10 January 2017

George Holder, a Costain Graduate Business Improvement Engineer, has won a place on the Sir Ian Dixon scholarship scheme. The scholarship, jointly sponsored by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) and the Worshipful Company of Constructors (WCC), identifies and sponsors future leaders in engineering and the built environment sector.

In the scholarship, George will research how existing ISO and CEN innovation management standards can enhance productivity in Costain operations and wider British industry. The scholarship panel will receive quarterly progress updates, and a final report and presentation of conclusions at a London event in early 2018.

“The ‘productivity puzzle’ in the British economy must be met with bold measures to make industry quicker to innovate”, George said. “Without standardised management methods, there is uncertainty around risk management, which creates cultural barriers that slows down the pace of innovation. Introducing consistent innovation management standards would help everyone discover and introduce innovations in a quick and seamless process.”

George is the second Costain Sir Ian Dixon scholar. Adam Golden won the 2015-2016 scholarship, focusing on supply chain relationships. Adam is presently on secondment to Her Majesty’s Treasury, working to improve infrastructure delivery while completing a PhD at University College London. “The scholarship is well recognised and highly regarded within the industry”, Adam said. “I have no doubt that George, bringing his drive and passion for innovation, will produce a report of real value and benefit to the industry.”

Tim Embley, Costain’s Innovation and Knowledge Manager, will be one of George’s mentors during the scholarship. “Having two winners of this prestigious scholarship proves that Costain have the very best talent working on providing solutions to deliver valuable outcomes to enhance our customers' business performance,” he said.   

 

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