MMC Future Skills Panel Discussion

Steve has been Dean of Faculty for Building, Automotive and Civil Engineering at Weston College for the last 10 years and was part of the college Construction vision to be outstanding which was realised in 2014. Steve is proud of the opportunity construction has afforded him, starting his career as a Bricklaying apprentice in Somerset, working on iconic projects such as the restoration of Wells Cathedral. He has extensively worked across the South of England whilst running his own property development business and worked on international projects in Australia working for a construction training company. Having held a variety roles within the sector at Weston College, Bridgwater College and Yeovil College, Steve is also the South West Regional Chair for the British association of Construction Heads BACH, where he is able to share his wealth of experience to support members across the South West Region.

Alex Hearn is the Assistant Director of North Somerset Council responsible for planning and housing delivery and leads a development programme with c500 precision manufactured homes in the pipeline. Previously, Alex worked for the Greater London Authority investing the Mayor’s Innovation Fund into projects that advanced Design for Manufacture and Assembly and Modern Methods of Construction across multiple housing tenures.

Lisa is responsible for YTKO’s construction related projects across the South West of England. With nearly 10 years’ experience within the construction sector, Lisa has gained a plethora of knowledge within all levels of the supply chain.

With over 40 years experience in the construction industry, I did not believe that from those humble beginnings as an Apprentice Carpenter and Joiner I would elevate to a position of Director. From qualifying as a Joiner and working on the ‘tools’ for many years, I then progressed to being a site manager, senior site manager and then construction manager. I have now gained over 17 years expertise in my current role. I am very proud of my roots in the construction industry and watching its growth through MMC.
Since 2003 I have been responsible for establishing 4 timber frame factories, to our current large successful manufacturing base in Leicester with over 50 employees.
Being such an enthusiast in the industry I have taken my work home and undertaken substantial extensions/renovations to 4 homes for my family, carrying out all the work myself from design to groundwork to painting/decorating with some fantastic results, even if I say so myself! I have been an avid Leicester City fan since the age of 7 when I was mascot of the day. My personal sporting exploits include playing football for 25 years and then later on in life running which included completing the New York marathon at the age of 40.
Without doubt all these things prove anything is possible. So, changing the construction industry into a slick well-oiled machine should be child’s play. With drive, passion and the simple approach to ‘getting it right first time’, it’s an achievable goal.