, reaching net zero and managing funding pressures. The issues were analysed and different possible solutions posed, but across all the tables one word clearly rang out: collaboration. One guest summed it up: “We’re prepared to be brave, but we can’t do it alone if others won’t.” Building on the conversations at the event and to harness the power of collective action, FM Conway has now unveiled a blueprint for next steps which establishes a new taskforce to take the ideas forward. The taskforce will provide a forum for engagement and ongoing dialogue between stakeholders and decision makers across the industry to help amplify its voice with policymakers in a consistent and joined-up way. Andrew Hansen, CEO at FM Conway, says: “We recognise that we’re stronger when we collaborate with our clients and partners in our drive for sustainable innovation. The challenges that infrastructure and construction face are too complex for one organisation to solve alone. Quite simply, we have to work together. “Getting the conversation started is one thing, it’s what comes next that is the hard but important bit. The event generated bold yet workable ideas, rooted in an understanding of the sector and what will practically make a difference. Our mission now is to take these forward, speaking with one voice alongside our clients and partners.”

FM Conway hosted industry experts and supply chain partners at the capital’s historic Guildhall

“We recognise that we’re stronger when

we collaborate with our clients

and partners in our drive for sustainable innovation.”

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Interview

ON R&D

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What brought you into construction and then on to FM Conway? My path into construction was an unusual one! A friend of mine overslept for a job interview, so his mother asked me to go in his place. I got the role and started working as a technician taking chloride samples from a viaduct. From that moment onwards, I was hooked. I took the foundational skills I’d learned in materials testing and analytics and, when that contract ended, my career took off from there. I worked on projects across the country on both the client and contractor sides, from manufacturing to laying and testing asphalt. before moving into the technical team where I am today, looking at how we can develop new products that push the industry forward. We’ve grown from a two-person team in 2010 to 24 in 2025, with two UKAS-certified labs. A big part of my role is making sure we are always looking ahead and designing products that address new challenges in our sector. I then joined FM Conway in 2010 working on materials production

How can we make innovation happen faster across the industry? There is some fantastic research going on in highways, but we need specifications to keep pace as new products come forward. Asphalt recycling is a good example – this is so important to reduce our reliance on virgin resources. We know that it works but it is still taking time to make high recycled content mixes the norm. That’s because our clients – who are already stretched for budget and resources – are having to negotiate specification departures for each project individually. If we could work together to simplify that process, for example by establishing departures that run for a set length of time, we could really speed up progress. Just as importantly, I’d like to see long-term funding for network operators and local councils. That will help us to plan for the future and tackle challenges like climate resilience and increased traffic head on, as well as preparing our roads for emerging technologies like platoon-driving. and development so that the new techniques and materials we create can live up to the real-world challenges our roads face. As the drive toward a net-zero future accelerates, our industry is facing a significant transformation that I’m proud to say we’re at the forefront of. Current research is focused on two key areas: further reducing production temperatures beyond those achieved with today’s warm mix technologies, and developing bio-based additives that can partially or fully replace traditional bitumen. Innovations in these areas hold great promise for lowering emissions and enhancing the sustainability of what we do.

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Research & Development work? Q The story of Research & Development (R&D) in the business is really one of how we have invested in our ability to self-deliver highways maintenance and construction. Michael Conway’s A

What have been the big milestones in your

ambition was always to provide an end-to-end service for our clients without relying on external suppliers - to give us more control and ownership of the product, application and most of all, innovation. The launch of our first asphalt plant at Erith was a big turning point in that journey. We were no longer only contractors – we now became producers too.

5 MINUTES That shift has meant we’re able to use our experience on the network to drive the focus of our research

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MARK FLINT TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

Who has had the biggest influence in your career? Q

outside of work? Q

Finally, what do you enjoy

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Without a doubt, Michael Conway. His philosophy was always to “get on with it and make it work”. That mindset and his confidence in me shaped how I approach challenges. If there was an issue, he trusted me to find a solution before he even knew there was a problem! That belief and freedom to take ownership were invaluable.

I’m a big fan of the original 1980s club music from the likes of Chicago, Detroit and New York. I also have a couple hundred strong trainer collection, some from the 1970s – a passion I share with the actor Stephen Graham I’m told. And finally, denim, especially Japanese denim.

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People

Compliment from Westminster, Mark O’Leary - Operations Manager Division Lighting Operative(s) involved Justin Corby, Billy Baker, Luke Green CM and PM Steven Chapman / Richard Collins Compliment from Lincolnshire County Council, George Cartwright - Senior Highways Officer Division Water and Drainage Management Operative(s) involved Daniel Scott and Adam Adbib CM and PM Julian Wynn Location/Works Firsby Road, Great Steeping, PE23 5HA

Location/Works Westminster Compliment received

“Thank you FM Conway for responding to an emergency call where a bus had collided with a streetlight directly outside of the Houses of Parliament. Thank you to all involved, good job!”

CM and PM Kirk Layton Location/Works A23 Foxley Lane, CR8 3EH Compliment received “On behalf of TfL, I would like to express our huge thanks to yourself for the effective management and delivery of the various elements of the scheme, including getting TWon board to carry out necessary work to the critical pipeline. All of this has led to the Purley councillor making positive comments about the work.” camera and locate the lost camera head. They then took their rodding kit off their wagon and recovered the lost camera head and sleeving. They even managed to supply some spanners to help loosen off the unit for inspection. Their attitude was second-to-none and clearly went above and beyond in assisting myself in the situation. Please pass on my sincere thanks and gratitude to them and their managers.” CM and PM Robert Weeden Location/Works College Lane, Hurstpierpoint, Hassocks BN6 9AJ Compliment received Compliment received “I would like to share some great working practices in relation to Dan and Adam from Flowline who assisted myself with a job in Great Steeping today. They were on a break from their job on the B1195 when I arrived on site on Pinfold Lane to try and retrieve a camera head that had become loose and dislodged within a drainage channel my team and myself had been surveying the day previous. Upon seeing me down at the bottom of the ditch they volunteered to help. They helped to

Compliment from LB of Croydon, Mahmad Hyder - Asset Operations Manager from TFL Operations Division Term Maintenance Operative(s) involved Grant Curtis, Stuart Jones, Joel Rooke, Rob Polley, William Morris, Naveed Aziz, Gerard Purcell, Robert Newton, Chris Holman, Mark Bishop, Mark Toomey Layne, Mason Cornish, Matthew Simpson, Michael Daws, Dean Hopper

Compliment from MOP Division Surfacing Operative(s) involved

A JOBWELL DONE Tony Davis, Michael Wheatley, Martyn Stevens, Jason Strudwick, Adrian Kew, Ricky Kew, William Elliott, Edward Elliott “I live on College Lane, Hurstpierpoint, and the road has just been resurfaced. Excellent job. The operatives were considerate, courteous, helpful, and friendly. So impressed - thank you.”

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News in brief

FM Conway is delighted to announce two new additions to our Senior Leadership Team. STRENGTHENING OUR LEADERSHIP

LEADING LADIES

At the end of June, FM Conway had the privilege of co-hosting the inaugural Leading Ladies event at the House of Commons, alongside Kerry London, VGC Group, and former MPs Rt Hon Kelly Tolhurst and Amanda Solloway. This landmark gathering brought together women and allies from across infrastructure, construction, and related industries to connect, share experiences, and celebrate leadership.

A VERY CONSIDERATE CONTRACTOR

Rebecca Hatch joins us as Digital Urban Solutions Director, bringing with her more than 20 years of experience in the sector. A past

FM Conway has been recognised by two separate organisations for our commitment to delivering a positive impact in the communities we serve. The business won the top honour at this year’s National Site Awards - ‘The Most Considerate Site’ - for our work on the Rochester Bridge Maintenance Project, delivered in partnership with the Rochester Bridge Trust. Run by the Considerate Constructors Scheme, the National Site Awards celebrate the UK’s most outstanding construction sites. These awards recognise projects that go above and beyond in site management, community engagement, and environmental care, based on rigorous assessments against the Scheme’s Code of Considerate Practice. ‘The Most Considerate Site’ is the highest accolade, awarded to just one site per project value band each year. We’re proud to share that FM Conway has also again been awarded Gold in the City of London’s Considerate Contractor Scheme. This prestigious recognition reflects our commitment to maintaining the highest standards across construction and infrastructure works in the City. The scheme is a respected industry benchmark, celebrating contractors who prioritise safety, professionalism, and consideration for the community. Earning Gold is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our incredible teams.

president of the Institution of Lighting Professionals, council

member of the Highway Electrical Association and an active supporter of Women in Lighting, Rebecca is also helping drive the recruitment of the next generation as both a STEM ambassador and the co-founder of the Young Lighting Professionals. Francois Van Rensburg has been

promoted to Director of Operations - Major Projects, having led the FM Conway Major Projects team

since April 2023. His experience and leadership, combined with astute strategic insight, has been instrumental in delivering excellent work across a range of complex projects. Francois’ appointment underpins our continued commitment to delivering exceptional service to our clients, and developing internal leadership potential.

FAIR PAYMENT CODE

BUILDING EQUALITY

FM Conway has been awarded the Silver Award in the Fair Payment Code, recognising its commitment to fair and prompt payment practices. This award is given to companies that pay at least 95% of invoices within 60 days, including 95% of invoices to small businesses within 30 days. This achievement highlights FM Conway’s dedication to strong supplier relationships and support for small businesses.

We are proud to announce FM Conway’s new partnership with Building Equality, a UK-wide alliance dedicated to LGBTQIA+ inclusion across the construction, engineering, and built environment sectors. We believe that inclusion drives innovation and strengthens our teams, and through this partnership, we look forward to participating in joint initiatives, raising awareness, and contributing to positive change across our industry.

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FM Conway Conway House Vestry Road Sevenoaks Kent TN14 5EL

Tel: 01732 600 700

www.fmconway.co.uk