Meet the Team: Les Hemmings

We're in the process of updating our C&D team pages on this website, and the latest new entry is for Les Hemmings. You can read the answers to his Q&A session below:

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Under the microscope is one of C&D Consultancy’s longest serving members of staff…Les Hemmings.


How long have you worked at C&D Consultancy?

I’ve been here since the very early days when John first started the business in 2003 and have seen it grow massively during that time.

It’s a real privilege to have been involved in the expansion, from working on some small projects to being the first ‘port of call’ when a complex demolition project is considered.

We’ve even become known in the sector as a bit of a troubleshooter, who can go in when a job hasn’t worked and quickly come up with a solution to take the structure down.


What is your current role and what does it involve?

General dogsbody! No seriously, I’m Principal Designer at C&D and that involves a myriad of responsibilities, from offering technical advice on the correct demolition process to project management and something as simple as ensuring the right communication channels are in place.

Due to my extensive experience, I tend to be dragged into very complex contracts that some firms will not touch. Whilst they are challenging and can be extremely time consuming (I’ve worked 24 hours in some cases) these are the ones that give you the greatest satisfaction and are always good to learn from.


Tell us about some of these projects?

Where do I start? I suppose one of the biggest ones I’m working on at the moment is the demolition of part of the Mander Centre in our hometown of Wolverhampton.

This is an iconic symbol of local life, but desperately needs a new look and modernising and we are well on the way to completing a traditional ‘top down’ process working with some very big machines. We also have to take into consideration noise due to the prime location and the fact parts of the centre are still in operation.

Other interesting ones were an oil reinfery that wanted to keep the roof intact and a two-year project for a power station that was badly damaged by fire.

Each job is different and has its own unique challenges…you have to face each one like this otherwise complacency will settle in and that is a very dangerous situation to be in.


We understand you have been a member of the Institute of Demolition Engineers (IDE) for many years, how pleased are you with the new ‘Demolition Degree’?

It has been a long time coming and will finally give demolition engineers a recognised qualification that goes some way to highlighting the vast experience we possess.

For too long structural engineers and surveyors have hoarded letters after their name over us and this Degree will address that.

I’m very passionate about bringing young people into our sector and this will undoubtedly make us a more attractive industry to work in. I’m happy to play my bit and share my knowledge and experience with people on the course.


What do you like doing outside of work?

Clay pigeon shooting and golf are two of my biggest passions outside of work, although that passion isn’t always replicated in my actual performance on the greens.

I also enjoy spending time with my wife and my three children.