One of the top figures in UK infrastructure, MD of Balfour Beatty Living Places and interim CEO of Balfour's UK construction services, Steve Helliwell, has announced he will retire at the end of June.

Well-liked and respected, Mr Helliwell has around 40 years of experience in the construction and infrastructure maintenance industry. He promised to 'savour the next three months or so as I work towards my retirement date of the 30th June'.

Looking back on his stellar career, he said there were 'far too many people for me to thank for their support, sponsorship and friendship during the last 40 years' but gave a special mention to Chris Webster and Leo Quinn 'for the trust they put in me and their unwavering support and belief in my ability'.

In a statement, he said: 'It has been a very memorable 40 years during which time I have worked for just three employers starting way back in 1986. I joined Amey as a junior engineer and left them 24 years later in 2010 and look back with fondness at the experiences I had and the opportunity to work with many fantastic people.

'After leaving Amey I spent an enjoyable 2 ½ years working with Peter Shone at JPCS. This was a real eye opener and I learnt so much about the SME world and the many challenges that SME's face every day that are rarely experienced in the Corporate world. Peter and I had a blast entering the world of renewable energy and we played our part in shaping the early years of industrial solar power in the UK.

'And then in 2013 Balfour Beatty offered me a role in their Living Places business where I have spent the last 13 years. I joined as Operations Director and in 2017 was offered the role of Managing Director – a proud moment for me and I thank the organisation for trusting me with this amazing opportunity.

'Nearly 10 years later and I have spent time as Interim CEO of UKCS, Executive Sponsor of the Multi Cultural Affinity Network (what an amazing learning opportunity), several years leading the Ground Engineering Business and doing all this whilst leading a fantastic team of committed and talented people in BBLP.

'Balfour Beatty is an industry leader with a bright future and I was privileged to work with many of the best people in the industry.'