Director, Construction, UK
In the 1990s I was involved with Mace through a PhD course at Reading University. I worked with the founding team and, following the conclusion of my studies, I was asked by a colleague if I was interested in joining the company. I jumped at the opportunity.
I couldn't possibly pick one. Each time we undertake another project I feel more proud. The Mace baggage teams impress and surprise me continuously. I'm going to say that my proudest achievement is the continued relationship with Heathrow and its baggage infrastructure that has spanned over 20 years.
Try to get exposure to the many aspects and interfaces that baggage projects demand. By their very nature, they are more complex than traditional construction projects and can significantly impact on operations and passengers.
Our baggage projects have the potential to make the news every day. When I drive to work I know that my projects have the potential to disrupt terminal operations if they are not managed correctly. When you hear on the radio ‘flights are delayed from. . .' I am immediately on the phone to check that all is OK on everything we're responsible for. Not many other jobs present that kind of pressure and potential exposure.
Airport growth and capacity issues always make the headlines. There has been, and will continue to be, higher passenger demands at all UK airports. Security threats will also affect how capital expenditure is planned. New forms of technology will carry on driving greater automation in baggage systems, thereby increasing the dependency on complex integrated control systems.
Old cars and old motorbikes. But with two small children it can be difficult to find time to get in the garage!
Director, Construction, UK