My Hires Latest News Careers YourSolution Customer Portal

Depot Locator

My Hires Latest News Careers YourSolution Customer Portal

0800 000 345

Home

News and Articles

Filter:

Division

Groundforce Shorco

Piletec

Stopper Specialists

U Mole

Groundforce Bridge

Shorflo

Groundforce Training Services

News

Case study

Video

Blog Posts

Date

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

Sort by

Date (ascending)

Date (descending)

Title (ascending)

Title (descending)

1 - 96 of 440 Results

Filter

Sort by

Date (ascending)

Date (descending)

Title (ascending)

Title (descending)

1 - 96 of 440 Results

28 May 2025

Groundforce supports river revival

Contractors redeveloping the old Castlegate Market site in Sheffield are exposing a long-hidden stretch of the River Sheaf with help from specialist hirer Groundforce Shorco.

16 May 2025

Groundforce’s drive for clean energy boosted by the Instagrid Mobile Power Supply

Groundforce have introduced the Instagrid GO Mobile Power Supply: a portable, lightweight device that delivers grid-like electrical performance without the limitations associated with conventional diesel or petrol generators.

24 Mar 2025

Utility Courses Delivered by Experts Now Available From Groundforce Training

Building on our excellent reputation throughout the construction and civil engineering sectors for delivering high standard courses, Groundforce Training have now made available a new portfolio of EUSR accredited utility courses.

14 Feb 2025

Groundforce helps to speed up construction operations at Gothenburg hospital

Groundforce equipment has created critical time and cost savings on a challenging project on a live healthcare campus in Gothenburg.

14 Feb 2025

Groundforce Shorco provides bespoke support to complex excavation

Groundforce Shorco has provided specialist shoring equipment and design services for a complex excavation at a new housing development in North Yorkshire.

12 Feb 2025

Piletec and Groundforce Shorco team up for JN Bentley

Installing a sheet-piled cofferdam was traditionally a specialist operation and many piling subcontractors still offer this as a specialist service. However, modern piling technology has made the process of installing steel sheet-piles a task well within the capabilities of any competent excavator operator.

29 Nov 2024

Groundforce makes new piling appointments

Groundforce appoints two Garys to its piling businesses.

27 Nov 2024

Groundforce Shorco supports complex excavation at Aberdeen water works

At the Mannofield Water Treatment Works near Aberdeen, contractor ESD is carrying out an £8 million upgrade for Scottish Water

7 Nov 2024

Piletec Overcomes Challenges at Former Coal Mine

Piletec were challenged with providing equipment to install sheet piles needed to penetrate to a depth of 9m to engage the bedrock.

4 Nov 2024

Groundforce Shorco Hiredesk Wins ‘Highly Commended’ Honours in Two Categories

The Hire Desk team at Groundforce Shorco have been recognised as Highly Commended in two categories at the 2024 Northern Contact Centre Awards

1 Nov 2024

Investing in our team to serve you better!

Our Stopper Specialists division recently took Callum, one of our hire controllers, to a Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTW) upgrade site in the South, part of the ongoing AMP7 investment programme.

31 Oct 2024

Groundforce Bids a Fond Farewell to Richard Cherrie after 44 years’ Service

It is with mixed emotions that we say goodbye to Richard Cherrie as he prepares to enter retirement

8 Oct 2024

Hire Desk team aims high with major awards

Groundforce Shorco’s Hire Desk team are shortlisted for not one but two places in the finals of a prestigious award scheme.

12 Sept 2024

Mr Cropper: 24 Years of successfully Serving House Builders

With a drive for new housing potentially just around the corner, contractors and house building developers can be assured that Mr Cropper has the capacity and range of equipment to meet any new increase in demand. We offer solutions for a wide variety of pile cropping applications to meet the specific requirements of the house building sector.

20 Aug 2024

The Top 10 Benefits of Hiring Pipe Stoppers and Pressure Testing Equipment

In construction and utilities, having access to the right equipment at the right time is crucial. At Stopper Specialists, we aim to provide an efficient and flexible solution by offering high-quality pipe stoppers and pressure testing equipment for hire. Here’s an overview of the benefits of hiring our equipment and how it can support your business operations.

14 Aug 2024

The Importance of Coil Awareness Training

Accidents occurring within the construction sector post-pandemic has seen a 70% increase with the industry reporting twice as many deaths compared to agriculture, forestry and mining. This HSE data highlights that while safety is viewed as paramount, the fact remains that fatal injury in construction was five times higher than the average across all industries from the period 2023/24 with the most common causes being falls from height, being struck by a moving object and being struck by a moving vehicle.

14 Aug 2024

What is Hydrostatic Testing?

Hydrostatic testing is the most commonly used procedure for checking the performance of pipes, boilers and pressure vessels. The method is used to highlight any flaws or damage that could result in a pressure loss. The industry generally considers this to be the safest method of pressure testing and for identifying potential leaks, strength or structural issues.

14 Aug 2024

What is Pressure Testing?

Pressure testing is conducted to WIS 4-01-03 or IGN 4-01-03, depending on the pipe material, to ensure the pipe meets the required standards. Find out more about the purpose of pressure testing.

13 Aug 2024

Groundforce Shorco and Stopper Specialists: Supporting the Utilities Sector

Groundforce has spent many years listening to customers’ requirements in order to become a reputable supplier for those working in utilities. This commitment has seen Groundforce Shorco and Stopper Specialists build a cross-functional service for companies working in areas such as gas, water, electricity and power transmission.

31 Jul 2024

Eight-sided support from Groundforce Shorco

Groundforce Shorco has supplied a space and time-saving solution to a project at a wastewater treatment works in Kent.

1 Jul 2024

Groundforce Shorco supports concrete culvert installation

Gallagher Group calls in Groundforce Shorco to help with the installation of a robust water management system for a Maritime Academy.

24 Jun 2024

Groundforce are finalists in the Construction News Specialist awards.

Specialist construction services supplier Groundforce has added two more prestigious nominations to its growing list of accolades, having been named finalists in this year’s Construction News Specialist Awards.

17 Jun 2024

Piletec’s vibrating hammer solves pile-pulling conundrum

Piletec supplied their ICE8SG Side-Grip vibrating hammer to main contractor JN Bentley who needed to extract sheet piling from a site with some very challenging ground conditions.

12 Jun 2024

Groundforce Shorco delivers eight-sided support to sodden site

Groundforce recentley supported Galliford Try with a solution to a deep excavation in weak ground and heavy rain.

2 Apr 2024

Groundforce Shorco equipment embraces major bridge crossing

Groundforce Shorco supplied their heavy-duty hydraulic braces and props to support two large excavations on opposite banks of the River Yare in Great Yarmouth where a new lift bridge – the Great Yarmouth Third River Crossing - is being built by the BAM Farrans Joint Venture (JV).

12 Mar 2024

Groundforce Shorco delivers bespoke solution for major Dublin dig

Groundforce Shorco has supplied a bespoke support system for a major excavation in Dublin. Modular hydraulic equipment supplied by Groundforce Shorco is supporting the concrete secant-piled retaining wall while Bennett Construction completes the excavation and installs the reinforced concrete basement slab.

11 Mar 2024

Groundforce goes for the double

Specialist construction services supplier Groundforce has won a brace of shortlistings in this year’s Ground Engineering Awards.

19 Feb 2024

Piletec's Strategic Pile Removal Solution with the ICE 8SG in Restricted Headroom

Piletec supplied the Diesko ICE 8SG Side Grip Hammer to extract 9m U steel sheet piles which had been installed using a five-tonne crane-suspended vibrator during construction of a new motorway bridge.

19 Jan 2024

Groundforce Shorco provides propping solution to mixed-use development in Edinburgh

Edgewater Contracts & Specialist Joinery appointed Groundforce Shorco to supply a propping solution for the excavation element of a new mixed-use scheme in Edinburgh, to include a new boutique hotel an extension to the formerly named Jurys Inn.

12 Jan 2024

What is the Piletec Vibration Monitor?

This Vibration Monitor is the most efficient and high-quality vibration monitoring system on the market: it uses advanced Micro-Electromechanical Systems (MEMS) technology. Read our list of FAQ's to find out more.

13 Dec 2023

Vp plc has its emissions targets validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative

Vp plc’s strategy to reduce emissions gets the SBTi seal of approval. Specialist equipment rental group Vp plc has had its efforts and its strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through science-based targets validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).

11 Dec 2023

Groundforce appoints new engineering director

Oliver Smith is promoted to Engineering Director at Groundforce Shorco. Shoring specialists Groundforce Shorco have promoted their Head of UK Engineering Design, Oliver Smith, to Engineering Director.

25 Oct 2023

Groundforce's YourSolution Earns Finalist Spot at 2023 CMAs

Groundforce Shorco is celebrating after being shortlisted at the Construction Marketing Awards (CMAs) 2023 in the “Best use of website” category for its groundbreaking YourSolution online temporary works design tool.

17 Oct 2023

Groundforce Shorco lends support to Glasgow bridge project

Groundforce Shorco is supplying a range of large-capacity modular hydraulic shoring equipment to contractors building a new footbridge and cycleway over the River Clyde in Glasgow.

11 Oct 2023

Groundforce Training make it two in a row at the Energy & Utility Skills Awards

Back-to-back wins for Groundforce Training at prestigious industry awards.

3 Oct 2023

Introducing: YourSolution+

Groundforce Shorco are pleased to announce the launch of YourSolution+, an industry-first temporary works design tool. Offering engineers, temporary works coordinators and anyone confident to give a soil profile, unprecedented access to create their own trench and manhole box designs.

20 Sept 2023

Groundforce bridges the gap in Scotland

Two Groundforce bridges help APL Construction span a watercourse in Scotland.

31 Aug 2023

Groundforce takes its place as finalists in the CN Specialist Awards

Groundforce are finalists in the CN Specialist Awards 2023, in the category of ‘Equipment Specialist of the Year’.

21 Aug 2023

Putting Smartshore to the test

The Smartshore Shoring System from Stopper Specialists is made from inflatable rubber cushions that are used together with adjustable trench struts.

25 Jul 2023

Groundforce Shorco delivers support for second Tideway ATU

A complex shoring solution supplied by Groundforce Shorco for another Tideway excavation.

27 Jun 2023

Groundforce Training celebrates its 10th birthday

Groundforce Training is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2023, safe in the knowledge it has helped thousands of workers within utilities, construction and civil engineering stay equally as safe on site.

1 Jun 2023

Vp plc divisions will debut two new products at Rail Live 2023

Stand G7 at Rail Live will showcase products and solutions from six Vp plc divisions.

30 May 2023

Mr Cropper presents the ultimate Operator Challenge at Plantworx 2023

Vp plc division, Mr Cropper are a sponsor of the inaugural Operators Challenge at Plantworx 2023

16 May 2023

Temporary works tool gets a fourth upgrade from Groundforce Shorco

YourSolution, Groundforce Shorco’s interactive design tool, upgrades to 1.4.

9 May 2023

Groundforce provides comprehensive support package for water diversion

Groundforce Shorco and sister division Piletec have come together to provide a turnkey ground support package on a mains water diversion project in the Midlands.

27 Apr 2023

Groundforce shortlisted in Ground Engineering awards

Groundforce have been shortlisted as finalists in the category of ‘Specialist Geotechnical Supplier of the Year’ in the Ground Engineering Awards 2023.

11 Apr 2023

Groundforce performs a delicate balancing act in Oslo

Contractors in Norway are using modular hydraulic props from Groundforce to support a major rail tunnel redevelopment in the capital, Oslo.

31 Mar 2023

CE/UKCA Announcement

Groundforce are pleased to announce that their major shoring products are now endorsed with both the CE and UKCA Mark.

27 Mar 2023

Groundforce Shorco unveils a carbon calculator for temporary works

Specialist shoring supplier Groundforce Shorco has developed a carbon calculator for temporary works and is making it available not just for customers but the shoring industry as a whole.

20 Mar 2023

Podcast: Groundforce Shorco Helps Gothenburg Realise Transport Ambitions

Groundforce Shorco discuss how they are helping to build Scandinavia's tallest skyscraper and aid construction of the 8km train line of which 6km will be underground in the latest episode or the Engineering Matters podcast.

8 Feb 2023

Groundforce Shorco adds a 4.5m Manhole Box to its portfolio

New 4.5m Manhole Box that is a sought-after shoring solution when installing precast concrete rings up to 3m in diameter has been added to leading UK construction solutions supplier, Groundforce Shorco’s fleet.

6 Feb 2023

Groundforce Shorco shores up water improvement scheme

Groundforce Shorco is providing essential structural support for a water treatment project deep in the New Forest.

26 Jan 2023

Marcus’ Mountain Grand Slam – The Final Peak!

In December, Marcus took on his final climb – Aconcagua. A mountain in the Principal Cordillera of the Andes mountain range.

9 Jan 2023

Groundforce Shorco rises to design challenge

Groundforce Shorco supplied a range of specialised equipment to support a complex excavation during work at the Ynys Y Fro reservoir near Newport, Gwent.

6 Jan 2023

Piletec adds new piling hammers to its hire fleet

A Side-Grip Hammer and Impact Hammer are the latest excavator attachments from Piletec

19 Dec 2022

Groundforce helps lay the foundations for Scandinavia’s tallest building

Groundforce has supplied 12 of its heavy-duty MP250 modular hydraulic props to support an enormous excavation in the Swedish city of Gothenburg.

19 Dec 2022

Tideway’s testing temporary works challenge for Groundforce Shorco

Groundforce Shorco has supplied an innovative sheet piling and structural support solution for the installation of an Air Treatment Unit (ATU) at Tideway’s Deptford Church Street site in the south London borough of Lewisham.

9 Dec 2022

Marcus’ Mountain Grand Slam goes to Africa…

In June this year, Marcus from the Groundforce Shorco technical team began embarking on a challenge to conquer mountain peaks in Wales, Tanzania and Argentina, in an attempt to raise £1000 for Prostate Cancer Research. Groundforce are pleased to be sponsoring Marcus on his challenge, ensuring he was able to purchase necessary clothing for the climbs.

5 Dec 2022

Groundforce appoints a new area sales manager for Scotland

Specialist construction solutions supplier Groundforce has expanded its shoring sales team in Scotland with the appointment of Stuart Clazey.

2 Dec 2022

Groundforce Shorco provides propping solution in Battersea

Groundforce Shorco has supplied a deep excavation support solution on a site in south London for main contractor Mace.

7 Nov 2022

Groundforce Training win at the Energy and Utility Skills Awards

Groundforce Training have won a prestigious national award for their work in the water and wastewater sector.

22 Sept 2022

Groundforce’s new temporary bridge is a step in the right direction

New Step Bridge launched by Groundforce Bridge helps the workforce and the public.

3 Aug 2022

Groundforce Shorco Trench Box is safe as houses

Groundforce Shorco’s Premier Trench Boxes proved to be the ideal solution to support the installation of a floodwater attenuation tank on a new housing development in East Sussex.

2 Aug 2022

Temporary works tool gets a third upgrade from Groundforce Shorco

YourSolution, Groundforce Shorco’s interactive design tool, upgrades to 1.3

26 Jul 2022

Vp plc launches its Short Term Roadmap to Net Zero

Groundforce parent company Vp plc has officially launched its Short Term Roadmap to Net Zero by 2050.

19 Jul 2022

Groundforce put in peak-performance for WaterAid with funds raised doubled by Vp plc!

Groundforce will be taking on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, in an attempt to raise vital funds for WaterAid.

6 Jul 2022

Groundforce has been ranked no.1 by Scottish Water

Scottish Water has awarded a first-place Framework agreement to Groundforce for the Hire of Trenching and Shoring Equipment.

23 Jun 2022

International Women in Engineering Day

Today marks the 9th anniversary of International Women in Engineering Day,

8 Jun 2022

Stopper Specialists launch new Air Lance

Stopper Specialists have launched a new product that increases safety for contractors working around and removing buried utilities services.

7 Jun 2022

The Vp Village is back at Rail Live 2022!

Across stands G7 & G8 at this year’s Rail Live will showcase solutions from Groundforce, TPA, ESS, UK Forks, Torrent Trackside, Brandon Hire Station and MEP.

12 May 2022

Groundforce Training signs up to the Armed Forces Covenant

Specialist construction training provider, Groundforce Training, has formalised its long-standing support for the Armed Forces.

9 May 2022

Groundforce Shorco does the Suffolk shuffle

Groundforce Shorco, is relocating one of its key depots to offer customers improved service. The new depot, will be moved from Bury St Edmunds to Mildenhall Industrial Estate.

5 May 2022

Groundforce: Providing the Complete Solution for AMP7 Projects

Groundforce’s mission to provide the complete solution has seen the company evolve into a group of specialist core divisions, collectively able to offer AMP7/utilities contractors the ultimate one-stop-shop for all their requirements.

1 Apr 2022

Groundforce deliver talk to future engineers at Bradford University

In February, Akil Jasm Major Project Design Manager and Robert Powell Senior Engineer, visited Bradford University to deliver a presentation on Sheet Piles in temporary works applications.

8 Mar 2022

Groundforce Shorco upgrades design tool

Excavation support specialist Groundforce Shorco has added a groundwater management option to YourSolution, its interactive design tool for temporary works.

21 Feb 2022

Groundforce Shorco equipment braces major bridge crossing

Equipment supplied by Groundforce Shorco is playing a vital part in one of the most important infrastructure projects currently underway in the UK.

14 Feb 2022

Groundforce digs deep for Belfast tunnelling project

Groundforce has supplied specialist shoring equipment to support three deep excavations on a flood alleviation project in Northern Ireland.

8 Feb 2022

My Hires: Groundforce’s new 24-hour service puts customers firmly in control

Groundforce is pleased to announce the launch of My Hires, the fresh and innovative online tool which delivers a fundamental change in approach to the way in which Groundforce customers interact with their online accounts.

20 Jan 2022

It’s gold for Groundforce

Groundforce have been awarded gold accreditation, the highest level in the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS).

13 Jan 2022

Groundforce launches e-commerce capability

Groundforce have launched what is believed to be the first e-commerce site for excavator attachments hire in the UK. The site gives all customers the ability to hire excavator attachments online at any time of the day or night, making hires simple and convenient for customers.

20 Dec 2021

Groundforce appoints new engineering director

Specialist construction solutions supplier Groundforce has appointed Paul Garton as its new engineering director to head up its technical team

12 Nov 2021

Groundforce Shorco props up famous Mayfair club

Groundforce Shorco equipment is playing a central role in one of the UK’s most ambitious and high-profile city-centre redevelopments: Cambridge House, in London’s Piccadilly. Cambridge House is now at the centre of a technically ambitious scheme by developer Motcomb Estates to create a new hotel and associated private residences.

11 Nov 2021

Groundforce Shorco trench boxes provide the best solution for George Leslie.

Specialist construction solutions Groundforce Shorco have supplied a comprehensive range of trench boxes plus associated safety products, to enable George Leslie to carry out a waste water rising main development to make space for new infrastructure development at Cambuslang.

27 Oct 2021

Podcast: Groundforce Shorco Propping up Vienna

Groundforce Shorco discuss the important strategies of early planning and design as they explain the detailed rationale behind the choice of equipment deployed as well as the precise nature of the methodology used in the Vienna project. 

7 Oct 2021

Groundforce sponsors Construction News Specialist Awards 2021

Groundforce continues to support major industry events with the sponsorship of the 17th Construction News Specialist Awards.

15 Sept 2021

Luxury development gets top quality support from Groundforce

Constructing an enormous three-level basement right on the Bayswater Road in central London is not a job to be undertaken lightly and for that reason, specialist groundworks and concrete frame contractor Modebest knew it needed the best temporary works support solution available.

1 Jul 2021

Groundforce Shorco enhances its interactive excavation support tool

Six months after its hugely successful launch, excavation support specialist Groundforce Shorco has enhanced its interactive design tool for temporary works, YourSolution.

11 Jun 2021

Vp group businesses out in force at this year’s Rail Live exhibition

The Vp group will be exhibiting a comprensive range of specialist rail and construction equipment and solutions split across two stands at Rail Live 2021, which takes place on June 16th - 17th

5 Jun 2021

Groundforce launches new attachments website

Specialist construction equipment supplier Groundforce has launched a new, dedicated attachments website.

24 May 2021

Stopper Specialists appoints new general manager

Leading construction services supplier Groundforce has appointed one of their former graduates to the post of general manager for their Stopper Specialist business. Sam Woodcock joined Groundforce in 2016 as part of the company’s graduate recruitment programme where he worked in a rotating role across various departments including sales, operations, hire desk, finance, international, technical and asset management teams.

21 Apr 2021

Groundforce Shorco's props on the move

Groundforce Shorco’s modular hydraulic props have been used for a very different kind of project, not only above-ground but also on a moving structure. Osprey Group called on Groundforce to provide lateral support to bridge abutments and wing walls during the lifting and transportation process of a new railway bridge replacement at Gipsy Patch Lane in the north Bristol suburb of Stoke Gifford.

19 Apr 2021

Groundforce Training CITB Levy Scheme

Groundforce Training, as an ATO, is fully responsible for making Levy Claims on behalf of Levy paying organisations for grant eligible courses. Taking advantage of the scheme will bring significant savings, especially when there is a need to train a larger group of delegates.

31 Mar 2021

Lateral thinking solves vertical problem

Supporting the sides of a 7m-deep square shaft is usually a fairly straightforward affair for Groundforce Shorco. First you install interlocking steel sheet piles around the perimeter, then you brace the top with a waling beam before commencing excavation.

29 Mar 2021

Supporting Infrastructure with Short Term Shoring Solutions

This industry resource discusses shoring for infrastructure projects. Including irregular shaped excavations and tips on a more more flexible temporary working environment.

10 Mar 2021

Groundforce provides support at one of Sweden’s most prestigious building developments

Modular hydraulic propping equipment from Groundforce is proving a highly efficient support solution for a series of major basement excavations in Gothenburg, Sweden. The Karlastaden (Karla City) development, in the Lindholmen district of the city, will comprise a total of nine high-rise buildings and includes the 245m-tall Karlatornet (Karla tower) residential block which was completed in 2020, and is the tallest building in the whole of Scandinavia.

3 Mar 2021

Excavator Attachments: Safety in Construction

This article discusses the positive effect excavator attachments has had on safety within the construction industry. The article highlights areas such as Protection from flying debris, Manual handling and Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS).