This month we celebrate MGR Consultants first birthday. What thoughts and emotions come to mind when you think about that?
Firstly, the old saying of how fast time goes by, but also how blessed I have been to work with so many great organisations and people over the last year. Also, just how far MGR Consultants have come when I think back to last October and starting out.
What made you start MGR Consultants?
I started MGR for 2 reasons to give me more control over my time and how and when I spend it. Although I have been very busy, I have also been able to get in some lovely breaks along the way.
The second reason was to put all of the extremely hard work of the last 8 years to some good use, I genuinely believe in ensuring the safety of the people whose buildings I assess and the advice that I give to make those buildings a safer place to live.
What were your visions in 2018 and how have you met or even surpassed them?
I have to say my main vision for the end of 2018 was to be able to pay the mortgage and to start to create a business built on expertise and integrity.
What do you see as the biggest accomplishments since you started last year?
Since starting MGR Consulting, I believe that my biggest achievements are
- working with a number of highly regarded organisations,
- representing my profession in the consultation process with IWFM to ensure a safer future for buildings,
- and also certainly being asked to speak at this month’s National Construction week at the NEC.
However, I believe my greatest accomplishment over the last year to be being able to now employ my wife and fellow Director Jane, but also in the very near future my son Callum who has been studying hard to get the required qualifications to join the business.
What is your favourite part about your job? What excites you most?
I am going to sound like a real anorak now but what excites me the most is the thought of how much better we can be, if we start to put some of the lessons learnt from the tragedy of Grenfell Tower and ensuring that nothing like that ever happens again.
I know that this will not be a quick fix but more of a concerted effort by all involved in the built environment and also those who live in the buildings they create. Also, I find it incredibly exciting that we are about to embark on a new chapter of building and fire regulations which has been a truly collaborative endeavour by huge amounts of really committed professionals sharing the one goal that of a “safer future”.
Do you have a business role model?
Not so much a business role model but more role models in respect of those who I think are exceptional with their efforts and find the sheer will and determination to succeed.
The three main people (in business) that come to mind immediately are:
- Graham Sheil, my fire risk assessing guru and mentor, an incredibly knowledgeable and wonderful person.
- Julie Kortens, I have had the pleasure of meeting Julie a number of times although I do not “know her” as such, she is simply an absolute inspiration to a lot of people in the Facilities Management discipline. A true professional and really nice person to boot!
- And finally, but by no means least, Nichola Lathbury (Hexagon FM). Well, what can I say? An absolute star, complete inspiration and a relentless campaigner for Women in FM (oh, and she is a very good recruitment consultant as well!). I have the utmost respect and affection for “Nikki” and all that she does and stands for. Long may it continue!
What is the best piece of leadership advice you would give someone setting up a new business?
Always focus on the here and now. Operate within an area you are passionate about (above all) and experienced in. Ensure that you give your clients the absolute best you can at all times and maintain the highest standards yourself. The rest will happen. Have full trust in your abilities and set yourself realistic goals (mine was as basic as paying the mortgage initially).
Where do you expect MGR Consultants to go in the next 5 (or 10) years?
Over the next 5-10 years I expect the business to grow and to be a true family run concern with my daughter and son-in law joining the business over the next year to 18 months.
We have some very exciting times ahead in our industry and MGR Fire and Facilities Consultants Ltd are going to be at the spearhead of the new regime to come.
Above all, I would like to thank the following for their invaluable support:
- City of Lincoln Council (Andrew McNeil)
- College of West Anglia (Aaron Nicolls)
- Daemon Fire & Security (Simon. Chris & Julie)
- Fortress Build (Dan Weller)
- Hexagon FM (Nichola Lathbury)
- Leicestershire County Council (Stephen Linnett)
- Manchester Metropolitan University (Ian Seddon)
- Mezzino Ltd (James McGrath & Jamie Eustace)
- Molson Coors Breweries (Various)
- Northampton General Hospital NHS trust (James Stewart)
- Safesmart
- YMD Boon (Pooja Dhama)
