2. Outline of Company History and General Experience
Astute Facts - Astute is made up of 2 Divisions. 1 focusing on Construction and Commissioning, the other on Operations, Maintenance & Engineering.
Introduction to ASTUTE - Formed in 2006, Astute is the UK Power Generation sector’s leading
Recruitment Consultancy, with a firm focus on Construction, Commissioning, Operations, and
Maintenance & Engineering. Since inception Astute has placed over 400 permanent project,
construction, operations, maintenance and engineering staff into power stations of varying technologies
across the country and we currently have in excess of 100 contractors around the UK on construction/
commissioning projects too. Combining an unrivalled understanding of the industry, nearly a century of
accomplished recruitment experience within our consultants and a genuine passion for the industry.
Whether your need is for a single high-calibre individual or “crewing-up” an entire new power station,
Astute have the tools and expertise to ensure your recruitment requirements are met on time and within
budget. Our services include:
• Permanent recruitment
• Contract recruitment
• Executive search
• Recruitment campaign management
• Consultancy services
• O&M “Crewing-Up” services
• “EPC Management” team supply
• Assessment centres
• Market information
• Psychometric profiling
Astute is a preferred recruitment partner for many of the UK’s energy businesses, large and small.
We’re not geography restricted and have delivered major recruitment campaigns across the UK whilst
maintaining exceptionally high standards of quality.
EPC Management – We have successfully supplied management & supervisory staff to the main EPC
contractors and clients during the Construction and Commissioning phase of many a new build power
station, energy from waste or biomass plant. With a very strong network and 1st class understanding of
the requirements of key skills to deliver an EPC project on time and within budget, Astute has
developed a strong reputation for being able to source the best people in the shortest amount of time.
Crewing-Up - We have successfully worked with 10 power stations/ energy from waste/ biomass
plants during the “crewing-up” stages of their projects and have developed a niche service designed for
new build sites requiring large numbers of high calibre O&M staff. Building a plant is obviously a busy
time for all involved and ASTUTE’s Crewing-Up service aims to help lessen the impact of the time
consuming recruitment process that can often mean handling hundreds of CV’s and enquiries.
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3. Astute Facts - Astute have “crewed-up” 10 newly built power stations including the largest Energy from Waste plant in the UK.
Experience with Technologies - We’re familiar with a wide variety of generation technologies from
conventional Coal and Gas Thermal Stations to the new breed of Anaerobic Digestion and
Gasification Energy from Waste plants, and everything in between.
It’s understanding the differences in these technologies as well as similarities that allow us to find
well matched candidates, appropriately question their suitability and recommend only the best for the
role at hand. Using industry specific literature, attending relevant conferences and events, and our
contacts within the industry we strive to stay well educated about new technologies to give us a
competitive edge over our rivals.
By 2014 we have placed over:
• 206 staff in Energy from Waste Power Stations.
• 70 staff in Biomass Power Stations.
• 51staff in CCGT Power Stations.
• 12 staff in Coal Power Stations.
• 66 staff in Combined Heat and Power Stations.
• 2 staff on Wind Farms
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Outline of Company History and General Experience
These figures accurately reflect permanent recruitment activity over the last eight years. With more EfW and Biomass
Power Stations being constructed there have been opportunities to place more people compared to the contingency
recruitment that’s taken place with well established CCGT and Coal Power Stations.
In addition we have supplied over 450 contractors into the industry, mainly focused on Construction and
Commissioning, but also a decent number in Operations & Maintenance
4. Outline of Company History and General Experience
Astute Facts - Astute was ranked 36th in the Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100 Companies list in December 2013.
Knowledge of Positions - We’re able to provide experienced and qualified staff to fill any O&M position
on a power station including but not limited to Shift Team Leaders, Control Room Operators,
Maintenance Technicians, Engineers, Operations Managers, Maintenance Managers, Engineering
Managers, Plant Managers, Site Chemists, Project Engineers, Health & Safety and much more.
On the EPC side, we have a firm grasp of the market and regularly place Construction & Commissioning
Managers, Commercial Managers/ Quantity Surveyors, Mech, Elec, C&I Supervisors, Quality Managers/
QA Engineers, H&S Managers/ CDM-Cs, Commissioning Engineers, Completions Engineers, PTW
Engineers, SAPs, Document Controllers and many more.
Having a solid understanding of the roles we recruit is critical to maintaining a high level of success .
For example, we guarantee you will NEVER receive a domestic electrician in application for an Electrical
Engineer vacancy!
By 2014 we have placed over:
• 182 Plant Operations staff.
• 151 Engineering and Maintenance staff
• 33 Senior Managers including Plant Managers,
Operations Managers and Maintenance Managers
• 41 Plant Support/ Head Office roles including
Site Chemists, Quality Engineers, HSE Engineers
and Project Staff
These figures represent permanent members of
staff and don’t take into account our considerable
contract business supplying construction,
commissioning and engineering support to new
build power stations.
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5. Outline of Company History and General Experience
Astute Facts - Astute are members of the REC (Recruitment and Employment Confederation) in order to maintain a high level of compliance.
Regions Serviced - Astute are able to service the whole of the UK and indeed the world from our
office in Portsmouth. Our consultants are highly trained to be able to qualify candidates by means of
a telephone interview. They also have access to Skype and our bespoke software both of which
allow us to see candidates should it be deemed necessary. For specific projects where mass
recruitment is required such as a “crewing-up” projects, Astute can rent local offices in order to meet
all candidates face-to-face and to give us a local presence.
By 2014 we have placed over:
• 122 staff in the South East
• 84 staff in the Midlands
• 49 staff in East Anglia
• 48 staff in the South West
• 55 in the North East
• 28 in the North West
• 14 in Scotland
• 4 in Wales
• 3 Overseas
These figures accurately represent the spread of
power stations across the United Kingdom with regards
to permanent recruitment.
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6. Recent Relevant Experience
Astute Facts - Astute are members of the EIC (Energy Industries Council) – showing our commitment to the Energy / Power Generation sector.
On a daily basis we recruit Construction, Commissioning, Operations, Maintenance and Engineering
staff into the Power Industry making all of our experience relevant, in fact by mid 2014 we’ve already
been involved this year with 3 Crewing Up projects and 4 new EPC projects
North Hykeham (Lincs) Energy from Waste power
station is the latest is a £145million project that was
completed in 2013 for FCC. 150ktpa/ 11MW
Astute were contracted to support FCC’s own O&M
recruitment process, providing candidates to be
considered alongside their own proactive efforts.
Astute worked with CNIM to provide key EPC
management and commissioning skills to their site
based team
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Project - North Hykeham Energy from Waste Power Station – Recruited in 2013
Reference – “We engaged Astute to assist FCC Environment with the task of recruiting the O&M Team during the
mobilisation phase of our new build Energy from Waste plant at North Hykeham, Lincs. After supplying our O&M
Manager initially, Astute provided a quality selection of candidates for the remaining roles, resulting in successfully
sourcing over half of our team, including 4 Shift Team Leaders, 5 Shift Operations Technicians and 3 Maintenance
Technicians. The whole service from Astute, which was led by Matt Dickens, was very honest and professional and
I was confident that they were really trying to deliver the best candidates, rather than bombard us with a large
volume. I would have no hesitation in using Astute again in the future to assist with ongoing needs or for similar
new build campaigns.”
Mark James - General Manager with FCC Environment Ltd
DD: 07833 046 909 Email:mark.james@fccenvironment.co.uk
7. Key Personnel
Astute Facts - Astute have assisted a number of Power Stations to re-deploy their staff after plant closure.
NAME: Terry Buckel
POSITION: Owner / Managing Director – Astute Technical Recruitment
TIME WITH ASTUTE: 8 years
PROPOSED ROLE ON PROJECT: Terry will have ultimate responsibility for project
delivery
BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE: After a career in the Royal Navy where he
served as the equivalent of a Plant Manager on a Nuclear Power Plant, Terry decided
to move into recruitment. For five years he worked for another agency before deciding
to start Astute. He started Astute after identifying a clear gap in the market for a
technically competent recruitment business to service the Power Generation industry.
Terry has always been a hands on Managing Director and to this day sits central in the
office and regularly makes placements. He’s well known within the industry and often
turned to for professional advice by clients and candidates alike. Terry has overseen all
our “Crewing-up” projects, stepping in as required to get the job done. Terry will support
the process to ensure a high level of quality.
RECOMMENDATION: “I have known Terry for about 5 years and in that time I have
witnessed Astute grow from strength to strength, which I believe is due to his passion
and knowledge for the Power Generation industry. Rarely do you meet a recruiter that is
as knowledgeable about the industry they recruit for, with the attention to detail that
Astute pride themselves for. Not only that, he delivers on his promise to find the best
available candidates, whenever I have needed him to assist. Terry has built up a team
that can also deliver, as I have dealt with a number of his staff on different projects over
the years. I would happily recommend Terry and his team at Astute, to anyone that is
interested in a career within the Power Generation industry and to any companies that
want to work with an honest, reliable and effective recruiter.”
Howard Dray, former Plant Manager, Enfield CCGT
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8. Key Personnel
Astute Facts – Astute runs the Power Generation Careers group on LinkedIn, which currently has over 40,000 registered members.
NAME: Stuart Roberts
POSITION: Construction & Commissioning Recruitment Manager
TIME WITH ASTUTE: 3 years
PROPOSED ROLE ON PROJECT: Stuart will be responsible for the delivery of
Construction/ Commissioning and EPC Team recruitment services.
BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE: Stuart joined Astute in 2011 with a solid
background and 10 yrs experience in Construction recruitment. He transferred this
expertise into the Power Generation sector and built a team of Consultants to support
this effort. He has a genuine interest and passion for Construction.
RECOMMENDATION: “I've always found Stu an absolute pleasure to deal with, very
professional and thorough also extremely helpful to me as a candidate.
He's able to offer great advice on the companies he deals with and on the positions he
fills, which shows he's put in an extensive amount of research, he deserves all the
success that comes his way.
Before being contacted by Stu and his associates, the thought of working in the power
industry had never entered my head, a year and a half years late I'm in a well paid
position and hopefully looking forward to a 'bright' future, I really can't thank him
enough.
I would be more than happy to recommend him to any prospective recruiters and
candidates.”
Phil Moore, Site Manager, Bucks EfW plant
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9. Key Personnel
Astute Facts - Astute invests in its staff – all of the O&M team have attended specific Power Plant Operations courses with E.ON training academy.
NAME: Matt Dickens
POSITION: O&M Recruitment Manager
TIME WITH ASTUTE: 7 years
PROPOSED ROLE ON PROJECT: Matt will manage the delivery of O&M recruitment
and “Crewing-up” services
BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE: Matt was the first employee at Astute. He joined
as a Trainee Consultant in February 2007 and quickly developed through the positions
of Consultant, Senior Consultant and then Recruitment Manager. He now leads
Astute’s O&M team.
Matt has been involved in delivering all of Astute’s “crewing-up” projects, mostly as the
Project Manager. His experience in this area is second to none. In addition, he has also
built up long-standing relationships within the UK Power sector, which has resulted in
him often being the first point of call when a power station needs to recruit.
Notably Matt came “Highly Commended” in the REC Recruitment Awards for the “Best
Newcomer to Recruitment” category beating hundreds of hopefuls to second place in
2008.
RECOMMENDATION: “Matt and his entire team at Astute always provide excellent
candidates for potential recruitment. He has an excellent personal knowledge of our
business, from both a technical and networking perspective. He ensures that he
supplies only the best people for with the best attributes for any particular position. He
also maintains an excellent relationship with his clients”
Paul Newby, former Shift Team Leader at Coryton CCGT
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10. Other Information
Astute Facts – Astute has placed over 450 contractors into Construction & Commissioning roles in the Power Generation sector in the UK & Europe.
What makes Astute different? - The power industry is extremely close knit and bad news travels
fast! Our excellent reputation, and maintaining this, is of paramount importance to us. We achieve
this by ensuring a high quality cost-effective expert recruitment service. We aim to achieve a high
level of quality in all we do, in particular the key points that separate us from our competitors include:
1. Exclusive Candidates
Our recruitment database is populated
with candidates exclusively available
to Astute as they trust us to help map
their careers and allow us exclusive
rights to work on their behalf. Our
reputation as an industry leading
specialist often drives candidates that
are tentatively interested in moving but
don’t want to put their details in the
public domain to register with us.
Additionally we attend specific industry
events, assist in outsourcing
candidates who are facing redundancy
from other power stations and run the
40,000 strong Power Gen Careers
group on Linked-in.
2.Technical Knowledge
We really do understand the industry we’re recruiting into, in fact
on several occasions our staff have been mistaken for
engineers. Not only do we take every opportunity we can to get
on site and learn more about the technologies of the industry,
we’ve also completed courses with E.on’s Engineering Academy
designed to give us a better insight into the roles we recruit.
Above – Our Senior
Consultant Dan Bisset
learning to operate a coal
mill on a training simulator
3.Technical Qualification
We’re able to question candidates
not only to assess their personality
profile and ambitions but also their
technical competency. This
involves getting candidates to
answer discipline specific
competency based questions,
which have been developed with
experienced power station
managers, to test technical
knowledge. When we provide
candidates to our clients we
provide a professional synopsis as
well as the candidate’s answers,
word for word, to our set questions.
4.Accuracy
All of the points above – Exclusive
Candidates, Technical Knowledge
and Technical Qualification allow us
to provide a high degree of accuracy
when short listing CVs for our clients.
This means less of your time is spent
sifting through irrelevant CVs, thus
saving you time and money.
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11. Other Information
Astute Facts – Astute’s website is the highest ranking company on Google for searches such as “Power Station Jobs” and “Power Station Recruitment”.
Riverside Energy from Waste Power Station is the
biggest of its kind in the UK and our flagship project.
£570million, 72MW, 585ktpa. We were exclusively
contracted to provide all 53 staff from Plant Manager
through the O&M teams to security & weighbridge staff.
We managed every aspect of this project including:
1. Creating co-branded adverts which were placed
internet job boards and local newspapers.
2. Created job descriptions, personal specifications
and advised on shift patterns and staffing
structures.
3. Fielded all applications including direct applicants
thoroughly qualifying all to the same standard.
4. Worked with local businesses making
redundancies such as GSK to demonstrate Cory’s
dedication to sourcing staff locally.
5. Delivered a comprehensive shortlist
6. Organised an assessment centre in the local area
including HR and Technical interviews,
psychometric testing, technical comprehension
testing, scenario based group exercise and group
lunch
7. Facilitated offers.
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Project - Riverside Energy from Waste – Recruited in 2011
We would also like to provide you with details of additional projects that we have been involved with.
For a reference on this project please contact Quentin
Gillett (Plant Manager) on 07827 916475
Astute also worked closely with the EPC
Contractor, Hitachi Zosen Inova and the
Owners Engineer, Fichtner Consulting
Engineers. We provided on a contract basis
the following skills:
• Construction Project Manager
• Health & Safety Manager/ CDM-C
• WSC Supervisor
• Electrical Supervisor
• Senior Authorised Person
12. Other Information
Astute Facts – Astute has the best track record, the best candidates and can offer the very best recruitment package for a new-build Power Plant – FACT
Marchwood Power Station is a large £320million, 842MW
CCGT Power Station.
Astute were contracted to work alongside Marchwood
Power’s own proactive recruitment activities and initially
supplied 9 members of the O&M team including 1
Maintenance Manager, 5 Maintenance Technicians and 3
Operators.
Astute also supplied the EPC contractor, Siemens, with a
number of key supervisory and management staff for
Construction & Commissioning activities
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Project - Marchwood Power Station – Recruited in 2008
Other EPC/ Crewing Up projects we’ve been involved include:
Newhaven EfW Power Station
Veolia Environmental Services
Hitachi Zosen Inova
Great Blakenham EfW Power Station
Sita Suez
CNIM
Four Ashes EfW Power Station
Veolia Environmental Services
CNIM
West Burton CCGT
EDF Energy
EDF CIT
13. Power Generation Recruitment Specialists
Astute Technical Recruitment Ltd
1000 Lakeside, Western Road, Portsmouth, PO6 3EN
Phone: 02392 221 600 Fax: 02392 288 288
All queries should be directed to one of the following contacts:
Name: Matt Dickens
Position: O&M Recruitment Manager
Email: mdickens@astutetechnical.co.uk
Direct Dial: 02392 288 210
Mobile: 07976 484 179
Name: Terry Buckel
Position: Managing Director
Email: terry@astutetechnical.co.uk
Direct Dial: 02392 288 200
Mobile: 07967 447 087
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Name: Stuart Roberts
Position: EPC Recruitment Manager
Email: sroberts@astutetechnical.co.uk
Direct Dial: 02392 288 212
Mobile: 07917 010582
