Andrea’s career began as a Quantity Surveyor for a PQS then moved into contracting, joining Mowlem Civil Engineering then specialising in groundworks.

For the bulk of the last 20 years, Andrea has worked in groundworks as a Quantity Surveyor and made the gradual progression into Estimating. Andrea is now a full time Estimator bringing together her knowledge gained from years site based and surveying for both main and sub-contractors.

Qualifications
• Degree in Quantity Surveying
• Mental Health First Aider
• STEM Ambassador

Profile: 

With a career spanning nearly three decades in the building industry, Ian handles the day-to-day commercial aspects of multiple groundwork projects, ensuring they are completed to the highest standard. His responsibilities include valuing completed work and arranging for timely payments.

Qualifications:

• HND/HNC Building Studies

Profile:

Elaine’s career began as a Quantity Surveyor for main contractors. With over 22 years of experience at Mowlem Construction, Elaine has a proven track record in managing the commercial aspects of entire construction projects.  Elaine has worked for a chartered Quantity Surveyor, specialising in producing Bills of Quantities for main contractors’ tendering purposes. For the past 9 years, Elaine has served as a Senior Quantity Surveyor for groundworks subcontractors.

Qualifications:

• Degree in Quantity Surveying
• Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS)  

Jen joins the team as an apprentice with 2 years experience in the industry.

She is now halfway through her BSc Commercial Management & Quantity Surveying Degree, studying at the University of West of England.  With hopes to swiftly complete her RICS Chartership following graduation, she completes regular site visits, measurement take off’s and contributes time to assist in work undertaken by our Senior Quantity Surveyors.

Josh began his career in the construction industry in 2021 as a Formwork Carpenter, whilst also gaining experience in groundworks.  In 2024, he made the transition to engineering, setting a new trajectory for his professional growth.

Now serving as a Site Engineer, Josh has undergone comprehensive training and developed expertise in several key areas of groundworks subcontracting.  Responsibilities include site setting out, conducting as-built surveys, ensuring quality assurance throughout the project, and issuing RFIs.

Qualifications:

• Skills step 4
• level 3 civil engineer technician
• temporary works supervisor
• PASMA
• Site supervision safety training scheme (SSSTS)
• NPORS ( forward tipping dumper, ride on roller, slingers/signaller, vehicle marshalling)

With over 20 years experience in groundworks, from Engineering to Site Management, Nick deals is proficient in dealing with all aspects of site requirements.

• Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS)
• Construction Contracting Operations Manager NVQ Diploma Level 6
• Red CSCS – Experienced Technical, Supervisor or Manager
• Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAAW)
• Temporary Works Supervisor (TWS)

With over 25 years of experience in groundworks, Liam kickstarted his career in construction as a labourer and progressed through the ranks to become a Site Manager in 2015.

Liam has sccessfully managed a variety of different sized projects from small housing developments to nuclear waste storage units and prestigious projects up to the value of £70m.

Qualifications

SMSTS

SSSTS

Construction Operations Apprenticeship

CSCS NVQ level 2 Groundworks

First Aid at Work

Mental Health First Aider

360 excavator

Dumper

Roller

Slinger/Signaller

Profile:

Formerly a coach at Worcester Warriors and over ten years playing semi-professional rugby, Ryan has a mix of technical and team-focused experience. As a Site Engineer, he specialises in calculating the position and depths of excavations, as well as quality assurance and conducting as-built surveys.

Qualifications

HNC Civil Engineering

BSc (Hons) Sports Science

Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS)

Level 4 Rugby Coaching Award

Profile:

After successfully completing a Masters degree in Engineering, Harrison began his career at a prestigious design practice in London before transitioning to Solum to gain hands-on site experience in management and engineering—a decision he has never regretted. He is currently undergoing his chartership with the Institute of Civil Engineers.

As a Site Engineer/Manager, Harrison thrives on the challenges of engineering solutions within the complex field of groundworks. His day-to-day responsibilities include overseeing project planning, coordinating with contractors, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and managing site operations. He takes great satisfaction in successfully delivering a diverse range of groundworks.

Qualifications:

• Masters degree in Civil Engineering and Architecture
• GMICE
• Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS)
• Construction Site Managers IOSH
• Temporary Works Supervisor
• MHFA Champion
• Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAAW)

Profile

Jon moved to Bristol in 1989 and after exploring various roles, (including that of a milkman), Jon stumbled into groundworks.

Joining Churngold in 1990 as a labourer, he steadily advanced to the position of Contracts Manager by 2001.

Jon was one of the founding directors of Solum SW, having partnered with the other founders at D20, and for 12 years, led the business in ensuring site efficiency and continuous improvement across the company.  Jon now shares his wealth of expertise in his role of Operations Consultant.

Profile:

With almost 30 years of construction industry experience, primarily in the commercial sector, Steve ensures projects are completed efficiently and to the highest quality standards. Starting as a labourer and advancing to roles such as groundworker, plant operative, foreman, and project manager.

Steve has extensive hands-on experience, having primarily worked as a subcontractor for major category A clients. 

Qualifications:

• Asta Power Project
• Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) 
• CPCS Blue card (Categories: Forward Tipping Dumper, Ride on Roller, Excavator 360)
• Environmental Awareness
• LVL 4 NVQ Site Management
• CAT B Asbestos Non Licensed Groundworker
• UKATA Asbestos Non Licensed
• Emergency First Aid at Work
• Site Environmental Awareness Training (SEATS)
• Atal Waterproofing Installation approved
• IOSH

Profile:

An experienced Site Manager with over 25 years of construction experience, specialising in full site management from demolition to project sign-off for commercial and residential properties.

Qualifications

• Level 6 NVQ Diploma in Construction Site Management
• Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS)
• Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) 
• CPCS Blue card (Categories: Forward Tipping Dumper, Telescopic Handler, Ride-on Roller, Slinger/Signaller, Crane Supervisor)
• Temporary Works Supervisor
• PASMA (Prefabricated Access Suppliers’ and Manufacturers’ Association)
• First Aid at Work (3-day)
• Mental Health First Aid
• Suicide Prevention First Aid Training

Profile:

With over 20 years in groundworks, Dave brings a wealth of experience as one of our Site Engineers/Managers.

His role involves overseeing all aspects of site management, from initial planning and design to execution and completion. With a strong focus on quality, he ensures that projects are delivered on time and within budget.

Qualifications:

• HNC in Construction. 
• Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS)
• Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAAW)
• Site Environmental Awareness Training (SEATS) 
• Temporary Works Supervisor
• CPCS Blue card (Categories: Forward Tipping Dumper)
• PASMA
• ATAL Waterproofing

Profile:

Mark provides the site operatives and management with technical information related to a scheme’s design. Using this information, he calculates the locations and depths of excavations and installations required for the site team to complete their work. Additionally, his role includes elements of Quality Assurance and As-Built Surveying that must be completed.

Qualifications and Experience/Education:

• BSc (Hons) Construction Management
• Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) 
• First Aid at Work

Profile:

Nikki guarantees the smooth running of office operations, providing administrative and Health and Safety support, maintains office systems, co-ordinates employee training, oversees the company fleet, manages HR functions for Solum and maintains industry-specific accreditations for compliance.

With over 10 years experience in the construction sector, Nikki has also previously held roles in the Aerospace & Defence and Insurance sectors.

Profile:

With over 20 years of experience in various accounting roles, Maria oversees the purchase ledger, processes and verifies supplier invoices, ensures financial records are accurate and up-to-date, reconciles supplier statements, and handles any discrepancies.

Profile:

James is responsible for overseeing the procurement of all materials for both existing and new sites. He negotiates term deals and rebates with all current key suppliers. Additionally, James assists the estimating team by providing prices for all tenders for future projects. He also compiles all O&M manuals for site handovers.

Tom’s enthusiasm for the construction industry started in his family building business where he worked as a part time labourer during his studies. Following completion of his Building Engineering and Management honours degree in 1999, Tom’s formative years were spent in groundworks’ site engineering and management roles.

Tom went back to his groundworks roots following a project management role for Balfour Beatty, joining Solum in 2015 as a Director.

With over 25 years of groundworks experience and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Building, Tom serves as the Managing Director for Solum, guiding the running and direction of the business.

Prior to joining Solum, Jackie spent over 20 years working as a Professional Services advisor, working for a Big 4 consultancy firm and a South-West accountancy practice. Throughout this time Jackie worked with a wide cross-section of businesses and individuals, primarily advising on the tax implications of the international movement of personnel.

Qualifications:

BSc (hons) Business Administration
Chartered Tax Advisor

Profile

Dan has a diverse background and brings a wealth of over 17 years experience in the construction industry, having held key roles at Beard and Midas Group Ltd.

Starting as a Trainee Quantity Surveyor at Midas and progressing the ranks to Senior Quantity Surveyor, Dan was responsible for overseeing a range of projects, from new builds to refurbishments, with budgets ranging from £250K to £14m. 

As Commercial Manager, Dan plays a vital role in contract reviews, pre-contract activities, payment monitoring, and resolving day-to-day commercial challenges.  Additionally, he remains actively involved in Quantity Surveying duties on some Solum sites.

Profile

Scott has over 20 years of expertise in construction, beginning his journey at the age of 22.  He has worked his way up previously as Contracts Manager, gaining valuable experience on the ground and actively participating in training to enhance his knowledge, having completed an NVQ Level 6 in Construction Constructing Operations Management.

His diverse skill set, combined with a background as a Professional Player for Bristol Bears Rugby and years of semi-professional experience, plays a vital role in ensuring the successful execution of projects at Solum.

Hector’s career began as a groundwork apprentice, where he gained hands-on experience in various aspects of groundwork and formwork. With a passion for learning and development, he transitioned into an engineering role in 2018, further honing his technical expertise. Over the years, Hector has worked his way up with support from experienced site managers, stepping into a site management role in 2022, and gaining valuable experience managing different aspects of sites while also focusing on engineering, including setting up 3D GPS machine control and programming.

In his current role as Contracts Manager, Hector brings a wealth of experience and a keen eye for detail, overseeing the execution of contracts from start to finish while maintaining high standards of safety, quality, and efficiency across multiple projects. Hector is also dedicated to continuous improvement, actively participating in training to enhance his knowledge and skills. He has recently completed his NVQ Level 6 in Construction – Constructing Operations Management, further solidifying his expertise in the field.

Qualifications:

• NVQ Level 6 in Construction – Constructing Operations Management
• Pearson Level 4 HNC in Construction and the Built Environment – Distinction
• Pearson Edexcel Level 4 NVQ Diploma in Construction Site Supervision – Building and Civil Engineering
• Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS)
• MHFA Champion
• Emergency First Aid at Work
• Streetworks Supervisor
• Temporary Works Supervisor
• PASMA