Brimstone UXO: Our 2022 Round Up

It’s been an exceptionally busy and rewarding year for Brimstone UXO, filled with surveys, risk assessments, exhibitions, and, of course, plenty of controlled explosions. Over the past 12 months, we’ve achieved remarkable milestones, clearing a total of 49 tonnes of unexploded ordnance (UXO). This astonishing figure highlights the sheer scale of our work and its critical impact on making sites across the UK – and beyond – safer.

As the year comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to step back and review our 2022 achievements, breaking them down into key statistics and milestones that demonstrate just how much we’ve accomplished.

UXO finds and clearances: the numbers

The UK’s landscape is scattered with UXO from historic military activity and wartime bombing campaigns. This year alone, our team has uncovered and safely disposed of over 72,000 individual UXO items. Some of these were discovered during routine operations, while others were part of large-scale projects, including our ongoing work at RAF Cowden, a former air weapons range on the Yorkshire coast.

At Cowden, we’ve made significant progress in year two of our four-year contract, working through the estimated 300,000 practice bombs buried on the site. Our expert teams are removing these remnants with efficiency and precision, contributing to the long-term safety of the area. With two years still to go, Cowden will undoubtedly be a key feature in next year’s review as well.

Beyond Cowden, our teams have:

• Delivered 500+ UXO risk assessments, providing crucial insight for construction and development projects.
• Cleared over 1,500 hectares of land, ensuring it is safe for use and free from the threat of UXO.
• Used cutting-edge technology, including drones, to enhance our surveying capabilities, identifying hazardous items quickly and efficiently.
• Safely detonated 250 kg of explosives across 15 different sites, helping to neutralise threats and secure operational areas.

On the ground: our people and their impact

None of this would have been possible without our highly skilled and dedicated team. Over the course of the year, Brimstone UXO engineers collectively worked 38,000 hours, the equivalent of more than 1,583 days, ensuring UK sites are safe and secure. Their tireless efforts have been instrumental in helping us meet growing demand.

To keep pace with our expanding workload, we’ve continued to scale up. In fact, we’ve seen a remarkable 168% two-year increase in order volume, a clear testament to both the scale of the UXO problem and Brimstone’s reputation as a trusted solution provider.

Our team has been deployed across the country, operating from our offices in Rochester, Stratford-upon-Avon, and Cowden, while also taking on more international projects. In the past two years, we’ve achieved a 100% increase in overseas deployments, reflecting the growing global demand for our expertise.

One such international deployment took our advanced explosive engineers to Israel, where they partnered with The HALO Trust. HALO works to clear UXO, protect communities, and promote long-term stability. Our team provided quality assurance and quality control support, ensuring safe and effective demining operations, while contributing to a safer future for those living in conflict-affected areas.

Community, training, and industry engagement

At Brimstone, our people are at the heart of everything we do. That’s why we were proud to report an impressive 9/10 employee satisfaction score in 2022. We’re committed to making Brimstone an even better place to work, and we’re aiming for a perfect 10/10 next year.

Ongoing training is also a priority, with our staff completing over 650 training courses this year. This continuous professional development ensures that our teams remain at the forefront of UXO safety, equipped with the latest skills and knowledge.

Our industry engagement efforts have also been in full force. We’ve exhibited at key events such as:

• Geotechnica, the UK’s leading geotechnical conference, where we showcased our services alongside industry specialists.
• Kent Construction Expo, engaging with professionals from across the construction sector, raising awareness of UXO risks and promoting safe practices.

Additionally, we’ve delivered our UXO Awareness Course to industry professionals. This essential training helps construction teams and other sectors understand the risks associated with UXO and the importance of mitigation strategies, contributing to safer worksites across the UK.

Looking ahead to 2023

As we reflect on an incredible year, we’re excited for what lies ahead. With growing demand, expanding projects, and continued innovation, 2023 promises to be even bigger and better. We remain committed to delivering expert UXO services, enhancing safety, and supporting clients in the UK and beyond.

If you’re planning a project in 2023 and want to ensure UXO risks are managed effectively, get in touch with our team. We offer a full range of services, from initial assessments to safe disposal.

Keep up to date with our latest projects, news, and insights by following Brimstone UXO on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.

We look forward to working with you in 2023 and beyond, building a safer future together.