Our 4th year of supporting the 13 Bridges Challenge. Econ Group are proud to have provided specialist logistical and reactive support services to SSAFA - the Armed Forces charity - as part of their highly respected 13 Bridges Challenge held in London.

The 13 Bridges Challenge is a flagship annual fundraising event organised by SSAFA. It invites serving personnel, veterans, families, and supporters to take part in a 10-mile walk across 13 of London’s most iconic bridges, raising vital funds for those who serve or have served in the British Armed Forces. The route crosses the River Thames multiple times and weaves through some of the capital’s most historic locations, making it both a symbolic and impactful journey.

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Tailored Enabling Works and Logistical Support

Econ Group was tasked with providing flexible, on-the-ground enabling works and logistical services in the lead-up to and throughout the event. Our role included:

• Coordinating and managing the transportation and delivery of key event infrastructure
• Supporting the set-up and de-rigging of equipment at multiple bridge access points
• Providing rapid-response support to adapt to changing requirements on the day
• Ensuring seamless movement of materials, supplies, and people throughout the 10-mile route

These requirements called for a dependable delivery partner with proven experience in reactive support and working around live infrastructure. Our background in high-pressure, multi-stakeholder environments - ranging from live rail sites to critical infrastructure and contaminated land remediation - meant we were well positioned to respond efficiently and professionally.

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Supporting Community Through Operational Excellence

Although very different from our usual environments of construction logistics, waste management, and remediation works, this project drew directly on our core skill set: reactive logistical support, safe operations in public spaces, and the ability to execute flexible plans at pace.

Our enabling services played a crucial role in ensuring the event's success, allowing SSAFA’s volunteers, staff, and participants to concentrate on their mission of supporting the Armed Forces. At Econ Group, we deeply value the work SSAFA does and align with their principles of service, integrity, and dedication. This event was particularly meaningful to us, as many of our team members have personal or familial connections to the military.

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We currently have 4 ex military personnel who work at Econ, we are always hiring and at this event we were able to get the details of many new potential employees.

"The Econ team this year were effective and accommodating to SSAFA, I spent a lot of time helping coordinate the running of the event and the provision of our reactive support and equipment. The event ran well and Econ are proud to have played our part in this important day. We look forward to next year." - Aoife Buckingham, Office Supervisor & Manager of Econ's Contribution to the 13 Bridges Challenge 2025.