Structural Soils

Structural Soils Since 1964 providing comprehensive UK ground investigation services, 285 staff, certified to ISO9001

Award winning, Structural Soils Ltd is a British company established in 1964 as a site investigation contractor. Based in Bristol, with branch offices in Coventry, Castleford near Leeds, Hemel Hempstead, Glasgow, Wigan, Plymouth, and Tonbridge, the company operates throughout the United Kingdom and undertakes overseas contracts. With over 57 years experience, the company has an impressive list of

clients including consulting engineers, architects, local and statutory authorities, government bodies, limited companies and private individuals. The company’s experience provides a sound knowledge of all aspects of geotechnical engineering and Structural Soils staff are always ready to give advice. As the company operates various boring and drilling rigs and associated equipment, an investigation can be designed to suit the client’s requirement and obtain information in the most efficient manner. Samples are tested in the company’s own well-equipped UKAS-accredited laboratories in Bristol, Castleford, Hemel Hempstead and Tonbridge. The technical staff are highly qualified and include civil engineers, geologists, engineering geologists, chemists and environmental scientists who prepare both factual and interpretative reports in accordance with the client’s requirements. Structural Soils’ continuing growth is enhanced by its reputation, competitive rates and quick response. Becoming a member of RSK Group in 2007, the company can also offer other group services such as ecology and geophysics as part of overall site investigations. Furthermore, chemical testing is undertaken within the group.

Structural Soils well represented at this year’s RSK People Awards.A great evening representing the business alongside o...
23/06/2026

Structural Soils well represented at this year’s RSK People Awards.
A great evening representing the business alongside our MD, Stephen Mackereth.

Proud to say both Mike Addinall and Eric Downey were finalists this year. A real achievement and a strong reflection of the team.

It meant a lot to be recognised alongside so many colleagues from across the wider group and to see the range of talent and effort being celebrated.

Mike’s nomination highlights the time and care he puts into outreach and supporting the next generation coming into the industry. A lot of that work happens quietly, but its impact is clear.

Eric’s nomination reinforces how important strong communication and teamwork are across the business, whether that’s celebrating colleagues’ achievements, supporting award entries, sharing project success or promoting our STEM activities.

The event itself was a great opportunity to catch up, reflect and celebrate with colleagues from across RSK.

Congratulations to all the winners and finalists across the group. Plenty to be proud of.

And a big thank you to everyone involved in organising such a well-run event.
RSK Group

Congratulations to all the winners and finalists at last night’s Ground Engineering Magazine Awards. It was great to se...
18/06/2026

Congratulations to all the winners and finalists at last night’s Ground Engineering Magazine Awards.

It was great to see the A83 Rest and Be Thankful Long Term Solution project recognised, with the team taking home UK Geotechnical Team of the Year and Project of the Year.

Working alongside AtkinsRéalis, WSP, Transport Scotland, CAN, RSK Geophysics and others on this scheme was a real pleasure.

The level of collaboration stood out from the start, with everyone pulling together as a single team to address some very challenging logistics and health and safety constraints.

The judges’ comments reflect exactly what went into the project
➡️a genuinely collaborative approach
➡️clear focus on managing risk and site constraints
➡️and the development of a bespoke rig to safely deliver the ground investigation

Projects of this complexity only succeed when teams work openly and practically together, and this was a good example of that in action.

Well done to everyone involved.

Part of the RSK Group

A big congratulations to Jade Allen on her promotion to Director at Structural Soils. Jade joined the business in Octobe...
13/06/2026

A big congratulations to Jade Allen on her promotion to Director at Structural Soils.

Jade joined the business in October 1998 after completing her A-Levels, not entirely sure where things would lead.
Nearly 28 years later, she’s stepping into a Director role. That says everything about her commitment, ability and the value she brings to the company.

Her progression speaks for itself:
✅Office Assistant
✅Receptionist
✅Accounts Assistant
✅Credit Controller
✅Administration Manager
✅Associate Director
🏆And now Director

Throughout that time, Jade has been central to how the business runs day to day. A lot of what she does goes on behind the scenes, but it consistently makes a real difference and keeps things running as they should.

She’s also someone people go to for support and guidance, and that’s had a real impact across the business.

In more recent years, she’s also taken on some particularly complex and high-profile work. She played a key role in making sure compliance and certification requirements were in place for our collaboration at CERN, and led on coordinating access permits and security vetting for the Palace of Westminster. Both projects required real attention to detail, persistence and trust, all of which she delivered.

What really stands out is the consistency. Turning up, taking responsibility and getting things done right, year after year.

Thank you for everything you’ve done for Structural Soils, and for the support you continue to give to people right across the business.

Really well deserved, and it’s great to see it recognised.

Part of the RSK Group

Great to see the next generation getting stuck into ground investigation work at Structural Soils.Edward Smith joined us...
12/06/2026

Great to see the next generation getting stuck into ground investigation work at Structural Soils.

Edward Smith joined us for a work experience week and made a real impact in a short space of time. Working alongside Travis and Emily, Edward was involved in logging approximately 70 m of chalk and quickly took on a wide range of responsibilities.

➡️Completing primary descriptions
➡️Supporting sub-sampling, including bulk and distributed samples, with full chain of custody compliance
➡️Labelling core boxes and cross-referencing the driller’s log to identify zones of core loss
➡️Developing a good understanding of drilling processes and chalk geology, including bands, laminations and fractures
➡️Even getting a masterclass in tendering

What stood out was how quickly Edward picked things up. The practical understanding developed around how ground conditions influence engineering design was impressive, and the work ethic did not go unnoticed.

Emily and Travis both said that they would not have achieved the level of progress they did without Edward’s support across the week, which says a lot.

A big thank you to Travis Bennett and Emily Whitworth for supporting the placement, and to Michael Addinall for helping facilitate the week.

These placements only work because of people willing to give their time and share their knowledge.

Part of the RSK Group

Good luck to our Eric Downey for being a finalist at the RSK Group People Awards 2026 in the Communcations Champion cate...
12/06/2026

Good luck to our Eric Downey for being a finalist at the RSK Group People Awards 2026 in the Communcations Champion category at Keele University next week.

RSK Group people award for Educational Engagement Finalist Michael Addinall.....Good luck at the awards ceremony at Keel...
08/06/2026

RSK Group people award for Educational Engagement Finalist Michael Addinall.....

Good luck at the awards ceremony at Keele University on 22nd June.

Looking ahead to Equipe Group's Geotechnica 2026…One month today…The ground investigation community’s flagship event is ...
08/06/2026

Looking ahead to Equipe Group's Geotechnica 2026…One month today…

The ground investigation community’s flagship event is nearly here, and we’re pleased to be attending once again.

This year, Structural Soils will be joined by colleagues from across the wider RSK Group including Headland Archaeology (UK) Ltd, Safer Rig Services and RSK Geophysics and Safeground.

We’re also proud to be Silver Sponsors of the event and will be on Stand 50 do come and say hello to Steve 'Mac' Mackereth, Charlotte Bailey, Jade Allen, Victoria Heath, Andy Mason and Eric Downey.

Taking place at the Warwickshire Event Centre on 8–9 July 2026, Geotechnica brings together the full breadth of our sector. It’s one of the few events where contractors, consultants, suppliers and clients are all under one roof, sharing experience and tackling common challenges.

What makes it worth attending:
✅Practical demonstrations and equipment on display
✅Open technical discussions and presentations
✅A proper chance to catch up with people across the industry

Geotechnica has become a focal point for networking, collaboration and knowledge sharing across the geotechnical sector.

For us, it’s a great opportunity to:
🌟Catch up with clients and partners
🌟Show the strength of our wider group across investigation, archaeology and geophysics

Listen and learn from others across the sector

Post below if you are visiting.

👉 View event details https://lnkd.in/gQKkTe2

A big thank you to Taylored Cycles Ltd for visiting our RSK Group / Structural Soils Bristol office yesterday.13 of our ...
05/06/2026

A big thank you to Taylored Cycles Ltd for visiting our RSK Group / Structural Soils Bristol office yesterday.

13 of our colleagues booked in for a 30-minute check, and it was clear how valuable it was having a proper mechanic on site to sort those niggling issues we tend to put off.

It wasn’t just general servicing either. There was a real mix of everyday problems:
Gears slipping or “all over the place”
Derailleurs needing adjustment
Faulty dynamos affecting lights
Stiff or tricky gear changes
And even a broken part replaced on the spot

Having those sorted quickly makes a real difference, especially for those commuting in regularly.

A special mention to Ross Taylor, whose approach set the tone for the day. Professional, approachable, and clearly willing to go the extra mile to help.

Some feedback from the team says it better:

‘ Really helpful and friendly service, gears and derailleur adjusted and the bike feels so much smoother to ride!’
- Kate Downes

“Ross helped me replace a part on my bike that had just broken the morning of the service. He was highly professional, considerate, and showed great willingness to do what was needed for the bike.”
- Euan Chan

“Wonderful friendly service. I advised him my gears were slipping and he adjusted the wheel and the derailleur no problem. He also gave me a few recommendations to improve the comfort of the ride.”
- Duncan White

Taylored Cycles are part of the Dr Bike scheme, funded by Bristol City Council, offering free bike servicing:

👉 Find out more about Dr Bike https://lnkd.in/eQjTtQ_g

Thanks again from all of the other RSK business groups who attended- including Nature Positive, RSK Biocensus and Binnies

Celebrating 20 years at Structural SoilsA big congratulations to Tom Payne on reaching an impressive milestone of 20 yea...
05/06/2026

Celebrating 20 years at Structural Soils

A big congratulations to Tom Payne on reaching an impressive milestone of 20 years with Structural Soils. Today, he received a presentation and acknowledgement for his dedication to the business from our MD, Mac.

Tom has built his career the right way. Starting out in ground investigation and developing into his current role as Associate Director, he now leads the Major Projects Technical Reporting Team, supporting the delivery of large, complex schemes across the UK and beyond.

Over the years, he’s worked across just about every aspect of site investigation. From trial pitting and drilling through to advanced in-situ testing and data management, his technical knowledge runs deep.
What stands out most is the consistency.

🌟Managing multiple ground investigation projects
🌟Leading teams of engineers and data specialists
🌟Delivering high-quality factual reports and AGS data on major schemes
🌟Supporting technically demanding projects such as A83, CERN, A66, HS2 and the Lower Thames Crossing

It’s that steady, reliable contribution over two decades that makes a real difference to the business and to our clients.

Just as important is the role Tom plays internally. Leading and supporting teams, developing good practice in data and reporting, and helping others get things right first time

Well done Tom, and thanks for everything you’ve contributed to Structural Soils over the years

part of the RSK Group

Congratulations to Jackie Bland being named in the Ground Engineering Magazine Top 20 Women in Ground Investigation in t...
22/05/2026

Congratulations to Jackie Bland being named in the Ground Engineering Magazine Top 20 Women in Ground Investigation in the UK in 2026.

For those of us who have worked around geotechnical data over the years, Jackie’s contribution will already be familiar, even if her work often sits quietly in the background making everything else function properly.

A few things that stand out from what is a remarkable career:
Jackie has been involved with the AGS data format since its very first release in 1990. That kind of consistency over more than three decades is rare and says a lot about her commitment to improving how we manage ground investigation data.

As Chair of the AGS - Association of Geotechnical & Geoenvironmental Specialists Data Management Working Group for the past 15 years, she has helped guide multiple major updates to the AGS format, shaping how data is collected, shared and used across the UK. Few people have had that level of sustained influence on a national standard.

Her technical depth spans both geotechnical data and IT systems, including developing bespoke borehole and laboratory management systems. That blend of practical experience and digital capability is not easy to find.

Jackie also led the update of the UK Specification for Ground Investigation in 2022 and was the lead author of BS 8574, both of which underpin how we manage and deliver data on projects across the industry.

At Structural Soils, she continues to play a key role as a senior technical leader, helping develop new digital platforms while mentoring and supporting the next generation of specialists.

She is widely respected across the industry, regularly chairing national conferences and contributing to AGS committees that shape future direction and best practice.

What is particularly worth recognising is that much of this work isn’t always visible on site or in final reports, but it underpins almost every ground engineering carried out in the UK today.

Looking ahead, Jackie is now leading work on AGS5, which will move things further forward with new formats and improved data transfer approaches. It’s another step change, and she’s right at the centre of it.

A real pioneer in digital geotechnical data, a steady and trusted industry voice, and a great role model for anyone working in this space.

Congratulations Jackie, thoroughly deserved.

part of the RSK Group

Address

The Old School, Stillhouse Lane
Bristol
BS34EB

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 5:30pm
Thursday 9am - 5:30pm
Friday 9am - 5:30pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Structural Soils posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Structural Soils:

Shortcuts

Share

Category