Bachy Soletanche employees are different

We are curious, questioning, and innovative.
We work together, not in silos.

We encourage debate and challenge the norm with a goal of providing outstanding service for our customers. We believe that successful outcomes are based on collaboration, mutual respect and well-resourced teamwork. Bachy Soletanche share a common drive to lead innovation in the Geotechnical sector, with a passion for great design solutions.

Our team is made up of a variety of industry professionals, who have developed their experience and careers with us throughout the years. Our designers, engineers, project managers and workforce all work collaboratively with you to protect your best interests. People remain at the heart of our business, meet just a few of our team who help drive excellence and value throughout our projects, innovations and services.

Steve Ako
Steve AkoPlant Research and Engineering Manager
A Chartered Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years’ experience in the construction industry, Steve learnt his trade as a fabrication welder. With a passion for engineering and problem solving, he has developed his knowledge and experience with Bachy Soletanche. Steve is responsible for research and development programmes, along with engineering innovations. He particularly enjoys motivating other engineers to further develop their careers and push boundaries.
Dafyyd Belshaw
Dafyyd BelshawUK Zone ESG Manager
Since joining Bachy Soletanche in 2019, Dafydd has been responsible for developing and maintaining corporate management systems relating to quality of operations and environmental management in accordance with relevant accreditations. Dafydd has played a key role in implementing sustainable practices within Bachy Soletanche and brings over 20 years of experience in corporate social responsibility and sustainability roles.
Ana Carvalho
Ana CarvalhoDesign Manager
Ana joined Bachy Soletanche in 2014 after moving from her home country of Portugal and is currently leading and developing the Core Business Design team. Ana has over 25 years’ experience as a civil engineer where she has taken on a variety of roles, including design, research, teaching and management. Her career has involved projects across Europe, Africa and South America. In the UK, as a designer or managing design teams, Ana has contributed to prestigious projects including Royal Mint Gardens, King’s Cross and Thames Tideway East. As a mother of three teenagers, Ana enjoys travelling with her family, swimming and running.
Richard Coles
Richard ColesChief Financial Officer
Since qualifying as a chartered accountant in 2003, Richard has worked across a number of different industries including chemicals, laboratory testing, manufacturing and construction. He joined Bachy Soletanche in 2016 and is responsible for managing the finance team, providing accurate and timely reporting of our financial performance. Richard likes to keep fit through long distance running and in 2018 he completed the Dublin Marathon.
Alan D'Urban-Jackson
Alan D'Urban-JacksonCore Business Commercial Manager
Alan joined the team in 2012 and has over 24 years’ experience in the civil and ground engineering industry working across the UK and South Africa. Alan is responsible for leading and developing the Commercial team within the Core Business. When the sun is out, he enjoys a round of golf, running and the general outdoors.
Kevin Doyle
Kevin DoyleHead of Pre-Construction & New Business
Having worked in the construction industry for over 25 years, Kevin brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in areas such as business development, project and contract management, and pre-construction. In his role, Kevin is driving business growth through strengthening key client relationships, encouraging early contractor involvement and identifying new opportunities. As well as leading business development, Kevin is also playing a key role in shaping our marketing and communications strategy.
Rob Gold
Rob GoldUK Plant Manager
Rob has over ten years’ experience in the geotechnical sector and has worked on many prestigious projects in the UK throughout his time, including Ilona Rose House in Tottenham Court Road. Today Rob heads up the Plant Department based in Lancashire, overseeing BSL’s ancillary support services which include Maintenance, Engineering and Innovation, Fabrication, Procurement and Logistics. Outside the yard, he enjoys exercising, reading, listening to music, and spending time with his family.
David Hard
David HardChief Engineer
Having started as a student on a years placement in Paris, David now has over 30 years with the Group. In addition to his time in Paris, David spent five years in the Far East before returning to the UK design team. In his role, he is responsible for the design teams and technical side of the company, which includes ensuring that Bachy Soletanche maintain their reputation with clients and peers for technical ability. Outside work David can be found travelling the world to indulge in his love of white water rafting.
Tamás Kaltenbacher
Tamás KaltenbacherManaging Director
Tamás joined Bachy Soletanche in August 2022 after relocating from Hungary with his wife and three children. Prior to this, he worked for Soletanche Bachy for 17 years, including as Managing Director for its Hungarian subsidiary, HBM. Throughout his 19 years in the industry, Tamás has gained experience in management, design, on-site operations, and leading work-winning teams. Throughout his career, Tamás has also contributed significantly to the wider construction industry, including working as a Board Member of the Geotechnical Department of the Chamber of Engineers, and as the President of the Association of Foundation Contractors. When he’s not busy working, Tamás enjoys being out on the road with his bike.
Chris Merridew
Chris MerridewMajor Projects Director
Chris has over 30 years’ experience in the construction sector and has worked on some of the UK’s most prestigious projects. He has a passion for driving the business forward and is well respected across the industry. When away from the office Chris enjoys outdoor pursuits such as walking, sailing and gardening, along with a keen interest in restoring vintage motorcycles.
David Parker
David ParkerEstimating Manager
With a natural flair for maths and science, David has always had an interest in civil engineering and has acquired over 20 years’ experience in the construction industry. Since his entry into the industry, David has progressed from Contracts Engineer to Estimating Manager, working on a variety of high-profile projects, including the Kings Cross Central redevelopment. He believes that early contractor involvement and having a strong understanding of a client’s requirements are key to delivering a value-engineered solution. When not running around after his children, David enjoys cycling, racketball and renovating his home.
Martin Pedley
Martin PedleyUK Zone Director
Martin joined the team in 2023 and is responsible for the Soletanche Bachy group of companies in the UK. Martin is a Chartered Engineer with over 30 years of industry experience and has worked in senior leadership roles across the world. He has international experience in France, Sweden, Poland, Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia. In his new role, Martin is looking forward to working with the UK and Irish teams to accelerate the growth of the business and further improve its position within the industry. During his time off, Martin enjoys walking and trail running, as well as taking any opportunity he can to travel.
Louise Pugh
Louise PughHead of HR
Louise joined Bachy Soletanche in 2002 and is responsible for all aspects of HR including recruitment, employee relations, learning and development, and people management. She particularly enjoys facilitating change, incorporating new teams and ensuring all employees receive the best experience possible.
Sivilay Sayavong
Sivilay Sayavong Technical Manager
Sivilay has been in the construction industry for 15 years and is currently working as Technical Manager on the flagship HS2 project as part of the SB3 joint venture. Other notable projects she has worked on include the Thames Tideway Tunnel and the Thames Water Lee Tunnel. Sivilay grew up in France and always had a passion for STEM subjects. Her other interests include horse-riding and travelling.
Martin Stanley
Martin StanleySouthern Business Unit Manager
Martin Stanley is a Chartered Civil Engineer & Fellow of the Geological Society with 18 years’ experience working with Bachy Soletanche since his graduation from Imperial College London in 2005. Martin has worked on broad range of projects in the water, energy, transport, infrastructure and commercial sectors and now heads up the Southern Business Unit team. Martin enjoys hockey and mountain biking alongside spending time with his young family, producing miniature recreations of our works using Lego.
Graham Trafford
Graham TraffordGroup Finance Director
Graham joined the company shortly after qualifying as Chartered Certified Accountant in 1997. His role ensures the robustness and integrity of our financial reporting processes, along with responsibilities for IT, procurement and fleet. Graham has a passion for food, cooking and travel, along with leading an active lifestyle through distance running.
Andy West
Andy WestCommercial Director
With over 40 years in the construction industry, Andy is an experienced and respected employee of Bachy Soletanche. During his 33 years with the business, Andy has been responsible for the contractual relationships we hold with our clients, subcontractors and suppliers. Key to the success of his role, is being able to amicably resolve contract negotiations for the benefit of all parties. A keen football fan, Andy is an ever-optimistic supporter of Plymouth Argyle.
Sophie Vicard
Sophie VicardGeotechnical Project Manager
Born in the French Alps, Sophie came over to the UK to complete an internship for her Geotechnical Engineering Master’s degree in 2013 and has been here ever since. With eight years in the industry, Sophie has been involved in core business and major projects, including recently leading the geotechnical works at the Thames Tideway Tunnel and as a Site Engineer on the Lee Tunnel project. Sophie is a self-confessed hard worker, but when she does give herself a break, she enjoys travelling, hiking, and reading on her balcony with a nice glass of wine.
Ruth Webster
Ruth WebsterSenior Contract Engineer
Starting off her career as a receptionist at Bachy Soletanche, Ruth has worked her way up through the company to her current role of Senior Contract Engineer, which she began in 2017. Ruth discovered her love for engineering after securing a contract engineering apprenticeship at the company in 2007. She is also regularly invited to speak to university students to offer advice on getting into the industry. When Ruth is not busy overseeing projects, she enjoys spending time with friends and family.

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