E28: The Business of Ground Investigation: Insights from Graham Carter

In this episode of The Ground Investigation Podcast, Michael Taylor interviews Graham Carter, co-founder of Impact Geotechnical. Graham shares his journey from working as an employee in the ground investigation industry to starting his own company, Impact Geotechnical, alongside his business partners. With over 18 years of experience, Graham dives into the challenges and rewards of running a business that handles everything from rail projects to structural investigations and even Formula One tracks. From hands-on drilling to streamlining operations, this episode is packed with insights into the realities of running a ground investigation company.

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What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. The Journey to Founding Impact Geotechnical:

   • The professional and personal factors that led Graham and his partners to start their own company.
   • Lessons learned from their previous roles and how they applied them to build a successful business.

2. The Challenges of Running a Small Business:

   • Balancing client demands with the realities of limited resources.
   • Overcoming obstacles in marketing, bookkeeping, and day-to-day operations.
   • Graham’s approach to maintaining quality control and efficiency through teamwork.

3. The Unique Aspects of Rail Projects:

   • Why rail work differs from other sectors and the importance of accreditations.
   • The impact of Transport for London’s industry-leading approach to geotechnical data management.

4. Innovative Approaches to Operational Efficiency:

   • How Impact Geotechnical achieved a paperless workflow using affordable tools like Microsoft Excel and tablets.
   • Graham’s tips for streamlining processes and avoiding unnecessary complexity.

5. Advice for Aspiring Professionals in Ground Investigation:

   • Graham’s perspective on gaining hands-on experience and staying adaptable.
   • The importance of building a diverse skill set and embracing hybrid roles in the industry.

 

Subscribe to the show to join our host, Michael Taylor, as he continues to explore the intricacies of running a business in the ground investigation industry, bringing geological experts to share their wisdom, insights, and plans for the future, and shedding light on what they believe will enhance the ground investigation industry moving forward. Don't forget to stay connected by visiting https://girec.co.uk/.