Posts by Caroline Kratz

Article Event Contaminated Land

The Changing Landscape of Land Contamination – Sponsorship Opportunities

Tags: birmingham Featured sponsorship The Changing Landscape of Contaminated Land thinktank
The Changing Landscape of Land Contamination – Sponsorship Opportunities
2026-10-1515th Oct 2026
Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum
Add to Calendar

The AGS is pleased to announce details of The Changing Landscape of  Land Contamination, which is a full-day, CPD event is taking place on Thursday 15th October at Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum.

Sponsoring The Changing Landscape of Contaminated Land conference offers a valuable opportunity to position your organisation at the forefront of a rapidly evolving sector. Bringing together industry professionals from across the sector, this event provides direct access to key decision-makers, influencers and emerging talent. With a focused technical programme covering current challenges and future developments, sponsorship will enhance your visibility, strengthen your brand presence and demonstrate your commitment to supporting best practice within the contaminated land community.

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

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

  • Full page advert in AGS Magazine (worth £400, over 7,800 subscribers) **
  • A dedicated exhibition table, enabling you to present your company’s initiatives, research, software and promotional materials in a high-profile networking environment.
  • Entry for three delegates into the conference
  • 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 9,760 followers)
  • Company inclusion in pre-event and post-event articles in AGS Magazine (over 7,800 subscribers)

 

 

 

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

  • A dedicated exhibition table, enabling you to present your company’s initiatives, research, software and promotional materials in a high-profile networking environment.
  • Entry for two delegates into the conference
  • Company logo on the conference lectern
  • 1/4-page advert in AGS Magazine (worth £160, over 7,800 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 9,760 followers)
  • Company inclusion in pre-event and post-event articles in AGS Magazine (over 7,800 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 7,800 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 9,760 followers)
  • Company inclusion in pre-event and post-event articles in AGS Magazine (over 7,800 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. Sponsorship closes on Friday 4th September. 

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

AGS Awards 2026: Celebrating Outstanding Contributions in Geoscience

- by
Tags: AGS Awards 2026 Featured

Congratulations to the winners of the AGS Awards 2026, which recognise the exceptional dedication, expertise and commitment shown by members across our nine Working Groups.

Each year, our Working Group Leaders nominate individuals who have made significant contributions to the AGS and to the wider geotechnical and geoenvironmental community.

This year’s winners represent a broad range of specialisms across the industry, highlighting the valuable work undertaken by AGS members to advance best practice, share knowledge and support the continued development of the profession.

The following individuals were recognised for their outstanding contributions:

Business Practice Working Group Award

  • Award: David Hutchinson, AGS Honorary Member

Contaminated Land Working Group Award

  • Award: Mike Plimmer, Geotechnical & Environmental Associates
  • Commendation: Chris Evans, Socotec

Data Management Working Group Award

  • Award: Conrad Stewart, Harrison Group Environmental
  • Commendation: Mark Bevan, Structural Soils

Geotechnical Working Group Award

  • Award: Jai Shah, Ramboll
  • Commendation: Georgina Donbroski, RSK

Laboratories Working Group Award

  • Award: John Masters, Geolabs

Loss Prevention Working Group Award

  • Award: Kathryn Eva, Beale & Co
  • Commendation: Peter Plumpton, Socotec

Safety Working Group Award

  • Award: Madeleine Bardsley, WSP
  • Commendation: Will Capps, Lucion Group

Sustainability Working Group Award

  • Award: Natalie Cropp, Tony Gee and Partners
  • Commendation: Sarah Cook, Onyx Geo Consulting

 

Lifetime Achievement Awards

  • Jackie Bland, Structural Soils
  • Jonathan Gammon, Honorary Member

The AGS would like to congratulate all award recipients and commend them for their ongoing commitment and contributions to the Association. Their work continues to support the advancement of standards, collaboration and knowledge-sharing across the geotechnical and geoenvironmental sector.

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

Early Careers Poster Competition 2026 – The Results!

- by
Tags: 2026 Early Careers Poster Competition Featured Top Five Industry Insights

Thank you to everyone who entered this year’s AGS Early Careers Poster Competition, which followed the themed Top Five Industry Insights. We received 16 high-quality, full-colour submissions, each offering a unique and thoughtful interpretation of the brief.

Our judging panel, Vivien Dent (AGS Past Chair, Environment Agency), Jonathan Gammon (AGS Past Chair), Geraint Williams (AGS Chair Elect and HKA) and Bradley Falcus (Central Alliance), had the challenging task of selecting a winner from a strong field of entries. After careful consideration, they were delighted to announce Yasamin Bayley (Fairhurst) as the overall winner, who’s colour poster was created using collage.

Congratulations to Yasamin, who has been awarded a £100 Amazon voucher, complimentary entry to the sold-out AGS Annual Conference, and a double-page spread in AGS Magazine, showcasing her poster and the inspiration behind it.

We would also like to congratulate our ten runners-up: Pagen Spooner (EPG), Arun Woods (Sutcliffe), Daniel D Gbenro (United Utilities), James Tasker (Binnies UK), Jenny Farrant (Lithos Consulting), Joanna Wilks (Cowi UK), Kevin Perreau (BakerHicks), Sam Murray (Scottish Power Renewables), Visar Rugova (Cowi UK), and Zoe Guy (Crossfield Consulting). Each runner-up has received complimentary entry to the AGS Annual Conference in London on 19th March.

Thank you once again to all who took the time to participate. Every entry will be displayed at the AGS Annual Conference, where they will be viewed by over 240 delegates, a fitting showcase for the creativity and insight of our early career professionals.

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

AGS Early Careers Poster Competition 2026 – Top Five Industry Insights

- by
Tags: 2026 Early Careers Featured poster competition

The AGS Early Careers Poster Competition is back for a third year and this time, we want to hear your top five takeaways since joining the geoscience industry.

Whether you work on site, in the office or somewhere in between, we’d like you to design an eye-catching poster which showcases your top five industry insights that others should know about. These learnings could be focused on:

  • Site-based experiences
  • Safety challenges
  • Office or project management know-how
  • Lessons from training, meetings or mentoring
  • Networking and industry engagement
  • Unexpected discoveries

Your poster should be bold and colourful and aim to inspire both industry professionals and those entering the industry.

The winner will receive a £100 Amazon Voucher, free entry to the AGS Annual Conference on 19th March 2026 in London and have an interview regarding their winning entry published in AGS Magazine which reaches over 7,600 industry professionals six times a year. Ten runners up will win free entry into the Annual Conference.  All posters submitted will be displayed at the Annual Conference.

To enter, email your A4 poster alongside your full name and company to ags@ags.org.uk before Friday 30th January.

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 30th January at 9pm.

ABOUT THE AGS ANNUAL CONFERENCE

The Annual Conference is the flagship event in the AGS’ calendar. Taking place on 19th March at One Great George Street in London, the event will see over 240 geotechnical and geoenvironmental professionals in attendance.

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

Article

Early Careers Workplace Innovations Poster Competition 2025

- by
Tags: AGS Early Careers Poster Competition Featured workplace innovations

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

Early Careers Poster Competition 2025

- by
Tags: AGS AGS Early Careers Poster Competition 2025 Early Careers Featured workplace innovations

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 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

- by
Tags: careers Early Careers Featured geo-industry geo-science graduate video

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

Article

Early Careers Sustainability Competition Entries

- by
Tags: Early Careers Featured Molly Kirven poster Sustainability Competition

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

- by
Tags: AGS Awards 2024 Award Featured

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

- by
Tags: Early Careers Featured poster SuRF UK sustainability UN

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

- by
Tags: Featured ICE publishing third edition UK Specification for Ground Investigation yellow book

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.