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:

---

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.

Meet the Team - Stuart Carter

Over the coming weeks we'll be posting some profiles/Q&A sessions with C&D staff. Our first is with Stuart Carter.

How long have you worked at C&D Consultancy?

John and I go back more than 30 years, but I’ve been at C&D for about 2 years now, mainly as a Health and Safety Consultant.

In recent months, I’ve been getting heavily involved in the training side of the business, which is going from strength to strength. with more than 4500 people due to be trained by us in 2016.

What does that involve?

I suppose the job is split into two parts. The Health and Safety element involves me working extremely closely with Craig Wilkinson on site audits, providing thorough assessments of how safe sites are for workers and the general public.

We have to be very tough with our clients as it is better for them to be told of any issues and have the opportunity to put them right before the HSE closes the site down and impose significant fines.

On the training side, we are growing all the time and have just opened an office in Wombourne so that we can deliver courses both at the customer.

Tell us more about how the training element of C&D is developing?

This is probably the fastest growing side of our business and I can’t see it slowing down.

Last year we completed 394 training courses, delivering anything from working at height and asbestos removal to plant training and softer skills that employees are now requiring. C&D tend to be very popular within the construction and demolition sector due to our ability to host group courses and also tailor the content so that the learning is applied to everyday issues faced on site.

We also offer NVQ qualifications, from Level 1 to Level 6 which is the equivalent and more of a Degree.

Trends for the next 12 months?

Companies do seem to be focusing more on taking care of their employees and ensuring they have a safe environment in which to operate.

This is being reflected by much improved audit scores and an increasing demand for training to give their staff all the skills they need to do their job well and to the best of their ability.

The other major trend we’re seeing is a leaning towards more environmental-based training courses.

What did you do before C&D?

I worked with a well-known Children’s charity for the best part of 25 years, finishing off teaching health and safety in schools and for local authorities.

What do you like doing out of work?

My three boys keep me busy so, when I’m not being ‘Dad’, I still enjoy trying to play football and love fishing. The latter is a great way of relaxing after a hectic time with C&D!

For adrenaline, you’ll sometimes find me teaching others to rock climb and how to raft.

We understand you have an interest fact to tell us?

Not sure it’s that interesting, but I was part of the original team that mapped out the original Satellite Navigation software. Just don’t blame me for any wrong turns it may take you!