Here at Phoenix Brickwork/Drywall/Scaffold, we are proud of every member of our team. Whether they're in the office or on-site, everyone works tirelessly to ensure that the overall stability and success of Phoenix is always at the highest level.
How long have you been at Phoenix for, and how have you progressed in your time here?
I've been at Phoenix for seven years, starting at the Northampton office in September 2014 with just three staff and a turnover of £3million in the first year.
Fast forward to the present day, and I'm part of a growing team that now employs over 20 staff in the region and year-on-year growth and continued expansions, both with the acquisition of BMH Scaffolding and moving into the London market.
What was your background in the industry before Phoenix?
I've worked in construction since leaving school in 1988 and trained as a Quantity Surveyor in main contracting for various regional/national based companies before venturing to the specialist masonry sector in 2004.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
My spare time is mainly spent with the family at our holiday home on the East Coast where we enjoy walking and enjoying all the activities on offer.
Prior to the pandemic, we enjoyed travelling and seeing new places, we're looking forward to resuming that once everything returns to normal.
I also enjoy keeping fit, and maybe the odd drink!
What's the best project you've been part of?
Despite not being the biggest project, the one that stands out for me is Birmingham City University City South Campus mainly because the scheme looks incredible, the masonry is very detailed as well as the different feature panels on display.
The way the teams worked together is another reason why this project is my personal favourite. The BAM Construction site team were very helpful and proactive on-site and the Phoenix team did a superb job on both construction and management making it a pleasure to be involved with.
Do you have any funny stories on-site that you'd like to share?
There have been many over the years but one that sticks in my mind was when a young apprentice decided to bring a metal detector to work and use it on his breaks to look for "treasure" on-site.
After a couple of days the site looked like it had been taken over by moles due to the number of holes dug around. We asked him what he had found and his answer was "nothing at all, but the detector bleeped and flashed everytime I walked forward".
He seemed very perplexed about his lack of discoveries until we asked if he was wearing his steel toe capped boots, and it all came together after that.
What would you say to those looking to get into the industry?
Construction offers a very exciting prospect for a career choice as it has such a broad spectrum of options, from trades to managerial, and because of that there is most likely an avenue that appeal to your interests.
The construction industry has been my life since leaving school and I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. I particularly enjoy the potential variety that every day can offer, and the satisfaction of seeing an end result.
It also offers a financially attractive future if you are prepared to work hard and commit to a hard days graft!
And finally, what does being part of #teamPhoenix mean to you?
#teamPhoenix is my work family.
