Landfill tax is set to rise significantly in April, with the standard rate rising to £126.15 per tonne and the lower rate rising to £4.05 per tonne (currently £103.70 and £3.30). This hike will make traditional "dig and dump" practices far more expensive for the construction industry.

Over the past year we have had students join us from Simon Balle and Richard Hale Schools for our work experience programme. We aim to provide Year 11 to 13 students who join us for the week a real insight into the geotechnical industry.

It was great to meet the other STAT companies last week in Winchester.  Steve, Penny and I had a fab day out, starting with a company road trip to visit the offices of Ion and Ubu, to discuss how their prospects have grown since joining the group.

During my time at GEA, I have learned new skills and created a deeper understanding of the engineering side of geology, which I have learned in class. During my week I have got to comprehend what happens in a geotechnical engineer's job from the preliminary reports to the site and lab work. I have enjoyed it all as I want to get into something geology-based for a career and it helps me better understand the engineering geology topics in my A-Level.