Day in the Life: Isabell Holling, Managing Director

Having joined the business as IETG & 40Seven before their acquisition by SOCOTEC, Isabell has been in the industry for nine years, transitioning from a HR to operational position.

Isabell on…her career progression

“I started my journey into SOCOTEC when I joined IETG & 40Seven as Head of HR in 2017.

“In late 2017, after less than a year in my HR role at IETG & 40Seven, I transitioned into a completely new role, taking on Operational Management of 40Seven, a nationwide survey company. This was a huge challenge and totally new territory but such a brilliant (and very challenging) experience. Between 2018 and 2025 we more than quadrupled the size of 40Seven, becoming a large, well-respected, high-quality survey company servicing Tier 1 clients and major projects.

“In 2021, I then took on the Operational Directorship of both 40Seven and IETG. Leading IETG; a flow and water quality monitoring company, servicing every UK water company with mainly short-term monitoring studies, was another huge, and totally different, challenge and required new skills and knowledge, which I gained along the way.

“SOCOTEC acquired both businesses in late 2023. Once the businesses were fully integrated into SOCOTEC and re-branded, I took on a Board Level position, running a newly created Monitoring and Survey Division which currently employs around 280 people, and growing.”

Isabell on…her training and development

“Prior to taking on my operational roles, I spent 10 years working in HR. I undertook a PGDip and then an MA in HR Leadership and Management and become CIPD Qualified. My experience working in HR and the qualifications I gained gave me a great foundation in understanding people and leadership principles and formed my approach to work, which is that people always come first.

“I have also found 1-1 coaching transformative. I was lucky to be introduced to a coach that I worked very well with, and she helped me to understand myself and navigate repeating challenges. I am a strong advocate for coaching and have since completed a qualification in coaching.”

Isabell on…her support

“I have worked with lots of very impressive people who I have taken inspiration from and people who have really championed and helped me in my career. Ian Edwards, MD of IETG & 40Seven was one of these people. Ian put a huge amount of trust in me to run his businesses, and he took many opportunities to champion me to others. I am grateful to Ian and hope that I can do the same for others.”

Isabell on…what’s next

“I’m focused on the growth of Monitoring and Surveying across the UK and Ireland. I want us to be the best, most well renowned business for Geospatial and Monitoring data in our industry, delivering high quality, reliable data on large, complex projects. I want to provide career growth and development opportunities to the many brilliant technical experts we employ in our division.”