Tony Iles

When did you join Atkins?

November 1989.

Why did you join Atkins?

I liked the variety of work available and the opportunities to develop new business streams as the environment sector grew. I was also impressed by Atkins’ brand and reputation.

What did you do before you joined Atkins?

I did a degree in Environmental Biology and a Masters in Industrial Resources. Following graduation, I spent six years working in the waste treatment industry (on anaerobics) then moved to the water treatment sector, for another four years before joining Atkins.

Describe your role and responsibilities in one sentence

Environment risk management in the industrial sector.

How do you describe what you do to friends and family?

My job is to help industrial facilities reduce their environmental impact. Currently, I am looking at the practical delivery of a Low Carbon Economy.

What projects do you work on?

Regulatory compliance, Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA) and Environmental and Social Due Diligence (ESDDA).

What are you currently working on?

I am currently working on carbon management in industry and ESIA for wind farms.

What’s the most technically challenging project you’ve worked on at Atkins?

The Best Available Techniques (BAT) assessment of six industrial facilities in Kazakhstan. It was partly due to the geography and partly the technical challenge of bringing 60 year old industrial facilities up to European performance standards.

What achievement are you most proud of?

Building strong relationships with clients, partners, and in particular the Environment Agency and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

How has your career developed at Atkins?

When I started I initially worked on my own as part of an environment team of 40-50 people. I have helped build the business and now the combined water and environment business employs 1100 people. We’ve helped define industry standards, to establish the ground rules and procedures so that sustainability and social standards are addressed.

How do associate directors and Atkins make a difference?

We deliver high quality advice to our clients based on extensive knowledge and experience. We have the ability to innovate our service provision to meet our clients’ changing requirements.

How would you describe the culture at Atkins?

Delivering excellence.