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ASTEC EXPANDS TO ADD SPECIALIST RECRUITMENT TO ITS OPERATION - 20/06/2008
In a positive move to broaden its recruitment capability, engineering consultancy and managed contractor service provider, ASTEC Group Limited, has acquired a specialist recruitment consultancy. Aberdeen-based, Energen Personnel Limited specialises in permanent and contract recruitment for UK and overseas-based companies of all sizes and across all skills sets within the oil and gas and energy industries. After recognising that its associate consultants’ skills could be transferred ...morebetween industries to fill skills’ gaps flexibly in both, the Alderley Edge-based ASTEC Group successfully expanded its operations in 2008 by setting up ASTEC Oil & Gas Limited in Aberdeen as a sister company to ASTEC Services Limited. ASTEC Services has successfully provided flexible resources to major blue chip clients in the nuclear industry since 1994 and ASTEC Oil and Gas will take the business model to the new industry by applying the SQEP (Suitably Qualified and Experienced Personnel) competence requirement. Through Energen, ASTEC has broadened its offering to the market by providing a permanent recruitment and contractor service as well as the more traditional ASTEC consultancy. The group now has the ability to provide a comprehensive service across a wide range of skills sets to clients in both industry sectors. Andy Thompson, ASTEC Group CEO, said: "This acquisition is a significant step for both companies. ASTEC has broadened its client base in the oil and gas industry and now added a permanent recruitment solution to its portfolio. On the other hand, Energen has access to the nuclear market and an increased level of investment for future development. Efficiency gains will also be made as a result of the acquisition, which will help all parts of the organisation to grow. "Energen Personnel is highly regarded in the market for matching meticulously the correct skills to clients’ needs, looking to add value by following a rigorous process for each requirement. This approach compliments ASTEC’s philosophy extremely well. "The group also recognises that its flexible and mobile resource could meet the increased skills’ demand within the ever-growing renewable energy sector and the new build planned for its core business in the nuclear industry." Andrew Joss, managing director of Energen, added: "The synergies between Energen Personnel’s ongoing business strategy to develop into other energy markets and the ASTEC Group’s current operations are an excellent fit. The merger between the companies accelerates these dramatically and is excellent news for our clients, as our capability to attract candidates with transferable skills sets from other industries has moved up several gears."
ASTEC LEADS SUCCESSFUL SIZEWELL POND SAFETY PROJECT - 19/05/2008
ASTEC Services, the Cheshire-based engineering consultancy, has been praised by Magnox for providing highly SQEP people to lead and execute a vital ponds’ safety project at Sizewell A. The ponds’ project Led by ASTEC’s Gordon Wilkinson-Tough, with significant support and input from ASTEC associate, Mark Lee. The project team produced a robust ponds’ safety case, and the successful model is now being applied to similar case work at other Magnox sites. Steve Rickett, engineering ...moremanager at Magnox South, said: "I am delighted to report that the presentation of our ponds’ safety case to the Nuclear Safety Committee was a success. The case was well received and produced several comments on its quality and robustness. "The plant tour which followed exhibited our engineering achievements and the step change in our operational culture, both of which are no less important than the case itself. The project has required considerable effort and each individual has made a significant contribution towards its success. I would like to say a sincere thank you for everyone’s commitment to making this happen."
ASTEC DOUBLES ITS OPERATION TO IMPROVE SERVICES TO OFFSHORE INDUSTRY - 18/10/2007
The Cheshire-based engineering consultancy and managed contractor service provider, ASTEC Services, has opened a second office in Aberdeen, from where a newly-appointed business manager will provide a hands-on service to the offshore industry. This major move by ASTEC follows the company’s first appearance at Offshore Europe 2007, which further strengthened its position within the oil and gas industry. Derek Penny, who gained a physics degree at Glasgow University and an MBA at Dundee, ...morejoins the ASTEC business team from the Imes Group with more than 20 years’ experience in both the global upstream and downstream oil and gas industries. Derek has also held director and senior management positions with ’blue chip’ companies such as Shell, Tyco and ABB. Derek’s spent his formative years in engineering, manufacturing, R & D, strategic business development and engineered solutions’ provision, all of which make him well-equipped to meet the needs of ASTEC clients by supplying the most highly skilled engineers. Andy Thompson, ASTEC managing director, said: "Opening an Aberdeen office was the next logical step in taking our offshore business forward both within the UK and overseas. This, combined with Derek’s appointment, will make our services local and immediate. "Given his successful track record, we are delighted to have Derek on board and confident that he will be instrumental in ASTEC becoming a more significant player among the larger and more established oil and gas industry companies." Derek said: "ASTEC is well respected within safety and engineering services and consultancy and I welcome the challenge of growing the business at a time when demand for competent personnel outstrips supply. It is good to be part of the solution to successful people placement and development, changing the key engineers’ work/lifestyle balance in the process and delivering improved asset performance for clients."
ASTEC JOINS FORCES WITH MAJOR OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY PLAYERS - 03/09/2007
During the run-up to the company’s first showing at Offshore Europe, ASTEC Services, the Cheshire-based engineering consultancy and managed contractor service provider, has secured contracts with three of the best known names in the oil and gas world. After working under an agreement with AMEC Nuclear, a division of the leading international project management services company, for a number of years, ASTEC has now reaped the rewards of the client service it has delivered and been accepted on ...moreto the approved supplier list of the company’s oil and gas division. Brenda Fraser, senior recruitment adviser for AMEC Oil and Gas, said: "Our division looks forward to working in partnership with ASTEC in the productive manner in which our nuclear division has worked with the company in recent years. ASTEC has the ability to match our requirements based on the fluctuations of the market place and labour force. It is a highly professional and honest company which responds to client needs and tailors its services accordingly." In addition to its new AMEC agreement, ASTEC has signed supply agreements with the subsea engineering and construction contractor, Subsea 7 and Genesis Oil and Gas Consultants. Andy Thompson, ASTEC managing director, said: "These prestigious agreements represent a major inroad by the company into the oil and gas sector. They provide the opportunity to achieve our strategic aim of extending to this sector the proven service we have delivered to the nuclear industry for the last 13 years. "The fact that such key players in the industry have put their faith in ASTEC is a significant boost for all of our staff who work in the sector."
ASTEC REWARDED FOR A JOB WELL DONE - 17/07/2007
The instrumental role played by the Cheshire-based engineering consultancy, ASTEC Services Limited in the successful delivery of the Magnox Strategic Alliance contract has led to the company being included in a new consortium which has been contracted to provide specialist technical services to the nuclear generator Magnox Electric. Continuing its long-standing association with Magnox’s Engineering, Science and Technology Directorate (ES&T), ASTEC Services has become a member of the TESSA ...moreconsortium led by Serco Technical and Assurance Services, and also comprising Frazer-Nash Consultancy and Jacobs Engineering. Under a £15m contract the consortium will deliver technical and engineering support to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the remaining two generating Magnox sites during the five year run up to the end of their de-fuelling phase. Earlier this year, in partnership with the same companies, ASTEC Services completed the seven year alliance contract, supplying £16m engineering consultancy as part of a £200m ’one stop shop’ which provided additional engineering support and enabled Magnox to undertake all site project work associated with the central function. Eliminating protracted procurement and bidding processes, the contract has been widely acknowledged for its effective delivery and excellent safety record. Through the consortium, ES&T can utilise the collective expertise of its engineers and technical experts to supplement its own capabilities, forming a powerful and flexible tool for resolving complex technical issues. The range of services provided will include safety case management, systems engineering, analysis of safety-critical structures and outage support. Andy Thompson, managing director of ASTEC Services, said: "We are delighted to be continuing our relationship with Magnox as a member of the TESSA consortium. The combined capability of the four companies involved not only gives Magnox added technical strength to support ongoing generation, but also the ability to tackle emerging issues quickly by assembling experienced staff at short notice. "Furthermore, the consortium experts’ intimate knowledge of Magnox systems, combined with their established working relationships with ES&T and site personnel, will undoubtedly produce further cost savings resulting from effective teamwork."
ASTEC TAKES TO THE GLOBAL OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY STAGE - 17/07/2007
ASTEC Services Limited, the Cheshire-based engineering consultancy, is to exhibit at Offshore Europe for the first time. The company sees this as an opportunity to showcase to a global audience its considerable expertise in servicing the oil and gas industry. It is confident that the rewards to be gained will far outweigh the considerable investment which the move represents. Andy Thompson, ASTEC managing director, said: "I am pleased to say that we are winning more and more business from ...morewithin the oil and gas industry and the time is right to present our wide ranging services to the industry’s most influential decision-makers, industry leaders and policy makers. As one of the industry’s most prestigious international events, Offshore Europe is undoubtedly the ideal place to do so." Offshore Europe 2007 takes place at Aberdeen Conference Centre on September 4th-7th when ASTEC will be on the EIC Stand No. 827
ASTEC Associate commendation for contribution and dedication - 11/01/2007
ASTEC Associate Tom Bolger was recently given recognition for his work from Gafyn Jones a project Lead at Wylfa. Tom has recently joined ASTEC as an Associate and was immediately deployed on the high profile TA4 project at Wylfa Nuclear Power Station. Mr Jones commented “… that Turbine 4 was successfully returned to service of TA4 on the 5th November. Tom then continued with completion of TA4 work and carried out surveys of our other turbine support systems. I would like to convey our ...moreappreciation of Tom’s valuable contribution and dedication to the return to service of Turbine 4.” Well done Tom.
New Business Managers - 10/01/2007
ASTEC is pleased to announce additions to the Business Team. John Redhead joins the company as Business Manager with responsibility for all our business with Nuclear Licensed Site Operators. John, who has over 20 years experience in the UK Nuclear Industry, joins ASTEC from RWE Nukem, and was previously with INBIS and NNC. John is a Charted Engineer and spent his formative years in structural engineering and stress analysis, he also has an MBA and significant strategic experience in ...morebusiness development in the nuclear industry. John will take over day to day running of this sector from Dave Barraclough, as the Strategic Alliance comes to an end and Dave eases himself into his Company Chairman’s role. In addition to John’s recruitment, Daniel Hitch has taken up the position of Business Manager on a full time basis. Daniel has been with the company for two years in the Resourcing Team, where he has made a valuable contribution to the growth of the company. He now has a new challenge, taking responsibility for the Prime Contractors business sector. Dan has an MSc in fracture mechanics and has previously worked in the automotive industry and more recently with AEA Technology in a business management role.
Valuable Contribution to Continued Operation of Wylfa Nuclear Power Station - 06/06/2006
Dr. Barrie Scruton, an ASTEC Services Associate Consultant, recently received a letter of thanks from Harry Steven, Magnox E&TS Generation Support Branch Manager. In the letter, Mr Steven referred to: “his important contribution to the natural circulation safety case for Wylfa. Your calculations together with the tests on site to validate the calculations have allowed a safety case to be made without the need for the circulators to be seismically qualified”. The Case Officer commented ...morethat full seismic qualifications of the gas circulators would be impossible for these old components and any additional mechanical modifications would be prohibitively expensive. The case also involved further calculation support from Don Gordon of Serco. The original calculation method had been developed some years ago by Dr. Scruton and the use of the existing expertise allowed the job to be carried out more rapidly and reliably. The successful submission of the case was a requirement for continued operation of the reactors at Wylfa.
ASTEC Wins British Nuclear Group Agency Supply Contract - 27/03/2006
Following a significant investment in the competitive bid process, ASTEC is delighted to be appointed as part of the team that will supply all Temporary External Workers (TEWs) to both British Nuclear Group Reactor Sites and Project Services for the next 3 years with an option on an additional year. ASTEC Services has been included to provide professional engineering and safety staff on the basis of the quality of the service we have traditionally provided to Magnox. ASTEC joins Reed ...more(financial) and Randstad (clerical and admin.) on Tier 2 of the supply chain, with Morson International as the Managed Vendor. “A place on this contract was fundamental to our plans to grow and diversify ASTEC”, commented recently appointed MD, Andy Thompson, “The increased volume this contract has the potential to deliver will be the firm base on which we build the future of the company.” Although the actual total value of the contract will depend on demand, it expected to exceed £20million p.a., with ASTEC aiming to secure a significant share of this total. The news of this contract sucess consolidates ASTEC’s position within British Nuclear Group, alongside the existing RSS Alliance business. The contract, which becomes live on 1st April 2006 means that all future demand for temporary resources from all existing Magnox sites and from Project Services will be met by this supply chain.
ASTEC Joins Energy Industries Council - 20/03/2006
ASTEC Services has joined the EIC as a commitment to its future business across all areas of the energy industry in the UK, in particular the future nuclear industry and the oil and gas industry. The membership will allow ASTEC’s business development staff to identify key projects at the earliest possible opportunity and assess where and when to seek entry to the supply chain. In addition the various events organised by EIC will provide a showcase for ASTEC as we diversify and expand in new ...moremarket areas. The EIC’s commitment to the future of the nuclear industry in the UK was a major factor in the decision to join. “The EIC has always been seen as a fundamentally Oil and Gas related body”, stated Chairman Dave Barraclough, “The investment we have made would not be justifiable on this basis alone. However, seeing how EIC are putting significant resources into the nuclear arena – particularly decommissioning, makes our membership look very exciting.”
ASTEC Appoints Contract Manager in anticipation of TEW Contract - 06/03/2006
After several months assisting ASTEC in a Business Development and Strategy roles, Graham Taylor has agreed to add the responsibility of TEW Contract Manager to his existing Business Manager (British Nuclear Group) remit. When the contract goes live on 1st April, Graham will be responsible for all aspects of the work including liaison with the other partner companies and the ultimate client. Graham will report directly to Andy Thompson. Graham has a PhD in metallurgy and is a Chartered ...moreEngineer who has been in the nuclear power industry since joining CEGB over 30 years ago. He has gained experience in a wide range of significant roles within firstly CEGB, followed by Nuclear Electric and BNFL Magnox, including two Group Head roles for Materials & INSA, and Inspection & Monitoring. He has been responsible for preparing and reviewing nuclear Safety Cases, including complex structural integrity case and as Technical Project Manager he was responsible for the £30M repairs to boiler seam welds at Sizewell A. Before leaving BNFL to join ASTEC he was the External Science and Technology Manager for BNFL based at Risley.
New Year – New Image - 01/02/2006
As the New Year gets going, ASTEC has decided to have a bit of a makeover in the corporate image department. Our ‘Yellow Sun’ Logo has now set into retirement and a new modern use of the ‘A’ in ASTEC is our key basis of our new image and will figure dominantly in our stationery and marketing. We are in the process of changing all stationery and have also commissioned a corporate brochure and information sheets and the current web site is also going to be replaced in the near future. Although ...moreASTEC’s reputation and image in the nuclear industry is well regarded, the new, more modern and professional look will give the marketing and business development teams the tools they require to promote ASTEC as we move into new and exciting market areas.
Dave Barraclough – Chairman of the Board - 01/11/2005
As we start the new ASTEC financial year, Dave Barraclough has formally stepped into the role of the company’s Chairman. After eleven successful years at the helm, Dave has handed over operational control of the company to Andy Thompson as Managing Director. Dave’s vision in setting up ASTEC in 1994 and growing it into the company it is today ensures a bright future for the company and our associates. Dave will continue in the company with the dual roles of Chairman and Business Manager (RSS ...moreAlliance), and he claims that he will reduce his time to a mere 40 hours per week!!
Company Chairman on top of the World - 01/10/2005
After 10 years as Managing Director of ASTEC Services, Dave Barraclough started ‘retirement’ in October with a trek to the Everest Basecamp in the Himalayas. A group of four friends planned the trip for 12 months, joining a charity trek for Diabetes UK, with 28 members to travel via Katmandu to the Nepalese foothills of the world’s highest mountains. Dave came back ready for a re-run after a wonderful experience. “The trip was very memorable and all went extremely well. In particular, the ...moreweather was almost perfect for the full thirteen days that we were in the mountains and we were wonderfully looked after by a large team of sherpas, who did all the cooking, carrying and organizing tents. Although the 120 kilometer path is as well trodden as many Lake District paths, it was remarkable to go for two weeks without electricity, seeing a car or using a phone or computer!”
New Managing Director - 01/09/2005
ASTEC Services is pleased to announce the appointment of Andy Thompson as the company’s new Managing Director. Andy who came to us from Frazer-Nash Consultancy, is a Chartered Engineer with an MBA in Engineering Management and has spent the last eleven years in engineering consultancy roles before joining ASTEC. Andy’s technical expertise (although he admits to not having done any “real engineering” for some time!) is in Computational Fluid Dynamics, a technology which he used on a number ...moreof consultancy projects in the Oil and Gas Industry in the mid-90’s, during his time with Fluent (the world leader in CFD Software). He moved into project management and business development roles with Fluent, before joining Frazer-Nash in 2000, where he was variously responsible for the management of the Rail, Oil & Gas and Industrial business sectors, as well as a spell as Technical Manager of the Burton-on-Trent office.