Ian Evans has recently reached his crystal anniversary as a Winvic employee, and we think 15 years of loyalty – out of the 20 we have been operating – is worth celebrating. He started as a site labourer and worked his way through the ranks to Project Manager, also gaining qualifications on the way. Currently, he’s managing the construction of an industrial warehouse in Knowsley, and the work he’s been doing to support the local community has also been keeping him and his team busy. We caught up with him to find out more…
You’re celebrating 15 years with Winvic, tell us about your career journey…
I was 25 years old and working as a window cleaner, and when my first child came along I made the decision to find a career that would be long-lasting with opportunities to climb up the ladder. My father-in-law was a groundworker on a Winvic site and he introduced me to the company who offered me a job as a site labourer. It was clear from the start that Winvic was – and still very much is – a company who wanted to train and retain its staff, and help people grow with the firm. Frank Hayes and Andy McTavish took me under their wings as they could see I was committed to working hard and developing my skills. 2 years after starting I was offered a role as a Trainee Site Manager. I also started to study one day a week at college for a Diploma in Construction Management and as the years passed, I was promoted to a Site Manager, Senior Site Manager and four years ago I became a Project Manager. I’ve been really lucky to have such skilled and kind mentors around me for the past 15 years and as well as Frank and Andy, Dave Roberts – who is now an Operations Manager here – deserves a special mention. Now the baton has been handed over to me in a way and supporting the younger generation is something that I really enjoy as part of my role.
What is the project you’re currently project managing?
I’m currently working on an industrial design and build project at Knowsley Business Park for PLP and while it’s challenging in many ways, I have great support from senior leadership and the operational team. It’s a 836,000 sq ft fulfilment centre that comprises an internal mezzanine floor, 46,000 sq ft of office accommodation, a total of 65 docks and doors and driver’s hubs. The external works we are undertaking include access, parking, a bus depot, yards, drainage and service infrastructure and landscaping. All of the projects I have managed have been in the industrial sector and I’m proud I can say to people that I work for the ‘UK’s leading industrial contractor’. Immediately before Knowsley I worked on a regional distribution centre for the Co-operative Group Limited at Symmetry Park Biggleswade and before that DC1 at Prologis Park Hams Hall, DPD Glenfield and Unit 3 at Mountpark Bardon. Very recently I looked back on the timelapse videos of some projects and they’re a great reminder of our team’s work and success. People can have a look by following these links:
How have you got involved with the local community at Knowsley?
When we set up a project site, we always keep our ear to the ground and try to find projects or groups to help, because bringing value to communities surrounding our schemes is an important part of what we do. Project delivery is rewarding, but this part of my job makes it even more satisfying. Sometimes the need is great and sometimes its small, but there is often an environmental aspect and it’s always about making a real difference to people’s lives. With this project, we heard some work was required at a park via one of our banksmen – who lives locally – and through working with Councillor Colin Dever from Knowsley Council. Colin was very supportive and knowledgeable, and we met at one initiative in need of support which is called Incredible Edible. They aim to create kind, confident and connected communities through the power of food so basically, they run allotment patches across the UK where people of all ages can get to know each other, learn and grow their own.
What did you do to support Incredible Edible?
They had a very run-down bandstand that needed refurbishing… so much so the floor was completely rotten. Our subcontractor MJS Joinery was more than happy to help, so we stripped back the walls where required, constructed new steps and of course replaced the floor. EBM Electrical Services also stepped into fit a new doorbell with external sounders and helped to get their solar panels installed.
Who else have you helped?
With the community park that our banksman told us about, we found out what materials they needed to create a safe area, and we donated bark mulch, fence posts and over 100 litres of paint, as well as a trampoline! We were also introduced to the headteacher at Malvern Primary School who was delighted at the prospect of us helping to give the premises a bit of a makeover. Again, we couldn’t have done the work without our suppliers also being committed to social value initiatives, and it was A&L Block Paving and Powell Painters who stepped up to the plate. Here, we provided the labour, materials and machinery needed to re-paint the high-level timber soffits, and relay and regrout block paving in the playground.
What’s next for you?
The Knowsley project will reach practical completion before the Autumn and I’ll soon be moving onto an exciting new industrial project in Milton Keynes. I’m just in the process of applying to the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) to follow the Experience Practitioner Pathway to reach Chartered Membership, and I am looking to complete the modules this year. That will keep me busy on top of my day job, but I guess the future for me is doing more of what I love, managing projects and being part of a supportive and tight-knit team… I think I’ll still be at Winvic and singing the company’s praises in another 15 years!
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