National Grid’s Bramford to Twinstead project was recently granted development consent to begin construction by the secretary of state for energy security and net zero.
The project will reinforce the electricity network between Bramford substation in Suffolk and Twinstead Tee in Essex by building a mixture of new high-voltage 400 kV overhead line and underground cable.
Approved plans include approximately 18 km of new 400 kV overhead line and pylons, and approximately 11 km of new 400 kV underground cables, including in the Dedham Vale National Landscape and parts of the Stour Valley.
A new grid supply point (GSP) substation is being built at Butler’s Wood to supply UK Power Networks’ local electricity distribution network.
Adam Richards, senior project manager, is managing the construction of the substation. He has been at National Grid since joining as a finance graduate in 2001.
“I spent the first two years working in different finance functions before becoming a chartered accountant,” said Adam. “Beyond that, I always knew that I would like something a little more outward facing, so I’ve undertaken a variety of roles across the business.”
A decade in business development saw Adam engage with various stakeholders including the UK government and European Commission – as well as suppliers, contractors and anyone with an interest in the schemes National Grid was delivering.
All of this experience has provided a solid grounding for Adam’s current role.
“The core part of my role as a senior project manager is ensuring delivery to time, cost and quality,” he said. “With my background in finance, one of my strengths is managing the numbers and making sure we remain on budget.”
Adam is also an active supporter of the Grid for Good programme, which sees National Grid working with five supply-chain partners to provide training and employment opportunities for young people.
Having benefitted from mentorship during his early years at National Grid, Adam is now acting as a mentor for its latest intake of apprentices.
“Early in my career, a lot of people went out of their way to help me develop and learn,” said Adam. “I’ve never forgotten those individuals and, as a consequence, the biggest sense of pride I get now isn’t about delivering the assets – it’s about helping people develop their careers.”
The Bramford to Twinstead project has provided several work placements through the Grid for Good programme, with some leading to permanent employment.
“We’ve now brought in four people who initially joined National Grid on a placement but subsequently decided this is a great place to work,” said Adam.
“It’s not until you’re in the industry or have some exposure to it that you see the breadth of opportunity and support available.”
“We’ve had a huge amount of success,” said Adam. “I’m still in touch with a number of people who are either joining National Grid or working in the industry. They’ll reach out a couple of times a year to tell me how they’re getting on and that they’ve never forgotten the work we did with them.”
National Grid is also supporting communities by partnering with local charities and colleges, something that Adam is personally involved in.
“Over the last three years, we’ve built a partnership with Lighthouse Women’s Aid in Ipswich, which provides accommodation for those fleeing domestic abuse,” he said.
“We’ve helped develop the facilities there and have also donated 25 refurbished laptops, iPads and iPhones, plus further donations to schools and other charities.
“It all makes a massive impact because these are women, young people and children who have had to walk away with nothing.”
Kirsty Sheldrake, children’s support worker at Lighthouse Women’s Aid, said: “National Grid’s volunteers are a group of amazing, caring and kind people. Its partnership with Lighthouse just keeps growing and has impacted families’ lives for the better. We couldn’t be more thankful.”
For more information, please visit tinyurl.com/grid-for-good or tinyurl.com/bramford-to-twinstead
This article is part of the LOCALiQ Clean & Green campaign, which aims to promote our region as the biggest in the UK and Europe for all forms of renewable energy.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article