Industry article

Regulatory Reform, Regional Planning and Workforce Readiness: Employer Implications of the Cunliffe Review

The Cunliffe Review calls for sweeping reform across the UK water sector, but its success hinges on one overlooked factor: workforce readiness. This article breaks down the report’s key recommendations and delivers a frank assessment of what employers must do now to survive the regulatory and regional shake-up.

Adam Cave

Aug 07, 2025 · 6 mins read

Industry article

Why Blanket Inside IR35 Decisions Are Damaging

Blanket Inside IR35 determinations may seem like a risk-averse solution, but they can be incredibly costly. In this article, we explore how misclassifying contractors drives up costs, damages your ability to attract top talent, and reduces workforce flexibility. Backed by real-world figures, we outline how to avoid these mistakes and make compliant, role-by-role assessments that protect both your budget and reputation.

Adam Cave

Jul 29, 2025 · 4 mins read

Industry article

Policy and Public Affairs in the Age of AI: Responding to the Fastest Policy Disruption in a Generation

Artificial Intelligence is rapidly reshaping the UK policy landscape. This article examines its growing role in regulation, political strategy, and public affairs—and highlights what professionals need to know to stay informed and relevant.

Anna Kelly

Jul 08, 2025 · 6 mins read

Industry article

How to Recruit Environmental Policy Analysts in the UK

Discover best practices for recruiting environmental policy analysts in the UK. Learn what skills to look for, common challenges, and how to build a more effective hiring strategy.

Industry article

Engineers moving between sectors: How to Showcase Transferable Skills

Discover how engineers are transitioning between defence, aerospace, marine, manufacturing, water and other sectors. Learn how to position your transferable skills and stand out in today’s competitive UK market.

Industry article

The Breaking Point: Why the Water Sector Needs a Rethink

KKR’s failed £4 billion Thames Water deal underscores that the UK water industry’s crisis runs deeper than one company’s finances. Murray McIntosh argues that only decisive structural reform, not another quick fix, can restore stability and public trust.

Adam Cave

Jun 05, 2025 · 8 mins read

Industry article

New UK EU defence deal will help boost business growth: but it’s missing the people element

Engineering by Murray responds to the UK-EU defence deal, highlighting the opportunity for business growth via the SAFE fund but warning that without a strategy to tackle critical STEM skills shortages, its impact will be limited.

Chris Nelson

May 22, 2025 · 4 mins read

Industry article

Water industry skills crisis intensifies as ‘perfect storm’ looms for AMP8

Murray McIntosh’s 2025 Labour Report reveals a deepening talent crisis in the UK water sector, with almost half of engineers citing skills shortages as the top challenge—and a third eyeing exit. Urgent action is needed as AMP8 begins.

Industry article

Engineering the Impossible: How to Close the Skills Gap in AMP8

Struggling to hire water engineers for AMP8 delivery? Learn why contingent hiring, IR35 reform, and a new workforce strategy are essential to closing the skills gap and hitting project targets.

Adam Cave

May 01, 2025 · 6 mins read