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October 2025 marked a major change for the UK’s utility and street works sector. The new Street Works UK (SWUK) Material Classification Protocol came into effect, replacing the previous regulatory position statements and creating a single, risk-based process for classifying excavated waste. This article explains what has changed, how JSM Group prepared for the new rules, and what we have learned from our first month working within the updated framework.

What Has Changed?

The SWUK Material Classification Protocol provides a clearer and more consistent approach to handling waste from street works. Since earlier guidance had been withdrawn, the industry needed a modern, reliable method. The new protocol now fills that gap. Key changes include:

A risk-based approach

Every excavation that falls within the scope of the protocol must now be assessed using a standardised risk-based method. This takes into account historical land use, nearby contamination risks and environmental factors.

Applies to all qualifying works

Emergency, minor and major works must all follow the same waste classification process, regardless of size or urgency.

Stronger environmental protection

The structured process reduces the chances of misclassifying waste, helping protect land, water and air quality.

How JSM Prepared for the New Rules

In the months leading up to implementation, JSM delivered a thorough preparation programme to ensure that all teams were confident and ready.

1. Training and internal guidance

We developed clear, practical training for office staff, supervisors and site operatives. This included:

The purpose and requirements of the SWUK Protocol
A step-by-step overview of the classification process
Roles and responsibilities at each stage
Correct documentation and recording procedures
How to segregate excavated material effectively on site

2. Updated processes and digital tools

We reviewed and modernised our procedures and digital systems to align with the protocol. These updates included:

Introducing a desktop risk assessment during the planning stage
New segregation guidelines for stockpiling excavated material
A digital tool used by site teams to assess contamination indicators
Improved waste-transfer documentation to strengthen traceability

Our First Month Under the New System

After one month of operating under the new rules, the impact is clear across planning, excavation and waste-handling activities.

Desktop risk assessments

Each qualifying permit now undergoes a desktop assessment before any excavation begins. This assessment includes checks such as:

Historical land use
Known or potential contamination
Proximity to locations such as former landfill sites or petrol stations
Any previous knowledge from earlier works in the area

These findings are passed to site teams in advance so they know what to expect and how to prepare.

Segregation and classification on site

Material handling on site is now carried out in a more controlled manner. Teams now:

Separate excavated material into distinct stockpiles such as asphalt, sub-base or natural soil
Assess each stockpile using standard contamination indicators through our digital tool
Prioritise the reuse or recycling of clean material
Handle and dispose of any potentially contaminated material in line with the new requirements

Better documentation, sampling and reporting

We have strengthened our documentation processes so that every load of waste can be traced back to its excavation location and classification decision. We also support clients with required sampling. At least 1 per cent of excavations must be laboratory tested, as specified by the protocol. JSM is also fully prepared to provide the data required for quarterly reporting.

Benefits of the New Rules

The new protocol offers several advantages for clients, communities and the environment, including:

Improved environmental protection through more accurate waste classification
Greater transparency and accountability thanks to better documentation
More consistent standards across all types of street works
Reduced waste volumes by allowing clean material to be reused or recycled

Clear decisions supported by evidence from risk assessments and sampling

Waste segregation in action

Looking Ahead

The introduction of the SWUK Material Classification Protocol is more than a regulatory update. It represents a move towards a more sustainable, transparent and consistent approach to street works across the UK. At JSM, our focus now is on embedding these improvements into everyday operations, continuing to refine our approach and supporting clients as the wider industry adapts.

For more than twenty years, JSM Group has delivered fibre optic connectivity across the United Kingdom. Our telecoms division has supported rural broadband programmes, national fibre roll outs and the extremely low latency networks needed by financial institutions and data centre operators.

As demand for bandwidth and speed continues to grow, the industry is now looking towards the next major step forward. That technology is Hollow Core Fibre, often referred to as HCF. In this article, Telecoms Director Daniel Rowan explains what HCF is, why it represents a significant change, and how it aligns with JSM Group’s forward looking approach to digital infrastructure.

What Is Hollow Core Fibre?

Hollow Core Fibre replaces the solid glass core found in traditional fibre with an air filled central channel. Light travels faster through air than through glass, which results in noticeably higher transmission speeds. In practical terms, this can reduce latency by up to half when compared with standard single mode fibre.

This improvement makes Hollow Core Fibre attractive in situations where even small delays matter. These situations include high frequency trading, real time data analytics and latency sensitive AI applications.

Further advantages of HCF include:

Significantly lower signal attenuation in advanced designs
Reduced need for repeaters on long distance routes
Better tolerance of high optical power levels
Reduced nonlinear effects that often disrupt dense wavelength division multiplexing
Lower signal dispersion, creating cleaner and more stable transmission
Enhanced resistance to temperature changes and radiation, which is particularly valuable in underground ducts
Improved security, as the air core design makes interception more difficult

These characteristics help to support very high bandwidths while improving reliability and reducing energy consumption.

Practical Uses in Data Centres and AI Connectivity

Hollow Core Fibre is especially valuable in data centres, where very low latency is critical for cloud computing, AI training and real time analytics. Several global operators are already considering HCF to speed up communication between servers and to reduce delays across complex processing environments.

HCF also has strong potential for short range links, such as connections between buildings or between racks inside data halls. In situations where traditional fibre begins to limit performance, HCF offers an immediate improvement.

Importantly, Hollow Core Fibre can often be integrated into existing fibre networks. Early deployments show that it is compatible with standard optics in many scenarios. This allows organisations to upgrade parts of a network without needing to replace everything.

As AI, 6G, edge computing and cloud services continue to expand, the need for fast and resilient data paths will grow. Hollow Core Fibre is expected to become increasingly common as part of modern telecom infrastructure.

Challenges to Consider

Although HCF offers clear benefits, it is still an emerging technology and should be understood in context. Current limitations include:

Higher manufacturing costs than standard fibre
Greater sensitivity to bending, which requires careful installation
The need for continued research and development to refine the design and further reduce loss

Even with these challenges, industry interest remains strong due to the clear performance gains and long term advantages.

What This Means for JSM Group

JSM Group is committed to supporting the next generation of telecom networks across the United Kingdom. Hollow Core Fibre aligns closely with this commitment.

Our teams can support clients with route design, installation, splicing, testing and integration into existing networks. We believe Hollow Core Fibre will play an important part in building faster, more reliable and more secure digital infrastructure for future applications, including AI, automation, smart cities and high capacity data platforms.

What we are seeing today is more than an incremental improvement. It is a shift towards a new model of connectivity that places speed, efficiency and reliability at the forefront of modern communication.

As part of JSM Group’s ongoing commitment to charitable initiatives, two of our colleagues, Samantha Monk and Doug Monk, are gearing up for the Thames Bridges Trek 2025, a 25km challenge through the heart of London in support of the Dragonfly Cancer Trust.

We asked them a few questions about their motivations and preparations for the event:

What inspired you to sign up for the Thames Trek?
JSM have kindly provided grants to a couple of causes that are important to us over the years and so we were keen to give something back. It also gave us an incentive to increase our fitness and get outside more whilst raising money for a fantastic cause.

Have you ever done a charity walk or trek before?
Doug has taken part in half marathons and an SAS ultra challenge previously; however, this is the first time for both of us taking part in a trek.

What are you most looking forward to about the day?
We are looking forward to the physical challenge, engaging with colleagues that we haven’t previously encountered, and the sense of achievement (and beverages) at the finish line.

How have you been preparing for the trek – any training or gear tips?
We have been increasing our walking distances over a period of weeks since signing up; the kids and the dogs have never had to walk so far in their lives and will probably be glad when it’s over.

12 JSM employees are proudly taking part in the trek to raise funds for Dragonfly Cancer Trust, with an impressive £2,550 raised so far! This is just one example of JSM’s ongoing commitment to giving back. The company has already donated over £6,334 to charitable causes this year alone. If you’d like to support the team’s efforts, donations can be made here.

We’re proud to support their journey and wish them all the best as they take on this inspiring challenge. Keep an eye out for updates and photos from the day!

JSM Group is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer, marking a significant milestone in the company’s journey. The incoming CEO, Michael Booth, will lead the business alongside Chief Operating Officer and Co-founder John Scanlon and Chairman John Leahy, as the company continues to build on its strong foundation and ambitious growth strategy.

Michael Booth served as JSM Group’s Chief Financial Officer since February 2025, playing a key role in shaping the company’s financial strategy and supporting its expansion into new markets. With a deep understanding of the infrastructure sector and a proven track record of leadership, Michael steps into the CEO role with the support of shareholders, TowerBrook Capital Partners, and Chairman, John Leahy, with immediate effect, reflecting JSM Group’s commitment to continuity and long-term growth.

Commenting on his appointment, Michael Booth said:

I’m honoured to take on the role of Chief Executive Officer at such a pivotal moment in JSM Group’s journey. Having worked closely with Stuart, John, and the wider leadership team, I’ve seen first-hand the strength of our people and the scale of opportunity ahead. As CEO, my focus will be on integrating our capabilities, communicating with clarity, continually evolving to meet industry demands, solving complex challenges, and driving meaningful outcomes for our clients and communities. These values are at the heart of JSM Group, and I’m excited to lead with them as our guide.

Stuart Wiltshire, who founded JSM Group in 1998 with brothers John and Mark Scanlon, is stepping-down due to ill-health but will continue to support the business with strategic oversight and guidance. Under their leadership, JSM Group has grown into a leading infrastructure services provider, with Mark Scanlon playing a pivotal role in the early success of the business before his departure in 2019 to pursue new ventures.

John Scanlon, COO and Co-founder, will work closely with the new CEO to ensure a smooth transition and continued operational excellence. Together, they will focus on strengthening JSM Group’s position both in the UK and overseas, with a particular emphasis on supporting the growth of data centre infrastructure and renewable energy projects, two key pillars of the company’s future-facing strategy.

Commenting on the transition, Stuart Wiltshire said:

It has been an incredible journey building JSM Group with John and Mark. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved and excited to support the next chapter of growth from a distance. With Michael and John at the helm, I’m confident the business is in excellent hands.

The appointment of the new CEO reflects JSM Group’s commitment to evolving its leadership to meet the demands of clients and a dynamic industry while staying true to its founding values.

Welcome to our new ‘Bytesized’ series, your go-to for a quick read on hot topics in utility infrastructure. Each article delivers insights to keep you informed, fast.

Survey work was recently carried out at a substation in Lincolnshire, where the team undertook a PAS 128 utility survey to support the development of a new cable route for the client. GPS devices were used to capture mark-ups across the site, and the data collected is being processed into a 2D format to visualise the survey findings.

The activities included both utility mapping and topographical surveying. These provided essential information for cable route planning, including land heights, culverts, drains, and their dimensions. This level of detail was key to identifying landmarks and ensuring the proposed route would be practical and efficient.

Utility mapping also played a vital role in understanding existing infrastructure. It helped confirm what was already documented and revealed previously unknown features that may require further investigation. By undertaking these surveys, the team helped de-risk the project, ensuring that design decisions were based on accurate, site-specific data.

The PAS 128 survey provided a critical foundation for the project. By capturing accurate, site-specific data early in the process, we were able to validate existing records, uncover unknown risks, and inform the design with confidence. This proactive approach significantly reduces the likelihood of costly delays later in delivery. – Madalina Cordea, Pre-Construction Project Manager.

This work formed a crucial part of the early planning phase, laying the groundwork for a safe and effective cable installation into the substation.

JSM was pleased to have Grant Packham, our Group Commercial Director, contribute to Efficio’s recent panel discussion on “Being the client of choice in a capacity-constrained market”. The session brought together industry leaders to share practical perspectives on collaboration, pipeline visibility, and the importance of strengthening client–supplier relationships.

The conversation was both insightful and timely, and a reminder that, especially in today’s challenging market, success often comes down to honest conversations and keeping things simple.

Reflecting on the discussion, Grant commented:

The earlier we get involved, the earlier we can understand the risks and try and design them out if we can, or at least understand what the potentials are. Early engagement absolutely supports better outcomes, even if it takes longer to get started on a project. The sooner we’re involved, the better the outcome is for everyone.

Thank you to Efficio and all the panellists for a thought-provoking discussion. You can view the webinar highlights below.

Horizontal Directional Drilling, often referred to as HDD, is continuing to change how underground utilities are installed across the United Kingdom. It allows pipes, ducts and cables to be installed beneath rivers, roads and environmentally sensitive areas without the need for disruptive open-cut excavation. This article outlines JSM Group’s recent feasibility study for a proposed HDD installation beneath the River Ouse. The study helped to clarify whether the installation was viable, safe and efficient, and provided the technical foundation for the next stage of the project.

Why Choose HDD?

HDD is a trenchless method, which means the surface remains largely untouched. This makes it ideal for crossing rivers, waterways, major roads and protected environments. Because there is no need to dig long trenches, the approach reduces disruption for communities and significantly lowers environmental impact.

What the Feasibility Study Included

Before drilling can take place, a detailed feasibility assessment is essential. JSM carried out a number of investigations to understand the conditions beneath the River Ouse and to plan an appropriate drill route. These investigations included:

Borehole investigations

These provided information about the geology and soil layers beneath the river. Understanding the type of ground, such as clay, sand or gravel, is vital for selecting the correct drilling method and equipment.

Topographical surveys

These mapped the ground surface above the planned drill route, helping the team to identify any constraints, level changes or access challenges.

Bathymetric surveys

These measured the depth and shape of the riverbed. This information allowed the design team to understand underwater conditions and to plan a drill path that remained safely below the river channel. Alongside the technical surveys, JSM engaged early with all required stakeholders. These included landowners, clients and third parties. Early engagement helps to secure access, align expectations and ensure that everyone understands the project requirements before any work begins. Riaz Cadersaib, Head of Pre-Construction at JSM says:

Feasibility studies like this are more than a formality, they’re a strategic investment. They help identify risks, shape technical decisions, and streamline approvals. With thorough groundwork, HDD teams can anticipate challenges, refine their approach, and deliver successful installations even in the most demanding environments.

Why Feasibility Is Important

A feasibility study provides clarity long before a drill rig arrives on site. It helps to:

Identify geological or environmental risks
Select the correct drilling technique
Reduce project delays
Support regulatory approvals
Increase the likelihood of a successful and safe installation

By gathering accurate data at an early stage, the drilling team can avoid unexpected issues during construction and maintain a smooth project timeline.

What JSM’s Approach Shows

JSM’s work beneath the River Ouse highlights the importance of combining civil engineering expertise with careful planning. Their structured approach demonstrates how HDD can be used safely and effectively even in demanding environments. With in-house design, surveys, planning and installation capability, JSM can manage every stage of an HDD project. This ensures compliance, quality, environmental responsibility and a high standard of delivery for clients. The River Ouse feasibility study is a strong example of how modern trenchless technology can support essential infrastructure delivery while protecting sensitive environments. With precise surveys, early stakeholder engagement and a clear understanding of ground conditions, HDD provides a safe and efficient method for installing utilities beneath rivers and other challenging obstacles.