We are often told that we are at the “frontline” of a construction project, which clearly we are, and are therefore a bellwether for the state of the construction market in general. Again, probably true to a large extent.

My name is Toby Forster, and I am just completing my first year of A level studies at Simon Balle School in Hertford. I have spent this week doing work experience at GEA’s main office in Ware, Hertfordshire.

My name is Olivia Houghton and I am currently a one-year placement student at GEA, based in their head office in Ware, Hertfordshire. The placement is part of the Industrial Bursary Scheme which I got through studying Engineering Geology and Geotechnics at the University of Portsmouth.

At the start of 2003, Tony Blair was Prime Minister and was yet to have his Iraq problem, Girls Aloud had the No 1 single, London had no congestion charge, and Geotechnical & Environmental Associates (GEA) Limited started trading.