M&E contracting is a real man’s game, right? Long hours, booze, fags and a nice fry-up to fuel the day’s hard graft outside on a cold and wet February morning. So what’s all this about empathy, the culture and values of Chinese society and the lack of class barriers in America.

Our interview with the boss of Inviron, who have bought out the UK m&e contracting interests of ailing giant ABB, shows that the macho world of construction might be in for a bit of a touchy-feely makeover.

Garry Metcalfe talks of a more approachable management style, a dialogue with those at the sharp end and he’s backing it up with plans to roll out share ownership through the entire organisation.

And that’s not all. HVCA member Farrelly Facilities & Engineering has won an award from campaign group Parents at Work for its family-friendly policies. Whatever next – creche facilities on site?

Such examples are unfortunately few and far between – as yet. But these enlightened companies are already seeing the benefits – Farrelly reports a trebling of sales over the past year following the implementation of the policies. Not only is it family friendly, it’s business friendly too.

Source

Electrical and Mechanical Contractor