The firm’s recently appointed national sector lead for defence on the importance of listening first, working collaboratively and having fun – and taking up a big new career challenge at the age of 60
Why did you choose construction as a career?
It was never my plan but, having had an officer cadetship cancelled by BP Shipping after leaving school, I visited my local college to see what courses they had available – and here I am. It’s an industry that constantly changes and challenges you, and it is extremely rewarding when you see what impact our projects have on the communities in which we work.
What have you worked on that you’re most proud of?
I led the £4.2m design phase of the refurbishment of the explosives handling jetty at RNAD (Royal Naval Armaments Depot) Coulport. Delivering within the highly regulated nuclear authorised site meant true teamwork was critical between customer, assurance teams, designers and contractors. The project was successfully completed within its £25m budget and four-year programme.
What has been your biggest career challenge to date?
This new one is certainly a challenge I am relishing – developing Willmott Dixon into a leading tier one contractor for the defence sector. At 60 years old, taking on this new challenge has been rejuvenating, and I am confident in our delivery capability at a crucial time for our defence sector customers.
If you could change one thing about the industry, what would it be?
More collaboration around common goals, less conflict. I have seen partnering and collaboration as themes both come and go. It’s here again now; let’s hope it stays.
Most helpful advice you were given?
You have two ears and only one mouth for a reason – listen first, talk second.
What’s your favourite building in the world?
An impossible question. There are so many buildings and styles to admire…Everything from Victorian tenements, art deco buildings of the 1930s, modern minimalist examples and beyond.
Which famous building do you most dislike?
I have never got my head around brutalist concrete designs; so glad we moved on.
What famous building do you wish you had worked on?
As a building services engineer at heart, the exposed services of the Lloyds Building in London would have been fun.
What single piece of advice would you give to someone just starting out in your profession?
My daughter is currently at university studying building surveying; I tell her it is one of the few industries where you can change direction many times and still succeed. Don’t settle for your career path if there is an opportunity to develop something new.
Who do you most admire in the construction industry?
All those who strive to innovate. Our industry has developed technologies and ways of working that were not foreseeable when I started. It continues to become more professional with digitisation – I wonder where AI will take us next?
What’s it like being you (and doing your job)?
I have to enjoy what I am doing; I become bored far too easily.
What do you think your best quality is?
Always have fun; success is fun.
What trait do you most dislike in yourself? And in other people?
Laziness can be a threat, so I work on maintaining focus to stop it creeping in.
Do you have a life philosophy?
I came into this life with nothing, and I still have most of it left.
Name three things that you like
Sailing, family and friends – not necessarily in that order!
What’s a secret skill we don’t know you have?
I can juggle clubs and knives!
Early bird or night owl?
Early bird.
What’s your favourite food?
I have eclectic tastes. Everything from old-fashioned and plain to spicy eastern delicacies.
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