2. Everything everywhere, all at once: Drones on-site

Construction sites present numerous challenges such as scale, distance, time management, and hazards. These issues have traditionally made large-scale projects particularly difficult.

 

Drones have become game-changers on these larger projects by offering high quality aerial views of construction sites, enabling real-time monitoring of progress, risks, and security. Gustav Basch, Project Director, notes, “Drone photography has transformed our construction site operations, providing a unique perspective that enhances both safety and efficiency. By capturing high-resolution aerial images, we can monitor progress in real-time, identify potential issues before they become problems, and make informed decisions more quickly. Overall, the integration of drone technology has not only streamlined our workflow but also improved our project management capabilities, leading to better outcomes and higher client satisfaction”.

 

From topographic surveying to capturing high-resolution images for data and marketing purposes, Drones have been the answer to numerous issues presented onsite and will continue to be a key feature of our Operation teams tool kit.

3. HSE goes mobile: The impact of tech on HSE

The role of mobile technology in construction is vast, but its most significant impact has perhaps been in health, safety, and environmental management. Mobile apps and software tools allow us to monitor and record HSE performance more effectively, providing real-time data on safety indicators and climate assessments on construction sites.

Hugh O’Neill, International Senior HSE Manager at blu-3, states

“In the past seven years, I’ve seen mobile technology reform how we monitor HSE performance. From leading and lagging indicator software to tracking the overall HSE climate,we are now better equipped to support both our clients’ demands and, most importantly, our workers' safety.”

blu-3 has also invested in digital tools like Cat and Genny scanners integrated with mobile tracking apps, allowing us to monitor underground services before excavation. This investment in mobile technology has a profound impact on our compliance data, incident reporting, and overall safety during complex underground service (UGS) projects.

So,what’s next?

At blu-3, our commitment to adopting new technologies continues to grow. Across the business, we remain dedicated to continuous learning and early adoption of digital tools that provide better results for our clients and our people. Sebastian Murphy, Technical Director for Data Centres EMEA, will be hosting a panel discussion at the National Careers Fair in Amsterdam’s RAI Centre on March 28^th to talk in further detail on this topic. We look forward to sharing our experiences and insights on the role of technology in modern construction at blu-3.

View PDF

Sebastian Murphy

Technical Director, Data Centres EMEA

If you are interested in learning more about blu-3, our culture, and working in our business please message our recruitment team at: recruitment@blu-3.co.uk

recruitment@blu-3.co.uk

The post How blu-3 is Innovating Using Digital Technologies in Project Planning, Design, Construction and Management appeared first on Blu-3.

Great Onboarding

At blu-3 we aim to tackle this head on with our approach to the onboarding process, which involves a thorough first day of inductions to introduce new starters to blu-3; our core values and vision for the future. Our Senior Leadership Team recognise just how important this is – Jenna Wadman, Head of People and Culture, says “Great onboarding cannot be underestimated. Getting it right is crucial in embedding company values from the outset, adding positively to a thriving workplace culture.”

A well-structured onboarding process not only equips new starters with the knowledge and tools they need but also fosters a sense of belonging and purpose from day one. As Adam Jeeves, UK Commercial Director, put it,”Onboarding our people to the highest possible standard serves many purposes. We want new starters to feel they are up to speed as soon as possible, are aligned with our values, and are able to make a difference on our projects as soon as possible. We work in a fast-paced industry and we want everyone to feel welcome despite the pace.”

But onboarding is about more than just getting new hires up to speed — it’s about setting them up for long-term success.

"Effective onboarding isn't just about first impressions – it's the foundation of long-term success. Investing in employees from day one fosters engagement, accelerates productivity, and strengthens retention, ultimately driving growth for both the individual and organisation."

Jaime Perez, Head of Planning.

By making onboarding a strategic priority, companies can create a more engaged workforce, reduce turnover, and build a strong, future-ready industry. When employees feel valued and supported from the start, they are more likely to stay, grow, and contribute to the success of their teams and projects.

Our Approach

We are committed to developing our people by providing structured learning opportunities that support both personal and professional growth. Our development programs are designed to enhance skills at every level, from our newly-created Pathfinder program which aids employees to make leaps and bounds in their personal career progression, to our Pacesetter program – for leaders in the business to enhance their existing skills and build upon this to be able to inspire the next generation of the workforce.

 

We are also launching an exciting new Learning Management System (LMS), where employees have access to a wide range of comprehensive training modules and much more, ensuring they can continuously expand their expertise. By investing in these resources, we empower our workforce to stay ahead in an evolving industry while also fostering a culture of continuous learning. Prioritising development not only strengthens individual careers but also drives innovation, efficiency, and long-term success for our company and the industry as a whole.

 

Whilst development of existing talent is pivotal to strengthening the workforce, it is also essential to attract and nurture the next generation of industry leaders, providing them with the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to thrive. By offering structured development pathways for graduates, we ensure that fresh talent is seamlessly integrated into our workforce. From day one we ensure that not only are our graduates continuing to grow their skills and knowledge first founded during their education, they are also gaining hands-on experience applying what they learned in the classroom on live projects.

The post Future-Proofing Our Industry: The Power of Great Onboarding & Investing in People appeared first on Blu-3.

Key Focus For 2025

2024 has set the stage for continuous improvement across multiple challenges in 2025

1. The Battle for Top Talent Continues...

Richard Hope our Chief Delivery Officer notes our major learning from 2024 has been “the ongoing challenges in attracting and retaining talent for critically skilled roles and the impact it can have on a projects success”. This is not a problem unique to blu-3 or indeed the UK, in the US it was reported 456,000 roles in the construction sector remained unfilled in February 2024, the highest it had been in two decades.

Richard Hope, Chief Delivery Officer notes the goal for 2025 will be to

“Close the skills gaps within the organisation ready for our next stage of growth."

At blu-3, our commitment to training, continuous development, and offering apprenticeships to up-skill our employees is central to addressing this challenge. We’ve seen great success with our evolving Graduate Programme and will continue to expand internal mobility, not only within the UK but across EMEA. We also remain open to recruiting from outside the sector, which has been a successful strategy in diversifying our talent pool.

At blu-3, our commitment to training, continuous development, and offering apprenticeships to up-skill our employees is central to addressing this challenge. We’ve seen great success with our evolving Graduate Programme and will continue to expand internal mobility, not only within the UK but across EMEA. We also remain open to recruiting from outside the sector, which has been a successful strategy in diversifying our talent pool.

2. A Sustainable Approach – Actions Speak Louder Than Words...

As construction businesses face increasing pressure to meet higher sustainability standards, blu-3 is committed to going beyond mere compliance. Sustainability is no longer a passing trend it’s a fundamental expectation from clients, who are now looking for tangible evidence of sustainable practices, both in project delivery and at a company-wide level.

In 2024, we strengthened our sustainability efforts, and this focus will intensify in 2025. From waste segregation and spill prevention to concrete washout practices, we remain dedicated to minimising our environmental impact. Our aggressive sustainability roadmap includes targets such as 70% of our equipment being hybrid or a diesel-alternative, 100% of offices powered by renewable energy, and 75% of our fleet vans being electric by the end of 2025.

“In 2024, we saw a growing demand for stronger sustainability evidence in tenders. Our goal for 2025 is to continue adapting to the Procurement Act 2023 and leverage this new legislation to further advance our sustainability initiatives, including ensuring that 75% of company cars are fully electric.”

Chief Commercial Officer, Paul Zeevaart

3. Digital Innovation to Mitigate Risk...

The construction industry’s digital transformation accelerated in 2024, and blu-3 has embraced this shift. We recognise the importance of using digital tools to mitigate risk and enhance project delivery, ensuring we stay ahead of market shifts.

 

Our Chief Financial Officer, Ramnik Kapur, emphasises that successful digital adoption requires more than just investing in technology it’s about maximising the potential of these tools. “Success lies in preparation,” she says.

"By prioritising the well-being and resilience of our people, we create a foundation strong enough to withstand market fluctuations."

Chief Financial Officer, Ramnik Kapur

In 2025, blu-3 will continue to push the boundaries of digital innovation, equipping our staff with the best tools and fostering a culture of continuous learning to drive value.

In 2025, blu-3 will continue to push the boundaries of digital innovation, equipping our staff with the best tools and fostering a culture of continuous learning to drive value.

4. Established Leaders of Data Centre Construction...

The global demand for technology, especially driven by AI growth, continues to fuel the expansion of data centres. Major tech players, including Microsoft, have invested over £100 billion in maintaining and developing these critical infrastructures.

 

Having successfully launched three data centre projects across EMEA in 2024, blu-3 is positioning itself as a leader in this rapidly growing market.

“The data centre market is an exciting and fast-evolving sector, presenting significant challenges and opportunities. Attracting and retaining the right talent is key to driving innovation and sustainability in our industry. As we look ahead to 2025, we remain committed to building high-performing teams that are not only scalable but also passionate about shaping a more sustainable digital future.”

Chief Operations Officer, Gerry Curran

With proven success in delivering high-profile data centre projects, blu-3 is well-positioned to continue its growth in this sector and further cement its place as a leader in executing these projects.

With proven success in delivering high-profile data centre projects, blu-3 is well-positioned to continue its growth in this sector and further cement its place as a leader in executing these projects.

View PDF

If you are interested in learning more about blu-3, our culture, and working in our business please message our recruitment team at: recruitment@blu-3.co.uk

recruitment@blu-3.co.uk

The post blu-3 – Lessons to Landmarks – How 2024 Is Shaping Our 2025 appeared first on Blu-3.

One of blu-3’s strengths is that we have a diverse client base and work across multiple sectors, which is designed to deal with these unfortunate circumstances.  This allows us to continue providing high-quality construction solutions with no significant impact to our business.

We are actively working with our supply chain to assist them, where required, and ensure minimum disruption to live and future projects.

blu-3 are confident in our position and reiterate that we remain well-placed to deliver our services and solutions across our client base.

For more information, please contact us at: communications@blu-3.co.uk

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The blu-3 team, along with client Mace, have completed the much-needed renovation of the playground facilities at PACE HQ in Camden, North London, in our latest community outreach project.

PACE is a fantastic grassroots play charity, established in 2011 by a group of parents to provide high-quality play and childcare provision across Camden. The organisation works with children and young people aged 2 to 18, with a range of differing backgrounds, needs and abilities.

Lack of funding has meant that the playground was in a very poor state, with some areas hazardous and out of bounds to the children. Our team of experts:

• Marked out a new football pitch
• Repaired and revamped the climbing structures
• Established new access paths and landscaping
• Removed overgrown vegetation and cut down unwanted saplings
• Erected new ‘graffiti’ panels for urban art
• Provided new outdoor seating and communal areas for children and helpers
• Painted the woodwork to liven up the space

The work was completed in a week, and the new playground was unveiled for the young people, parents and helpers; our team were thrilled to see the surprise and delight on the children’s faces!

blu-3 is currently working with client Mace to deliver a new life sciences centre and associated infrastructure at Belgrove House on Euston Road.

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According to Forbes, females account for just 15% of the construction workforce in the UK*, a figure which has seen no improvement in a number of years. blu-3’s Lead Planner Marta Coll explains why more women in the sector is a win-win…

What’s your role at blu-3?

“I started working with blu-3 in 2018. My role as Lead Planner is varied and busy; I oversee projects in the UK and Ireland and I’m involved in every phase of construction, from tender stage to build completion. It is my responsibility to monitor the progress of our projects and support our delivery team to complete the works on time and within budget without compromising on safety or quality. I also have two graduate planners in my team that I manage and coach to progress within their planning careers.”

How does blu-3 support diversity in the workplace?

“My male colleagues are really appreciative of having a more diverse workforce and see the benefits it can bring to every project; a variety of people means a wider perspective to finding solutions to complex challenges. Everyone at blu-3 understands the value in inspiring future generations of all backgrounds to consider a career in the sector.

“blu-3 offers ongoing training opportunities to all its employees and proactively supports its workforce in expanding their skills to reach high-level positions. I was enrolled on the leadership programme in 2022; the course is designed for managerial staff development and educates individuals on how to be an effective leader. This includes understanding how to better respect all opinions and views regardless of age, cultural background, physical abilities and disabilities, race, religion, gender, and sexual orientation.

“Recently, blu-3 visited numerous universities across the country to meet students at career fayres and speak about the varied career paths on offer – these talks are often led by female role models from various departments at blu-3, sharing their personal experiences of working in a male-dominated industry, to help inspire young women.”

To find out more about blu-3 and employment opportunities, visit careers.blu-3.co.uk.

The post Women in construction: Marta Coll, Lead Planner appeared first on Blu-3.

However, this project has presented various challenges, in 2021 supply chains across the globe were greatly affected, and this was hugely problematic as blu-3 were instructed to source over 5000 square meters of paving stone materials which could only be found in India. Furthermore, as the timeframe of the slowly increased so did the magnitude of the overall project!

Despite these setbacks, blu-3 has overcome every obstacle and the transformative regeneration of Paddington Square is currently on track for completion in March 2024!

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According to PCB Today*, the average age of a surveyor is 55, however, over the last six years, the number of young people, aged 18-30, qualifying as surveyors has steadily increased year on year. In 2013, 1,125 18–30-year-olds qualified and in 2018 this increased to 1,520.

Sean states: “I consider myself immensely fortunate to occupy the position I do today. My trajectory here has been shaped by unrelenting determination, coupled with the progressive ethos of blu-3, which extends its opportunities impartially, regardless of age.”

However, securing such a senior role at such a young age has presented Sean with several challenges. Sean comments: “Transitioning into an international managerial role has presented exciting challenges in understanding each countries way of operation whilst maintaining the blu-3 core values. The cultural, and legal differences are vast across Europe and require the highest level of collaboration to ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget for our clients. Additionally, my progression into a managerial role has been supported by blu-3’s Leadership Development Programme enabling me to provide my teams with the support they require to operate at their highest efficiency”.

Sean’s role as a Managing Quantity Surveyor involves supporting project teams’ business strategies and plans, working closely with the teams to roll out key initiatives and achieve strategic goals and providing comprehensive commercial advice and guidance. Sean is responsible for a team of six people and has an overview on a wide range of international projects where he manages risks and reduces costs where appropriate.

Over the last year Sean has been involved with a number of international projects. He comments: “Project AMS13/14 located in the Netherlands stands out as my favourite so far because of the challenges it has presented. Thanks to the difficulties I faced, I was pushed to be the best I can be, not only on a professional level but on a personal one. I had to adapt under problematic circumstances and come up with unorthodox solutions which forced me out of my comfort zone. Looking back, I now feel more confident and more capable thanks to these challenges.”

To those considering a similar career, Sean concludes: “If you enjoy fast-paced surroundings, an ever-changing environment and a keen eye for numbers then this is the best job in the world. If you are prepared to work hard, a managerial role in this industry is achievable at any age.”

If you are interested in a role at blu-3, check out our current vacancies here: careers.blu-3.co.uk

The post Meet Sean Jessiman, blu-3s youngest Managing Quantity Surveyor appeared first on Blu-3.

blu-3 and our valued supply chain partner Plaspipes Ltd created a new, innovative closed-loop duct recycling initiative, which has claimed a prize in the following categories:
Innovation
Waste Management
Partnerships

The award presentation is on 20th November – stay tuned to hear which prizes we have scooped!

The post blu-3 wins THREE awards at the 2023 Green Apple Environment Awards appeared first on Blu-3.

Danny Chaney, our CEO and Founder, shared insight with Construction & Civil Engineering Magazine into the organization’s successful expansion, current projects and capabilities, and bright future.

“Our track record of long-term relationships with our clients is testament to our passion for people, innovation, and excellence.”

Read the full Construction & Civil Engineering Magazine feature here: https://ow.ly/GPgz50PAozv

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