From his roots in the British Army’s Royal Engineers to a leadership role at Barhale, Alva Locker has built a career characterised by versatility and commitment. Reflecting on his journey, Alva shares, “I’ve always worked in project engineering, but joining Barhale has been a turning point. It’s given me the platform to take on new challenges and grow professionally.”

A Journey to Barhale

With seven years of experience in the British Army’s Royal Engineers and a subsequent move into the water industry, Alva gained valuable expertise working with several companies. His decision to join Barhale was driven by the company’s reputation for managing complex and impactful projects. “I knew the name and their track record,” he says. “When the opportunity arose, I decided to give it a go—and it’s been a great decision.”

Rising Through the Ranks

Alva joined Barhale as a Senior MEICA Project Engineer and quickly demonstrated his capabilities. Within seven months, he was promoted to MEICA Manager, overseeing both the United Utilities and Severn Trent frameworks in the Northern region. Reflecting on his progression, he says, “I’m grateful for the trust Barhale has placed in me. It’s rewarding to help the company achieve its goals while building a self-sufficient MEICA delivery team.”

“Alva has proven to be a driving force in ensuring our MEICA scope of works has been delivered in a safe, efficient, and effective manner. Drawing high praise from our client and the management team within Barhale.” – Matt Morley (Framework Manager, Northern Region)

Delivering Success Under Pressure

One of Alva’s proudest achievements came during the Severn Trent projects, where he faced tight regulatory deadlines. “We had a regulatory date of 22nd December, and we completed the work in the final days before Christmas,” he recalls. “It was intense, but we delivered on time, ensuring a happy client and a successful outcome for the team.” Another standout project was devising temporary screening at Cumberbatch, a solution that passed the Environmental Agency scrutiny and met crucial deadlines. “It’s been one of our best pieces of work so far,” he adds.

A People-first Culture

For Alva, Barhale’s supportive and open culture has been a highlight. “It’s a big company with a family-owned feel,” he says. “There are no closed doors here—you can voice concerns and be heard at every level. That’s rare and one of the main reasons I would recommend Barhale to others.” He credits his line manager, Matt Morley, and framework colleague, Nick Curtis, for their guidance and support.

Beyond the Projects

Outside of work, Alva enjoys football and fishing, a hobby that takes him across the UK and even to France. His biggest catch to date? “A 35lb carp in the UK,” he says with a smile.

Looking Ahead

Alva’s long-term goal is to build a self-sufficient MEICA delivery team across the Northern Region. With Barhale’s Values and his leadership, he is confident this vision will become a reality. Alva’s story reflects his dedication to delivering quality, overcoming challenges, and fostering a collaborative work environment. His journey at Barhale is a testament to the company’s commitment to recognising and nurturing talent.