My way

How did you get into construction? 

For a careers essay at school, I asked my chum for advice and he said, ‘My uncle’s a quantity surveyor, he’s rich and travels the world’. The idea stuck so I joined Taylor Woodrow as a trainee straight from a school. I wouldn’t say I was rich though!

Your new role?

To work with Building Better Health and its supply chain to develop and deliver schemes built for the NHS under the local improvement finance trust (LIFT) initiative. We have three separate LIFT arrangements with several Primary Care Trusts across London and these are delivering some exciting new healthcare facilities for local communities.

Biggest challenge ahead?

There are so many stakeholders involved, including GP surgeries and dental practices, all expecting to have a perfect end product. Communicating with them and knowing their needs is crucial.

The most important factor in healthcare builds?

Having just finished the Heart of Hounslow Centre for Health, I’d say creating a building that makes people feel at ease and meets the health design criteria.

Will Willmott Dixon work with local, smaller contractors on LIFT projects?

We’ll consider local and smaller contractors if project-specific factors dictate this to be the preferred route of procurement.

Greatest influence in your professional life?

Enthusiastic, focused teams, not individuals.

Biggest professional achievement?

Commercially managing a site team through a particularly difficult project, which it would be prudent not to name.

Worst day at work?

When I was made redundant after nearly 30 years of service.

Best advice you’ve received?  

Stay calm and collected.

Favourite building?

Chrysler Building, New York.

How do you unwind?

I watch sport, participate at distance running, listen to music and read biographies.

Would you recommend construction to friends and families?

Yes, but only after explaining both the good and the not so good bits.

Holby City, ER or Green Wing?

Working with the NHS, I prefer the real thing!