The event provided an update on the project, details of upcoming work packages, and set out the high standards expected from any contractor partner that becomes involved.

Paul Bird, Project Director at Sir Robert McAlpine, emphasised the importance of setting and maintaining strict safety and quality standards: “We have our minimum standards, but we like to think we’re above that—we never fall below it.” 

And he highlighted the project’s scale and ambition, stating, “We want this to be the number one project in the country, but we also want people to enjoy working here. It will certainly be a challenge, but we just need to work together as a team.” 

"We want this to be the number one project in the country, but we also want people to enjoy working here"

One Team; One Vision

And Paul's collaboration message was echoed by Tata Steel UK's Director of Strategic Capex, Shankar Marar who emphasized the critical role of contractors in building a long-term, transformational asset. He said: “While we can conceptualise it, it’s the contractor base who will build this asset. It’s essential to have them with us.”

“For this project to succeed, there must be no borders, no boundaries.”

Shankar praised Sir Robert McAlpine’s values-driven approach to safety, teamwork, and transparency. “Our decision to appoint them wasn’t a cost-led decision, but a value-led one," he said, highlighting the importance of a unified team: “For this project to succeed, there must be no borders, no boundaries.”

Using Homegrown Products for Green Transformation

And it wasn't just engineers on show at the engagement event - Tata Steel's Marketing team were represented by Paul White who spoke about the potential to use Tata Steel's own products in the build programme. He said: “These are Tata Steel buildings, so it makes total sense to use as many of our own products as possible.”

Paul also emphasized the range of materials available, from Colorcoat cladding—already used in global industrial projects—to composite insulated panels, structural sections, and conveyance tubes from Tata Steel’s tubemaking sites. “There’s a real opportunity to incorporate our steel into the fabric of the project.”

"There’s a real opportunity to incorporate our steel into the fabric of the project - it makes total sense to use as many of our own products as possible." 

Looking ahead, Paul noted growing customer interest in low-CO2 steels, especially in the construction sector: “We’re seeing a strong pull from companies like Google and IKEA for greener steel solutions.” The shift to electric arc furnace-based steelmaking will enable us to meet this rising demand.