Posts by Caroline Kratz

Event News Business Practice Contaminated Land Data Management Development Fund Executive Geotechnical Instrumentation & Monitoring Laboratories Loss Prevention Safety Sustainability

Save the Date – Annual Conference 2026

Save the Date – Annual Conference 2026
2026-03-1919th Mar 2026

We’re pleased to announce that our flagship event, the Annual Conference will return to One Great George Street in London’s Westminster on Thursday 19th March 2026.

Chaired by Alex Lee (AGS Chair and Partner at HKA), this full day, CPD event will feature a series of expert speakers from across the geotechnical and geoenvironmental sector.

The conference will also include short reports from each of the AGS Working Group Leaders who will summarise their aims and accomplishments over the past 12 months, and will conclude with a networking drinks and canapé reception in the Great Hall.

Further information on the event including speaker details and the event theme will be announced in due course.

To register your interest email Caroline Kratz on ags@ags.org.uk

SPONSORSHIP

Sponsoring the AGS Annual Conference offers a unique opportunity to position your company at the heart of the UK’s geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering community. With a highly engaged audience of industry leaders, technical specialists, and decision-makers, the event provides unrivalled visibility, valuable networking, and meaningful alignment with the sector’s leading voices. Sponsorship not only supports knowledge-sharing and best practice but also demonstrates a clear commitment to advancing the industry.

We have sponsorship opportunities available for both Members and non-Members of the Association who wish to have a presence during the event. For full details of all available packages please click HERE.

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Early Careers Workplace Innovations Poster Competition 2025

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Thank you to those who entered our AGS Early Careers Workplace Innovations poster competition. We received some wonderful submissions, each with their own unique take on the competition brief.

The judges, Vivien Dent (AGS Chair, Environment Agency), Sally Hudson (AGS Past-Chair, Coffey Geotechnics), Alex Lee (AGS Chair-Elect, HKA) and Geraint Williams (Contaminated Land WG Leader, HKA) had the challenging task of judging the entries, but we’re pleased to announce that Luqman Ismail (Jacobs) came out on top with his poster which focused on drone-based survey techniques.

Congratulations to Luqman – he won a Selfridges hamper, entry to the AGS Annual Conference plus a double page spread within AGS Magazine, showcasing his entry and inspiration behind the poster.

Thank you to all those who took the time to submit an entry – they were all showcased at the AGS Annual Conference and viewed by our 240 attending delegates.

Article Event Data Management

AGS Data Conference – Sponsorship Opportunities

AGS Data Conference – Sponsorship Opportunities
2025-12-0404th Dec 2025
Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum

The AGS is pleased to announce details of the AGS Data Conference – Discuss, Engage, Evolve. This  full-day, CPD event is taking place on Thursday 4th December at ThinkTank Birmingham Science Museum.

Sponsoring the AGS Data Conference offers a unique opportunity to position your company at the forefront of innovation in a rapidly evolving field. It’s a unique opportunity to showcase your company’s expertise, connect with industry leaders, and demonstrate your commitment to advancing data-driven solutions that improve safety, efficiency, and sustainability in ground engineering.

Please see details below of our available sponsorship packages for both Members and non-Members of the Association who wish to have a presence at this highly targeted conference. All listed rates exclude VAT.

CATERING SPONSOR* (AGS Member Rate: £1600 / Non-Member Rate: £2100)

  • Company logo featured on catering tables
  • Two/three page company/individual Q&A in AGS Magazine (over 7,550 subscribers)**
  • Full page advert in AGS Magazine (worth £400)**
  • Entry for three delegates into the conference
  • A designated area to exhibit company initiatives, research and software during the conference. This exhibition space can also be used to showcase marketing materials, company literature, research and banners
  • Company logo on the event presentation holding slide
  • Company logo, overview and URL on the event programme
  • Company overview and URL on the AGS website
  • Company logo featured in promotional emails
  • Three company posts on the AGS’ LinkedIn page (over 8,950 followers)
  • Company inclusion in pre-event and post-event articles in AGS Magazine (over 7,550 subscribers)
    *one package available
    **terms and conditions apply

 

EMERALD SPONSOR (AGS Member Rate: £1350/ Non-Member Rate: £1755)

  • Full page advert in AGS Magazine (worth £400, over 7550 subscribers)**
  • A designated area to exhibit company initiatives, research and software during the conference. This exhibition space can also be used to showcase marketing materials, company literature, research and banners
  • Entry for three delegates into the conference
  • Company logo on the event presentation holding slide
  • Company logo, overview and URL on the event programme
  • Company overview and URL on the AGS website
  • Company logo featured in promotional emails
  • Two company posts on the AGS’ LinkedIn page (over 8,950 followers)
  • Company inclusion in pre-event and post-event articles in AGS Magazine (over 7,550 subscribers)

GOLD SPONSOR – (AGS Member Rate: £1200/ Non-Member Rate: £1560)

  • A designated area to exhibit company initiatives, research and software during the conference. This exhibition space can also be used to showcase marketing materials, company literature and banners
  • Entry for two delegates into the conference
  • 1/4-page advert in AGS Magazine (worth £160, over 7,550 subscribers)
  • Company logo on the event presentation holding slide
  • Company logo, overview and URL on the event programme
  • Company overview and URL on the AGS website
  • Company logo featured in promotional emails
  • One company posts on the AGS’ LinkedIn page (over 8,950 followers)
  • Company inclusion in pre-event and post-event articles in AGS Magazine (over 7,550 subscribers)

ASSOCIATE SPONSOR (AGS Member Rate: £600 Non-Member Rate: £840)

  • Entry for one delegate into the conference
  • Company directory in AGS magazine (worth £50, over 7,550 subscribers)
  • Company logo on the event presentation holding slide
  • Company logo, overview and URL on the event programme
  • Company overview and URL on the AGS website
  • Company logo featured in promotional emails
  • One company post on the AGS’ LinkedIn page (over 8,950 followers)
  • Company inclusion in pre-event and post-event articles in AGS Magazine (over 7,550 subscribers)

If you’d like to confirm your support, please contact Caroline Kratz on ags@ags.org.uk. Please note that packages are limited and are offered on a first come, first served basis.

Article Event Business Practice Data Management Executive Geotechnical Instrumentation & Monitoring Laboratories Loss Prevention Safety Sustainability

AGS Event Programme 2025

AGS Event Programme 2025
1970-01-011970-01-01

[webinar] Effective Procurement of Ground Investigations

AGS Annual Conference

  • Thursday 1st May
  • One Great George Street, London
  • AGS member companies are entitled to a limited number of complimentary tickets. Additional tickets are priced at £115 for AGS members, and £185 for non-members (ex VAT).
  • Click here for details and to register.

[webinar] Sustainability – Practical Steps for AGS Members

[webinar] Trial Pitting; Controlling the Risks

  • Wednesday 24th September
  • 11:00 – 13:00
  • FOC for AGS members / £50 (plus VAT) for non-members.
  • To register your interest and for sponsorship opportunities email ags@ags.org.uk

AGS Data Conference 2025

  • Thursday 4th December
  • Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum
  • To register your interest and for sponsorship opportunities email ags@ags.org.uk
Article Business Practice Contaminated Land Data Management Executive Geotechnical Instrumentation & Monitoring Laboratories Loss Prevention Safety Sustainability

Early Careers Poster Competition 2025

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The AGS Early Careers Poster Competition is returning for a second year, this time with a new theme of workplace innovations.

This year, we’d like to see examples of innovations in your line of work designed into a captivating and eye-catching poster. Examples could include using remote sensing, incorporating Artificial Intelligence into projects, adopting innovative ground investigation techniques or practicing unique innovations in digital technology.

The poster should be colourful, eye-catching and aim to inspire businesses to become more innovative.

The winner will receive a Selfridges hamper worth approximately £100, free entry to attend the Annual Conference and Networking Reception on Thursday 1st May in London, plus have their poster and an accompanying article printed in AGS Magazine, which reaches over 6,600 industry professionals 6 times a year.

All posters submitted will be printed and displayed at the Annual Conference.

To enter, email your A4 poster alongside your full name and company to ags@ags.org.uk. Entry closes on Friday 11th April at 9pm.

ENTRY INFORMATION

Posters should be submitted in a high resolution (300dpi), A4 format and can be created by any means, from drawing by hand, utilising photography, to computer-generated artwork.

Entrants should have no more than 10 years industry experience.

Please note that all submitted posters will be printed and displayed at the AGS Annual Conference.

To enter, please email your poster alongside your full name and company to Caroline Kratz at ags@ags.org.uk with the subject title ‘AGS Poster Competition’. The deadline for entries is Friday 11th April at 9pm.

ABOUT THE AGS ANNUAL CONFERENCE

The Annual Conference is the flagship event in the AGS’ calendar. Taking place on 1st May 2025 at One Great George Street in London, the event will see over 240 geotechnical and geoenvironmental professionals in attendance.

This year’s Annual Conference has an overarching theme of the future and the AGS will be donating a percentage of profits made to Projects for Nature, an initiative which aims to restore nature recovery in the UK.

For further information and to register click HERE or email ags@ags.org.uk

Article Event Business Practice Contaminated Land Data Management Executive Geotechnical Instrumentation & Monitoring Laboratories Loss Prevention Safety Sustainability

AGS Annual Conference 2026 – Sponsorship Opportunities

AGS Annual Conference 2026 – Sponsorship Opportunities
2026-03-1919th Mar 2026

We’re pleased to announce that the AGS Annual Conference will return once again to One Great George Street in London’s Westminster on Thursday 19th March 2026.

The programme will include a full-day, CPD conference in the stunning Great Hall and refurbished Telford Theatre, followed by a Networking Drinks and Canapé Reception.

Sponsoring the AGS Annual Conference offers a unique opportunity to position your company at the heart of the UK’s geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering community. With a highly engaged audience of industry leaders, technical specialists, and decision-makers, the event provides unrivalled visibility, valuable networking, and meaningful alignment with the sector’s leading voices. Sponsorship not only supports knowledge-sharing and best practice but also demonstrates a clear commitment to advancing the industry.

We have sponsorship opportunities available for both Members and non-Members of the Association who wish to have a presence during the event. Please see details below.

NETWORKING DRINKS RECEPTION SPONSOR* (AGS Member Rate: £2,150 / Non-Member Rate: £2500) 

  • Company logo on the drinks and canape menu
  • Company logo on selected drinks
  • 2x pull-up banners in the Great Hall, during the Drinks Reception
  • Full page advert in AGS Magazine (worth £400)**
  • Entry for four delegates into the Annual Conference
  • An exhibition space which may be used to showcase company initiatives, research, software and marketing materials. This area has space for two standard pull-up banners.
  • Company logo on the conference lectern
  • Company logo on the event presentation holding slide
  • Company logo, overview and URL on the event programme
  • Company overview and URL on the AGS website
  • Company logo featured in promotional emails
  • Three company posts on the AGS’ LinkedIn page (over 9,150 followers)

Company inclusion in pre- and post-event articles in AGS Magazine (over 7680 subscribers)
*one package available
**terms and conditions apply

 

CANAPE SPONSOR* (AGS Member Rate: £1850 / Non-Member Rate: £2,595) 

  • Company logo on the drinks and canapé menu
  • Company logo on the canapé flags
  • Full page advert in AGS Magazine (worth £400)**
  • Entry for three delegates into the Annual Conference
  • An exhibition space which may be used to showcase company initiatives, research, software and marketing materials. This area has space for two standard pull-up banners.
  • Company logo on the conference lectern
  • Company logo on the event presentation holding slide
  • Company logo, overview and URL on the event programme
  • Company overview and URL on the AGS website
  • Company logo featured in promotional emails
  • Three company posts on the AGS’ LinkedIn page (over 9,150 followers)

Company inclusion in pre- and post-event articles in AGS Magazine (over 7680 subscribers)
*one package available
**terms and conditions apply

 

DIAMOND SPONSOR* (AGS Member Rate: £1850 / Non-Member Rate: £2,595) 

  • Company logo featured across all food menus in the Great Hall
  • Full page advert in AGS Magazine (worth £400)**
  • Entry for three delegates into the Annual Conference
  • An exhibition space which may be used to showcase company initiatives, research, software and marketing materials. This area has space for two standard pull-up banners.
  • Company logo on the conference lectern
  • Company logo on the event presentation holding slide
  • Company logo, overview and URL on the event programme
  • Company overview and URL on the AGS website
  • Company logo featured in promotional emails
  • Three company posts on the AGS’ LinkedIn page (over 9,150 followers)

Company inclusion in pre- and post-event articles in AGS Magazine (over 7680 subscribers)
*one package available
**terms and conditions apply

 

EMERALD SPONSOR (AGS Member Rate: £1650/ Non-Member Rate: £2300)

  • An exhibition space which may be used to showcase company initiatives, research, software and marketing materials. This area has space for two standard pull-up banners.
  • Entry for three delegates into the Annual Conference
  • Full page advert in AGS Magazine (worth £400, over 7680 subscribers)**
  • Company logo on the conference lectern
  • Company logo on the event presentation holding slide
  • Company logo, overview and URL on the event programme
  • Company overview and URL on the AGS website
  • Company logo featured in promotional emails
  • Two company posts on the AGS’ LinkedIn page (over 9,150followers)
  • Company inclusion in pre- and post-event articles in AGS Magazine (over 7680 subscribers)

GOLD SPONSOR (AGS Member Rate: £1,500 / Non-Member Rate: £2,000)

  • An exhibition space which may be used to showcase company initiatives, research, software and marketing materials. This area has space for two standard pull-up banners.
  • Entry for two delegates into the Annual Conference
  • 1/4-page advert in AGS magazine (worth £160, over 7680 subscribers)
  • Company logo on the conference lectern
  • Company logo on the event presentation holding slide
  • Company logo, overview and URL on the event programme
  • Company overview and URL on the AGS website
  • Company logo featured in promotional emails
  • Two company posts on the AGS’ LinkedIn page (over 9,150 followers)
  • Company inclusion in pre and post-event articles in AGS Magazine (over 7680 subscribers)

ASSOCIATE SPONSOR (AGS Member Rate: £800 Non-Member Rate: £1000)

  • Entry for one delegate into the Annual Conference
  • Company directory in AGS magazine (worth £50, over 7680 subscribers)
  • Company logo on the conference lectern
  • Company logo on the event presentation holding slide
  • Company logo, overview and URL on the event programme
  • Company overview and URL on the AGS website
  • Company logo featured in promotional emails
  • One company post on the AGS’ LinkedIn page (over 9,150 followers)
  • Company inclusion in pre and post-event articles in AGS Magazine (over 7680 subscribers)

All rates exclude VAT. If you’d like to confirm your support, please contact Caroline Kratz on ags@ags.org.uk. Packages are offered on a first come, first served basis.

Please note that once payment has been made, the AGS is unable to offer refunds on any sponsorship packages.

Article News Business Practice Contaminated Land Data Management Executive Geotechnical Instrumentation & Monitoring Laboratories Loss Prevention Safety Sustainability

Early Careers Video: Discover a Rewarding Career in the Geo-Industry

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Our new early careers video discusses the many different career paths which are open to graduates entering the geo-industry.

If you’re a graduate and have studied geology, geography, environmental science, civil engineering or have a passion for the environment, then a career in the geo-sciences could be for you.

There are many different avenues within our sector to explore; from working on small pre-construction building projects, to large earthworks movements, to detailed laboratory analysis. You can be part of a team developing solutions for construction, engineering and renewable energy, or be focused on cleaning up the environment and keeping the public safe from harmful materials in the ground. Whatever pathway you choose, you’ll be helping to shape the industry for future generations.

Take a look at the video for full details.

Please note that industry representatives are welcome to use this video when promoting the geo-industry within schools. For further information email ags@ags.org.uk.
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Early Careers Sustainability Competition Entries

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Thank you to those who entered our AGS Early Careers Sustainability Poster competition. We received 21 entries from across 18 different companies, each with their own unique take on the competition brief.

The judges, Vivien Dent (AGS Chair, Environment Agency), Sally Hudson (AGS Past-Chair, Coffey Geotechnics) and Alex Lee (AGS Chair-Elect, HKA) had the challenging task of judging the entries, but were pleased to announce that Molly Kirven (Balfour Beatty) came out on top.

Congratulations to Molly – she’s won a Selfridges hamper, entry to the AGS Annual Conference plus a double page spread within AGS Magazine, showcasing her entry and inspiration behind the poster.

Thank you to all those who took the time to submit an entry – they were all showcased at the AGS Annual Conference and viewed by our 230+ attending delegates.

Article News Business Practice Contaminated Land Data Management Executive Geotechnical Instrumentation & Monitoring Laboratories Loss Prevention Safety Sustainability

AGS Awards 2024

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We’re delighted to announce this year’s AGS Award winners!

Chosen from a select number of AGS Working Group Members, these winners were nominated by their Working Group Leaders in testament to their hard work and dedication to the AGS over the past year.

A huge well done and thank you to the following Award and commendation winners for their extraordinary work and ongoing contributions to the AGS:

Contaminated Land Working Group Award Winners

  • Andrew Tranter, Associate Technical Director at RSK
  • Darren Makin, GI Geoenvironmental Lead at Socotec

Executive Award Winner

  • Alex Dent, Associate Director at WSP

Executive Commendation

  • Alison Nicholson, Geoenvironmental Team Lead, Associate Geoenvironmental Consultant at Buro Happold

Data Management Working Group Award

  • Neil Chadwick, Director at Digital Geotechnical

Geotechnical Working Group Award

  • Katharine Barker, Associate at CampbellReith
  • Emma Cronin, Heathrow GI Senior Geotechnical Engineer at Socotec

Geotechnical Working Group Commendation

  • Paul Roberts, Regional Director, Ground Engineering, UK & Ireland Aecom

Laboratories Working Group Award

  • Will Fardon, Technical Director at Chemtech Environmental

Loss Prevention Working Group Award

  • David Hutchinson, AGS Honorary Member
  • Neil Parry, Director at Geotechnical Engineering

Safety Working Group Award

  • Liz Withington, Principal EngineeringGeologist at CC Ground Investigations
  • Madeleine Bardsley, Technical Director at WSP

Safety Working Group Commendation

  • Owen Seymour, Associate- Engineering Geologist (Geotechnical & Tunnelling) at WSP

Sustainability Working Group Award

  • Vivien Dent, Technical Specialist: Green Growth and Delivery at the Environment Agency
  • Sam Setchell, Principal Engineering Geologist at Jackson Geo Services

To view the montage of acceptance speeches from our winners, just click on the video below.

Article Business Practice Contaminated Land Data Management Executive Geotechnical Instrumentation & Monitoring Laboratories Loss Prevention Safety Sustainability

Early Career Professionals: Call for Posters

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The AGS is holding a sustainability-themed poster competition at this year’s Annual Conference, and we’d like to see how Early Career Professionals are applying sustainable practices in the workplace.

Whether it’s applying SuRF UK’s sustainable management practices, using mobile data capture, using ethically sourced PPE, we’d like to see your ideas and practices for how you’re improving sustainability.

The poster should be colourful, eye-catching and aim to inspire businesses to become more sustainable. Submissions can cover any of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals: https://sdgs.un.org/goals

The winner will receive a Selfridges hamper worth £85, free entry to this year’s Annual Conference on 25th April in London, plus have their poster printed in AGS Magazine which reaches over 6,000 industry professionals 6 times a year.

All posters submitted will be displayed at the Annual Conference.

ENTRY INFORMATION

Posters should be submitted in a high resolution, A4 format and can be created in any means, from drawing by hand, utilising photography, to computer-generated artwork. 

Please note that all submitted posters will be printed and displayed at the AGS Annual Conference.

To enter, please email your poster alongside your full name and company to Caroline Kratz at ags@ags.org.uk with the subject title ‘AGS Poster Competition’. The deadline for entries is Friday 5th April at 9pm.

ABOUT THE AGS ANNUAL CONFERENCE

The Annual Conference is the flagship event in the AGS’ calendar. Taking place on 25th April 2024 at One Great George Street in London, the event will see over 200 geotechnical and geoenvironmental professionals in attendance.

This year’s Annual Conference has an overarching theme of sustainability and the AGS will be donating a percentage of profits made to Projects for Nature, an initiative which aims to restore nature recovery in the UK.

For further information and to register click HERE or email ags@ags.org.uk

Article Business Practice Contaminated Land Data Management Executive Geotechnical Instrumentation & Monitoring Laboratories Loss Prevention Safety

UK Specification for Ground Investigation (third edition) – Now Available for Purchase

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We’re pleased to announce the launch of the third edition of the UK Specification for Ground Investigation – also known as ‘Yellow Book.’

This latest edition of Yellow Book has been revised by an industry working group led by the AGS, and provides best practice guidance for designing and executing good-quality ground investigations that will allow clients and land developers to manage the risks and help to reduce project time and costs.

Ground investigations are an essential part of the design process for any structure and land condition assessment. They are used to validate the ground model, assess ground risk, obtain geotechnical data for design and geoenvironmental data for the assessment of the risk to human health. Yellow Book will help to protect construction professionals and clients, from unexpected ground conditions during construction. Updates in this edition take account of changes to health, safety and environmental legislation, numerous new British Standards and industry guidance.

The UK Specification for Ground Investigation is essential for all ground practitioners involved in ground investigation, including geotechnical engineers, engineering geologists, environmental scientists, instrumentation and monitoring specialists, hydrogeologists and geophysicists, as well as specialists in other disciplines involved in specific investigations.

To purchase Yellow Book, click HERE

Want to know more about the new edition? Then join Julian Lovell, Mathew Baldwin and Stewart Jarvis, three of the main authors of the third edition, for a free webinar on 23rd June 2022 at 11am. The trio will set the context for the revision, explain the changes made and reasons behind them and provide details of how the new Specification document should be used and the major areas of change required by industry to conform to current good practice.

To register for the webinar, or to watch the replay (post-event) click HERE.