Steve Helliwell Announces Retirement After 40-Year Career in Construction

A highly respected figure in the UK construction and infrastructure maintenance sector, Steve Helliwell, has announced his retirement, bringing to a close a distinguished 40-year career spanning some of the industry’s most prominent organisations.

Last week, Balfour Beatty confirmed that Helliwell will retire at the end of June, marking the culmination of four decades of contribution to the sector.

Helliwell began his career in 1986 as a junior engineer with Amey, where he spent 24 years developing his expertise and building lasting professional relationships. Reflecting on this period, he described it as a formative chapter filled with valuable opportunities and collaborations with “many fantastic people.”

In 2010, he joined JPCS, working closely with Peter Shone for two and a half years. During this time, Helliwell gained first-hand insight into the challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), offering a contrast to his previous corporate experience. The role also saw him contribute to the emerging renewable energy sector, helping to shape the early development of industrial solar power in the UK.

In 2013, Helliwell joined Balfour Beatty’s Living Places business as Operations Director. He was appointed Managing Director in 2017, a milestone he described as a “proud moment.” Over the following years, he held a number of senior leadership positions, including Interim CEO of UK Construction Services, Executive Sponsor of the company’s Multicultural Affinity Network, and leadership roles within the Ground Engineering business.

Throughout his tenure, Helliwell played a key role in leading teams and supporting the continued growth of Balfour Beatty, widely recognised as a leader in the infrastructure sector.

Paying tribute to colleagues, he highlighted the support and trust placed in him throughout his career, particularly acknowledging Chris Webster and Leo Quinn for their guidance and belief in his abilities.

As he approaches his final months in the role, Helliwell said he is looking forward to marking the occasion with colleagues and reflecting on a career that has spanned four decades of industry change and development.

His retirement on 30 June will mark the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, innovation, and dedication to the construction and infrastructure industry.