Hendrick, 37, is construction manager at Lakesmere

What has been the hardest challenge you have faced to get to where you are now?

To consistently deliver client satisfaction, which I categorise as health and safety, quality, programme and price. Achieving client satisfaction is dependent upon people, therefore, developing and adding to their skills and getting them to recognise / understand the benefits.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?

With enthusiasm, passion, drive and commitment I wish to expand my knowledge and experience to build a strong and dedicated team within my specialist field that consistently delivers client satisfaction.

Where do you see the construction industry going in the next year, three years and decade?

Next year: This will be tough with the pressures on the public purse and therefore competition for work will be as difficult as this year with very little if any increase in margins. On a positive note this gives us opportunity to develop innovative solutions that may lead us to having the edge over the competition and protect our margin. In addition, we need to retain our key personnel / skills in readiness for an upturn in market conditions.

Three years: Hopefully will be seeing an improving economic situation with workload and margins increasing, which will allow the industry to build for the future.

Ten years: Looking back over the last 10 years the construction industry has changed significantly, specifically:

  • Improvements in health and safety and training.
  • Materials
  • Plant
  • Installation techniques
  • Environmental issues
  • Sustainability
  • Technology

I believe this trend will continue with more emphasis upon environment, sustainability, materials, offsite works and innovation. However, what we must not forget is people - without them we have nothing.

What has been your career high point so far?

I don’t have one particular high point as I see the successful completion of every project I have been involved with as a high point and something I am immensely proud of, irrespective of size or value.

And the low point?

Having to be part of the redundancy process, position selection and consultations, knowing that our colleagues are people with responsibilities outside of the workplace, whose livelihood relies upon the industry.

Who is your hero?

Not being one for historical figures or the celebrity circus, I would select Mr Matt B Craig, ex MD of Keyclad who gave me opportunity 11 years ago and as my career developed coupled with the knowledge and experience gained he opened doors and invited me through with phrases of encouragement such as “If Hendrick doesn’t work the weekend, Hendrick has no future”.

Matt’s style in some circles would be described as “old school”. Times may have changed but his drive, passion and principles remain current and have proven successful. I am eternally grateful for the skills I have learnt and will employ the same foundation and consistency, albeit with a modern approach, throughout my career and develop others in the same manner.

If you could take one thing with you to a desert island, what would it be?

It would have to be my iPad packed with photographs / videos of my family, my favourite music and it allows me to communicate wherever I am.