Risk Assessment specialist with over 15 years' experience with a particular interest in delivering pragmatic solutions to complex contamination problems.
I have a fairly broad academic and professional background covering the geological, chemical and hydrogeological aspects so it was a natural progression to bring them all together. I was fortunate that my career progression coincided with the development of more detailed risk assessment methodologies.
Aside from that I've always enjoyed combining the chemical, geological and hydrogeological and applying the science to solve complex problems. I am probably one of the few geologists that actually enjoys chemistry! I get a lot of satisfaction from unlocking difficult sites that others have struggled with.
I grew up in northwest London and went to Southampton University to read Geology and Oceanography, I graduated with a 2i and then did an MSc in Environmental Biogeochemistry at Newcastle upon Tyne, graduating in the middle of the 1990s recession.
My first job in the industry was as a second man on a cable tool drilling rig, I was then poached by CL Associates as a graduate consultant producing Phase 1 and Phase 2 assessments with the odd bit of remediation. I started to realise that my geological and chemical background could be put to great use as the industry moved forward from the days of the Kelly Tables and ICRCL.
After two years at CL I went to work on a summer placement at Komex looking at contamination of beach sediments on the California coast of the USA (someone had to!). It was a fascinating learning experience as the US was a decade ahead of the UK in contaminated land assessment and remediation.
Armed with my newfound knowledge and the thoughts of a brighter future I returned to the cold and wet of the UK and spent 6 months contracting as a site engineer running investigations up and down the country before ending up on a BWB site in Leicester managing enabling works.
I've worked my way up the career ladder at BWB specialising in quantitative risk assessment for human health and controlled waters. I've acted as Technical Manager for the Contaminated Land team for the last 7 years, providing technical oversight on our more complex projects as well as delivering mentoring and training to the Land service. I also act as health and safety manager for the Land service.
IKEA Belfast - A complex restored landfill with many environmental and geotechnical challenges and great example of investing in the investigation to develop the most cost effective remediation solution. Other sites in the vicinity had been developed utilising very expensive remediation which we considered unnecessary and of no long term benefit. We undertook a very detailed investigation and quantitative risk assessment which demonstrated that we were right! The site was delivered on time and on budget. It was also a great experience being part of a very focussed professional delivery team.
Enjoying life with my wife and two boys. I'm a bit of an aviation nut so I like to spend my weekends at airshows and evenings on the flight simulator. I enjoy watching cricket and rugby and try to fit in some cycling to keep the middle age spread under control. I am a fairly avid photographer specialising in wildlife and aviation.
Professionally I hope to be leading the next evolution of the Environment Group, providing cutting edge solutions to our clients, and continuing to make BWB a vibrant and exiting place to work.
Personally I'd love to go back on Safari in the Serengeti when the boys are old enough.
