SOCOTEC UK & Ireland has strengthened its position in the infrastructure and energy sector with the acquisition of LSTC Group, a specialist engineering and asset inspection company based in East Yorkshire.

The move marks SOCOTEC UK & Ireland’s sixteenth acquisition since 2017 and further expands its capabilities across the country’s growing power transmission and distribution network. Founded in 1954, LSTC has built a strong reputation within the UK’s regulated energy infrastructure sector. The company works with transmission owners, distribution network operators, and major project developers, delivering services that include overhead line design, geotechnical assessments, surveys, earthing solutions, and asset inspections.

With investment in the UK’s energy network continuing to rise, demand for these services is expected to grow well into the next decade.

The acquisition adds specialist expertise to SOCOTEC’s existing infrastructure offering, which already includes geotechnical engineering, surveying, monitoring, and construction testing. Together, the businesses aim to provide a broader range of services to support the future of the UK’s energy network.

SOCOTEC Group CEO Hervé Montjotin said: “With the acquisition of LSTC, SOCOTEC UK & Ireland reaches a new level of capability in the power transmission and distribution sector. This is a strategic market that will play a major role in the energy transition.” Matthew Marriott, CEO of SOCOTEC UK & Ireland, described the acquisition as “a significant milestone” for the business. “LSTC’s expertise and talented team will strengthen our engineering capabilities and expand our asset inspection services at a time when investment in transmission and distribution networks is increasing,” he said.

For LSTC, the partnership opens the door to new opportunities and wider resources. Managing Director Steve Fowler said: “Joining SOCOTEC gives us the chance to grow our services while continuing to support the customers and networks we have worked with for decades.” As investment in critical infrastructure accelerates, the deal positions both companies to play a bigger role in shaping the UK’s future energy landscape.

Hochiki Europe has announced the promotion of Aisling Green to Channel Sales and Specification Development, completing a career journey that began on the company’s production line.

Just four and a half years ago, Aisling was building fire detection products on the factory floor. Today, she is stepping into a customer-facing sales role with a deep understanding of the technology, the supply chain, and the industry itself. Her path through the company has been shaped by a willingness to learn and try something new. After working across several product lines, Aisling moved into the supply chain and export customer services team, where she gained experience in logistics, customer support, and product specification.

A turning point came when she attended a Fire Industry Association lunch alongside Hochiki’s regional sales managers. “I saw a completely different side of the industry and found it massively exciting,” said Aisling. “Meeting customers and hearing about the wider sector really opened my eyes.” Soon afterwards, she was encouraged to apply for the Channel Sales and Specification Development role, despite initially doubting whether she had the right experience. “I looked at the job description and thought it probably was not for me,” she admitted. “But understanding the products from the production line upwards has given me confidence, and customers find that background really interesting.”

Now reporting to UK Sales Manager Ian Humby, Aisling is already making an impact. Ian said: “Aisling’s experience across production and supply chain gives her a perspective that is incredibly valuable. She has earned this opportunity through hard work and curiosity.” Her promotion also reflects Hochiki Europe’s commitment to developing talent from within and encouraging employees to grow across different parts of the business.

Aisling hopes her story encourages others to take similar opportunities. “Sometimes you think certain roles are out of reach,” she said. “But at Hochiki, people genuinely support you to grow.”