Tackling the most difficult and complex projects as a matter of routine and working in long-term partnership with major customers has a big impact in determining the Group's culture. In finding solutions to one customer's challenge, the Group often finds new ways of working and new techniques which improve the solutions we can offer to others. Balfour Beatty has a learning culture and applies innovative techniques in creating customer value.

In Balfour Beatty, only a handful of people are specifically charged with the task of innovation because innovation is, in fact, an everyday part of the way we do things. We have our customers to thank for that. They want things built and maintained faster, for less money, but with more reliability and greater certainty of outcome.

In 2006, a company-wide innovation forum was created, which brings together managers from operating companies across the Group to capture good ideas and use them, as appropriate, across the Group’s customer base.

For example, off-site modular construction is an increasing feature of our work on many major building projects. It reduces site-waste, reduces production costs, accelerates installation times, improves safety and minimises traffic movements to and from construction sites.

While upgrading signalling systems for Network Rail and Metronet, we have developed data logging and analysis software that extends the life of existing assets by improving their performance. We are also developing a computer system that mimics the existing electro-mechanical controls, while installation work is going on, to keep trains running and reduce inconvenience for passengers.