New chairman for ICE South Branch civil engineers
Civil engineers in Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and West Sussex have a new chairman following their recent Annual General Meeting held at Brighton .
Brian Hillman, who works for Opus International in Fareham has been elected to chair the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) South Branch for the next year.
Director of ICE South East England, John Laverty, said: “The ICE South East England’s South Branch is very active on behalf of the 3,200 members we have in Hampshire, Isle of Wight and West Sussex so having a strong chairman is essential.
“Brian Hillman fulfils that role perfectly. He has been involved in the ICE since 1976 when he was a student member and has served on the Branch Committee since 2009.”
In his professional life Brian is a Technical Director at Opus International where he specialises in maritime infrastructure projects. He has worked in civil engineering for 36 years delivering port and docks works, (Maritime) including restoration of listed historic ports (such as Lyme Regis).
He has also been involved in waterside residential development and grant and insurance funded works (i.e. major coastal flood defence works) and has an interest in the Christchurch, New Zealand (disaster) earthquake recovery.
Laverty added: “ICE South East England is looking forward to working with him over the next 12 months and is confident he will help promote and develop the work of civil engineers in the county.”
Brian Hillman said: “I am honoured to have been elected as Chairman of the South ICE Branch as the next year presents many challenges.
“2013 will see further flood and water management projects, the development of the Port of Southampton, expansion of the role of the Local Enterprise Partnerships serving the county as well as the on-going discussions regarding aviation capacity in South East England.
“Add these major projects to the continuing work such as the Highway’s Agency pinch point investment programme and schemes being developed by local authorities, energy, transport, water and waste companies and it is clear there is a lot happening which will involve civil engineers.
“We know that investing in infrastructure not only creates jobs now but brings benefits for the economy for a long time in the future too so getting these projects right is essential to get the maximum benefit from such investment.
“I am also keen to encourage more young people to follow career in civil engineering which is a very rewarding choice to make.
“We have a good team on the local branch committee and I am confident that we will be able to make sure the voice of civil engineers is heard where it counts so their expertise is utilised for the whole community of our count.”
ICE South East England has 11,000 members living and working in the region. More information can be found at www.ice.org.uk/see. You can follow ICE South East England on Twitter: @ICE_SEEngland