Here at Phoenix, we are proud of every member of our Team! Continuing with our Friday tradition we are meeting yet another member of #teamPhoenix. Read through to learn more about Scaffolding Contracts Manager Giles Prickett and hear a very funny story he has to tell.
How long have you been at Phoenix for, and how have you progressed in your time here?
I have been at Phoenix for just over 3 years now, in this time I have progressed from Site Manager on the Brickwork side of the business to Contracts Manager in the Scaffolding Division.
What was your background in the industry before Phoenix?
I have been in the Industry for 40 years now since leaving school, I became a Scaffolder 32 years ago working within a Brickwork & Scaffold Company. In the year 2000 I moved into Site Management running some major projects for HMS Prisons, large Mental Health Hospitals, Major secured bank buildings, Air Force bases and many more that I’m very proud to have been involved in.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
In my spare time I love being out in the outside world walking my two dogs. More recently I have got into the world of Bonsai (small trees) to those that don’t know. Also i enjoy spending time with my wife and family when possible, taking in a movie or going for a meal. Hopefully as the world goes back to normal, I'll be spending more time with friends, having a drink or two.
What's the best project you've been part of?
There are so many Projects that spring to mind, but I would probably say a secured bank job I helped manage in 2012, it was two large buildings of 4 storeys high with 2 storeys underground all internal Blockwork & Scaffolding. I had over 30 Scaffolders working daily at the peak of the job, sometimes working over 12 hrs a day and 7 days a week. I guess that’s why it always sticks in my mind.
Do you have any funny stories on-site that you'd like to share?
I have many over the years, one that springs to mind was at my own expense. I was backing a lorry into a tight spot on a job, as I was waving the lorry back I saw a wooden pallet on the ground which was in the way as the lorry reversed. As I continued to wave the lorry in, I bent down to pick the pallet up off the ground, not looking down at the pallet as I watched the lorry back (my mistake). I then stepped back and yes you guessed it, I fell one legged straight into an exposed man hole. Let’s say my colleagues found it very funny but it was painful at the time. Looking back now 30 plus years later it was a funny one.
What would you say to those looking to get into the industry?
Turn up to work and give it your best every day, always listen and learn from others with experience. Hopefully if you're keen to move on in your job role, opportunities will arise for you to move forward in the Industry. I have many people to thank for pushing me to that next level over the years, and hopefully they all know who they are.
And finally, what does being part of #teamPhoenix mean to you?
Looking back about 5 years ago, I was always keeping one eye on the Company progress, mainly through social media posts etc. I received a call and came into the Northampton office for a formal chat, it didn’t take long for my mind to be made up to leave a Company I had been at for 30 years and make that move to Phoenix for a whole new challenge. I am very proud of my current position at Phoenix and will give it everything I have, pushing the Company forward in whichever way it grows.
