What was your first job?

My first ever job was mowing a lawn for an old lady in the village who made me sandwiches every time I came. My first ‘proper’ job was as a Trainee Accountant at London Underground.

How long have you been working in FM?

I have been working in FM for 24 years.

Why did you choose a career in FM?

Like most people in FM, I didn’t necessarily choose it as a career. My first job in FM was as a temp. However, once I realised it was the career for me, I dedicated myself to it and took all of my BIFM qualifications and received an outstanding achievement award for my results.

What notable changes have you seen in the FM industry since you have been a part of it?

The industry has become far better recognised and more professional since I began. At the start of my career, most people didn’t even know what FM was. It’s also encouraging to see that there is a much clearer career path in FM and that the next generation of FM stars are choosing FM as a career (even studying for it at college/university).

What challenges do you foresee for the industry in the coming year?

I think the impact of Brexit is still unknown and there may be problems for our staff and clients that will need careful navigation once the Brexit deal is agreed.

What is your proudest moment?

From a work perspective, it was being part of a team under our chairman Mark Cooper that delivered T-Mobile’s new corporate Headquarters at Hatfield in 2003. From a personal perspective, it was rowing at Henley Royal Regatta at the age of 44.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

I don’t recall any specific advice, but I can say that I’ve had two very influential managers in my early career (Simon and Robert) who not only helped me professionally, but also personally. One of the things I learned from both, was to have confidence in myself and trust in my abilities.