A UK infrastructure and engineering company, founded in Liverpool in 1865, that works on roads, rail, water, energy and defence and nuclear projects.
Costain is a British engineering and construction company that describes itself as a construction, consulting and digital partner for critical national infrastructure. Its work is split into two divisions. Transportation covers roads, rail and the networks that connect people. Natural Resources covers water, energy, and defence and nuclear. It offers consultancy and advice as well as construction, and talks about digital technology, asset optimisation and delivering complex programmes. Recent and current work includes HS2 lots in a joint venture and a contract with Sellafield.
The company began in 1865 in Liverpool, when Richard Costain and Richard Kneen set up as jobbing builders after leaving the Isle of Man. Costain's three sons joined the business, and in 1923 the firm was formed in London as Richard Costain & Sons, focused on housebuilding. In the 1930s it moved into civil engineering. Its projects include Dolphin Square in London (1937), the Thames Barrier (1984), part of the Channel Tunnel (completed 1994), the Cardiff Bay Barrage (1999), St Pancras and the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, and station work in London such as Bond Street (2021).
Costain says its purpose is to "improve people's lives by creating connected, sustainable infrastructure". It has four values: integrity, customer focus, safety and wellbeing, and environmental and social responsibility. It also describes four behaviours it wants from its people: be collaborative, be curious, be caring and be courageous. Its sustainability message is "Costain Cares". The company says its values and behaviours are the foundation of its culture, which it describes as safe, inclusive and respectful. These are company statements.
The company's head office is in London, and the Wikipedia entry notes that it moved into new central London premises. The pages we read did not list other UK offices, so we have not named them. Its project list shows work in the UK and includes a flyover refurbishment at Gallows Corner. Alex Vaughan has been chief executive since 2019 and Kate Rock is chair. The pages we read gave no total headcount.
Costain employs people in many roles: civil, structural, rail and highway engineers, water and process engineers, nuclear and defence specialists, designers, digital and data specialists, project managers, quantity surveyors, planners, health and safety advisers, and finance, legal and human resources staff. Because it combines consultancy with construction, some roles are in advising on how to plan and improve infrastructure rather than building it. Check Costain's website for current vacancies.
Website: www.costain.com
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