In today’s environment, organisations are driving major infrastructure and energy projects, but rising compliance demands, labour shortages and ageing assets are placing unprecedented strain on M&E delivery.

Even the strongest teams can encounter challenges with data quality or may be affected by under-resourced mechanical and electrical (M&E) systems. Engaging M&E experts can enhance the capabilities of existing teams by adding value, improving effectiveness and efficiency and ensuring that decisions are well-informed. This approach can reduce the need for project rework and produce better cost certainty, resulting in a healthy return on investment (ROI).

In this blog post, our Operations Manager, Sim Sharphouse, discusses four ways businesses can enhance their M&E strategies to improve profitability, create more predictable schedules and improve delivery confidence.

Robust health and safety strategies

The foundation of any successful M&E strategy lies in a robust health and safety framework. By enlisting M&E experts, organisations can develop comprehensive safety protocols that not only comply with regulations but also promote a culture of safety among employees.

AI and technology are transforming safety across sectors such as construction and engineering, helping prevent accidents, enhance situational awareness and reduce human error.

Salko UK is leading by example on the Open Cycle Gas Turbine (OCGT) power plant project in Immingham, adopting a hands-on, data-driven strategy to create a safe work place.  On this project, we are implementing a rigorous, data-driven approach to safety that emphasises proactive risk management and active participation from everyone on site.

On the site, we have implemented the Safety Shield, an AI-driven human-form recognition and collision avoidance system which has been designed to hugely improve safety around heavy machinery in engineering and manufacturing environments.

Efficient and sustainable plant hire

The right equipment is crucial for effective M&E operations. Engaging specialists can help businesses choose sustainable and efficient plant-hire options tailored to their specific needs.

Experts can provide insights into the latest technologies and practices, ensuring that the equipment used is both environmentally conscious and cost effective, aligning with wider individual business goals.

Last month, Salko UK opened our new Balkholme depot which has been designed to give M&E contractors access to a full range of modern, energy-efficient and fully electric plant hire equipment. This investment reflects both customer feedback and the growing market appetite for cleaner, more reliable alternatives to traditional power and lighting systems.

As well as electrical plant hire, the depot is equipped with specialist welding tools and facilities. Clients can utilise the welding expertise on site with Salko UK’s team.

Specialists with experience in your sector

Every industry is unique and faces different challenges. Collaborating with M&E specialists is crucial, as one team will possess sector-specific knowledge and experience to provide the best practices and valuable insight tailored to your area of expertise. M&E experts understand the nuances of the operational landscape and can create targeted strategies and schedules that align with industry standards, accelerating project timelines and improving overall results.

At Salko UK, we have recently expanded our team of security-cleared nuclear professionals who are working on high-priority sites. We currently employ 20 technical specialists with the necessary clearance to operate at nuclear power plants. This level of access requires extensive vetting and is highly sought after across the industry.

Data driven risk management

In today’s data-driven landscape, using analytics for risk management is crucial. M&E experts can implement data-driven risk assessment tools to identify potential issues early, allowing businesses to develop strategies that protect investments and improve project delivery, reducing the need for rework or costly amendments. This proactive approach supports sustained profitability and a healthy ROI.

Ultimately, enhancing your M&E strategy involves more than adopting new technologies; it requires strategic partnerships with experts to strengthen existing capabilities. By integrating robust health and safety measures, efficient plant hire, industry knowledge, and continuous improvement, organisations can significantly boost their ROI.

For more information, please visit: www.salko.co.uk