When did you first join the Morris & Spottiswood Group? What was your first role?
I first joined Morris & Spottiswood Group in January 1997. My first role was as “Assistant Quantity Surveyor/Estimator” within our Edinburgh Office
What made you take the job originally
I took the job as it was my second job in Construction following my BSc Honours Graduation in Quantity Surveying which I achieved in 1995. I also wanted to move back to Edinburgh, where I went to University and this was an opportunity to do so. Morris & Spottiswood’s portfolio was wider than what I had been used to and I also got a company car which was a step up from my 1.2 Vauxhall Nova.
What role do you play in the Group today?
Today my official job title is “Design & Compliance Manager”. I almost exclusively work on one of our largest frameworks for a leading financial services organisation. I am responsible for all Governance Management on the Framework from pre-construction through to post completion.
What’s kept you here?
Main reason for staying is that I like the people I work with and feel appreciated. Whilst my role has changed over 29 years, I feel like I have always been treated fairly and recognised accordingly for my efforts. I have had a couple of major life events that have affected my close family over that time too however the compassion shown by my colleagues that know me best and by senior management has been truly humbling.
Which project or moment stands out most across your time with us?
I have many moments that stand out over that time, however I am going to go all the way back to my first regular client, Safeway Stores Plc. In 1997 when I started, I was the QS responsible on some supermarket fit-outs and developed relationships with client contacts for the first time. I like to think I left a good impression with them as I ended up going on “secondment” to Safeway in their Regional Office in 1999 working as a client-based PQS for them, vetting accounts for all their works. The fact they wanted my services was an honour and it was a great experience seeing the world from the client’s side of the fence.
What advice would you give to someone joining the Group today?
My advice to anyone joining today would be that the business has been good to me, and I believe that anyone who has the right work ethic could do well within the organisation. I’d also say that in my opinion, it’s an exciting time to be at Morris & Spottiswood. With our office spread, we truly are a nationwide business with lots of exciting opportunities available. Whilst the business has grown, it still maintains its family values which in turn reflects how staff are treated. When things are challenging, there is always someone that will listen and that’s important too. I didn’t think back in 1997 I had a job for life BUT without being complacent, I’m not looking to work anywhere else after all this time.