Our Speakers

Steve Helliwell is the Managing Director for Balfour Beatty Living Places, part of the international construction and services Balfour Beatty Group, with over 35 years’ experience in construction and infrastructure maintenance to both the public and private sector.

Steve leads a multi-million pound business helping local authorities across the UK to shape their local infrastructure and develop thriving communities through creating great places for people to live, work, and play.

Paul Crick has worked in Place based services in Local Government for over 33 years, the last 17 being at Director level and is currently the Director for Highways and Transportation at Essex County Council.

Paul has particular and extensive experience in all aspects of highways & transportation, construction, major scheme and programme management, energy management, property and facilities management and environmental issues. He is an experienced GOLD emergency planning strategic co-ordinator and led Essex County Council’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic for his service.

Phil Clifton graduated in Civil and Structural Engineering from Nottingham Trent University. From there he joined Balfour Beatty and developed his managerial and then leadership skills.

He has led complex major civil engineering projects including the construction of the tunnels at Hindhead on the A3 and is now responsible for Balfour Beatty’s Highways business leading a workforce of over 2,000 people.

Phil is a collaborative and experienced leader with a sharp focus on providing customer service of the highest standard and delivering operational excellence in programme management.

He is also committed to safety, inclusion and diversity - his vision is to care for his people in a way that makes them feel included, whilst offering a sustainable future for them, and all the customers and the communities that are touched by the work of Balfour Beatty Highways.

Alistair Thompson, Managing Director

Alistair joined Volker Highways in 2015, following more than 20 years leading major schemes and directing large multi-disciplinary teams with sister company, Volker Fitzpatrick. Alistair has over 30 years’ experience in the civil engineering industry and has extensive operational and commercial experience of the highways, airports and rail sectors. He is a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers, as well as a reviewer and a member of the CIHT and ICE.