Fastflow Group

Fastflow Group

United Living Infrastructure Services subsidiary, Fastflow Group is a leading and trusted engineering and services partner, delivering intelligent solutions and associated network infrastructure to customers across the UK. 

Scope of work: Fastflow Group was contracted in December 2020 to carry out major water mains diversions as part of the early works for Sofia. This included the water pipe installation, chlorination and pressure testing. In addition to the pipeline diversions, utilising their engineering experience, the team installed reinforced concrete thrust blocks to restrain the forces from flow change in the pipe installation area.

Economic and employment impact: Sofia had a positive impact on business during a period of economic uncertainty as a result of COVID-19, allowing Fastflow the opportunity to provide continuity of work for its operational teams. The work undertaken also allowed the organisation to build on its water services expertise, which will be invaluable for future projects of this kind in the UK, as the company strives to provide the best in class service for clients.

The combined knowledge and expertise of the company's Water and Civils Divisions were utilised to meet the tight project deadline. At its peak, there were 16 direct members of staff working on the Sofia project. Two team members were from the Fastflow Pipeline Services division of the business, carrying out the plastic pipework's electrofusion welding. The remaining workers were from the Fastflow Energy Services division, utilising their experience in heavy civil works to carry out the deep excavations, trenching, and ditching of the pipework.

Training and development: United Living Infrastructure Services is an equal opportunities employer and supporter of local talent. The company actively engages young people as apprentices and graduates, many of whom have matured into highly qualified, skilled and capable engineers.

A company-wide approach to training also ensures that all staff have a rounded background and are effectively taught how to best support clients. All staff are kept up-to-date with new developments or challenges, ensuring they can advise clients based on the latest approaches. For the Sofia project, to provide a report for the electrofusion welds, the Control Point training and technology was utilised, ensuring that each weld was monitored and installed as per designer specifications.

"We are proud of our work on this critical offshore wind project, supporting the UK's sustainable energy system, as it strives towards meeting its carbon reduction targets.

"Working on such a high-profile project has been highly beneficial and rewarding for our company and has made a significant contribution to our experience and profile. This will be invaluable for us as a business moving forward, as the UK's offshore wind revolution has the potential to create significant opportunities for the UK supply chain and businesses up and down the country.

We look forward to using our expertise to support this offshore wind revolution, to drive a low carbon economy, support a green recovery and help deliver the UK's clean growth strategy."

- James O’Donnell, Operations Director, United Living Infrastructure Services

April 2021