Four new hires as we continue to expand our in-house expertise
We have recently added four new members to our team as we continues to grow our in-house expertise and diversify our service offering to suit a range of major infrastructure projects across the UK.
The recruitment drive has seen personnel come in across areas including Estimating, Bid and Project Management, as well as Fibre to the Premises (FTTP), with Duncan Jones, Jenna Swain, Mitchell Lane and Simon Morris all joining the business in recent weeks.
Duncan takes up the position of Trainee Estimator and is responsible for reviewing and issuing prices for Client enquiries while ensuring they contain the relevant information for bespoke packages of work across specific projects. This is his first role within the industry and comes after graduation from Nottingham Trent University in July 2019 with a qualification in Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management. He has also completed a placement year in Vietnam working for a US subsidiary building 5-star SPA resorts.
He is excited by the opportunity in front of him and recognises that he has found the perfect position with a reputable organsation.
“When I knew that a position had opened up at McCann, I had to go for it,” says Duncan. “The business is highly thought of within the industry as a trusted supplier of services in civil and electrical engineering, partnering with Highways England, local authorities and other contractors to deliver major infrastructure projects.”
James McDaid, New Business Manager at McCann, will oversee Duncan in his role. He is delighted to welcome him to the team and sees it as crucial for the business to keep investing in the next generation of talent across all departments.
“Much is made of the skills gaps in our industry across different areas and we see it as vital that we at McCann, as well as our peers, continue to employ and develop new talent from a young age – whether that’s straight from college or university or through apprenticeships,”
“Duncan has valuable experience behind him already from the experience he gained in Vietnam. He’s demonstrated his expertise superbly and is already helping us liaise with customers on a regular basis, reviewing prices and hitting tight timescales at pace,”
“We’re excited to watch him flourish within the role and provide us with a fresh perspective on different aspects of estimating.”
Jenna Swain has taken the position of BID Manager for the company, leading and managing the major bid process from opportunity identification through to project award. She will work closely with our Major and Special Projects Director, Andrew Kelsey, to develop BID strategies which will help to take the company forward as it continues to tender for major infrastructure projects nationwide.
Jenna is delighted to have joined McCann and despite the lockdown, is getting a good feel for the business and the role.
“Everyone’s been really welcoming and helpful despite the difficult times we’re in. I’ve been having meetings with people via Teams in order to get to grips with things and start the process of putting together a new BID process for the company. McCann appealed to me because it’s family run and there’s a real opportunity to make an impact and shape the direction of the company moving forward.”
Alongside Jenna and Duncan, we have also added Mitchell Lane to the team as Multi Utility Project Manager, bringing 20 years experience in the gas industry for firms such as Transco, National Grid and Penspen Ltd.
Mitchell will be responsible for obtaining accreditations issued and governed by Lloyds register for gas, water and electricity, as well as the project management and delivery of projects across these utilities. Despite being a new face in the team, he already has his sights set on a number of accreditations for us.
“In the first instance, I’m looking for us to obtain MURS (Multi Utility Recognition Status), which requires us to first hold a GIRS (Gas Industry Registration Scheme), a WIRS (Water Industry Registration Scheme) and the one we already have, NERS (National Electricity Registration Scheme). Holding these will enable us to take on more projects in-house and expand our portfolio even further,”
“The first few weeks have been understandably different working from home – I do miss having desk time to get my head around the new systems and processes I’m working with. But the team has welcomed me with open arms and I have plenty to be getting on with. I think I can add real value to McCann. Once we hold these new accreditations, the ability to tackle MURS projects will open up a whole new revenue stream and give us the chance to see real growth within this sector.”
Our final new appointment is Simon Morris, who takes up the role of Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) Manager and is responsible for managing projects and gaining more FTTP work from organisations such as CityFibre and Virgin Media.
Simon’s previous experience comes from over 30 years working on major infrastructure projects, working his way from junior engineer to project manager both in the UK and abroad.
“When I saw the position available at McCann, it was one I had to go for,” says Simon. “I’ve had many years of association with the business within other roles and I’ve always been impressed by the ethos of the company and its people,”
“The role involves a new type of project but using familiar technology – so the challenge of bringing a new project to the business and making it a success really appeals as something I can get my teeth into.”
For Andrew Kelsey, the recruitment drive shows real intent and highlights that even in these uncertain times, there’s a real need for our services in order to keep the country and the economy moving.
“Our team is classed as performing a key function, so throughout the lockdown all of our projects remained operational with new guidelines in place to ensure health and safety on site. From motorway and highway infrastructure, to ICP connections and LED lighting, our team has done a commendable job of adapting quickly to the new measures and operating in a way that is safe for themselves, fellow contractors and the general public,”
He continues, “Simon, Jenna, Mitchell and Duncan all bring valuable skills to the business that help us with our growth ambitions as we look to strengthen in new areas and further diversify our service offering. I’m excited to see them develop within their roles. Their collective expertise can really help to take McCann to the next level and help us to continue to secure new projects across the UK.”
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