I’m a Bid and Marketing Assistant at Elkins Construction

What does your role involve?

I work as part of the Pre-Construction team, which helps the company win new business. Part of my role is bid writing, which involves working with commercial, estimating, planning and design to collate and compile the required information to submit successful tenders and secure new projects.

The other aspect of my role is providing marketing support for the business. This includes managing promotional activities, creating content for the website and social media, visiting live sites to capture progress, and producing additional marketing collateral, such as brochures.

What’s your background?

I was previously at a marketing agency for six and a half years, working with different clients across a variety of industries. Elkins was one of our clients and I worked closely with the company, managing its marketing activities for three and a half years, before coming in-house. So, although I’m new to the team, I came in already having a good understanding of the business and the industry.

What are you enjoying most so far about your role?

I’m really enjoying working with the rest of the team. Everyone has been really welcoming and I already feel like part of the family. It’s also great to have the opportunity to visit the projects, see the work being done, and speak to the people working on them. This isn’t something I was able to do before, and it’s really brought the work Elkins does to life for me.

What appealed to you about Elkins?

Having worked with Elkins closely for a number of years, I knew quite a lot about the company already and really liked its values and ethos. I’d heard so many good things from existing employees about the work culture and how supportive and friendly everyone is, which was a big influencing factor for me.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I love travelling to explore the history and culture of new places, and of course taste all the delicious food! Closer to home, you can often find me at the theatre watching a play or musical. It’s one of my favourite things about being close to London and I’ll take a chance on seeing almost anything. Otherwise, I usually have my head in a book – my favourite way to relax is by escaping into a story.

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

Organised, adaptable, adventurous.

We’re off to the pub – what’s your order?

Always a G&T for me!

Say hello to Katherine on our social media channels – you can find us on LinkedIn, Facebook,and Instagram.

Get to know the rest of the Elkins team and keep up to date with all our latest news.

The post Meet the Team – Katherine Redmond, Bid and Marketing Assistant appeared first on Elkins Construction.

I am the HSEQ/Compliance Administrator for Elkins.

What does your role involve?

I work in the HSEQ team under both the HSEQ Manager and Compliance Manager. I provide administrative support to both areas of the business. This includes the creation of health and safety files and operation and maintenance manuals upon completion of projects, assisting in the maintenance of the company quality management system, accreditations and audits.

Most recently I completely reviewed and updated our Supplier Management System, and streamlined the supplier review process, which I now manage on a daily basis. I have also recently taken on the additional role of Mental Health First Aider for the company and now lead the MHFA team in supporting employee mental health and driving team performance.

What’s your background?

I have had a variety of roles over the course of my career, I worked for Barclays for six years, rising from Administration Assistant to Operations Manager. I then worked for a successful gym software company as their Compliance and Quality Manager for several years.

What are you enjoying most so far about your role?

I enjoy being a part of the HSEQ team, where I feel valued and encouraged. It is often very challenging, due to the amount of work, but it definitely helps to have a strong supportive team behind you.

I also very much enjoy my role as an MHFA, as it enables me to help others. This is something that is important to me, as I have previous experience working as a support worker for adults with learning disabilities and I am passionate about helping others in any way I can.

What appealed to you about Elkins?

I had an insight into the company before starting, due to my brother being the Operations Manager. His loyalty and drive to progress the business, showed me that Elkins was a thriving company with a great team and the potential to grow even further.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I am quite a musical person. I play the guitar, sing and, when I can get myself organised, I do gigs in pubs and bars etc. I also have a naughty two-year-old dog, so I enjoy going for walks.

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

Loyal, loving and honest.

We’re off to the pub – what’s your order?

Jack and coke 😊

Say hello to Michael on our social media channels – you can find us on Facebook, X, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Get to know the rest of the Elkins team and keep up to date with all our latest news.

The post Meet the Team – Michael Watkins, Compliance Administrator appeared first on Elkins Construction.

Business Development Manager

What does your role involve?

My role involves building relationships with existing and potential clients, consultants and architects, to identify opportunities for new projects, which will help grow and expand Elkins Construction and increase the company’s revenue. As part of this, I attend networking events and industry trade shows, as well as events with government agencies for public and private sector projects. I also undertake activities to improve client retention, which brings opportunities for further projects with those clients.

What’s your background?

I’ve spent over 30 years working in business development in the construction industry, helping companies to grow their businesses profitability.

What are you enjoying most so far about your role?

I’m really enjoying working with a fantastic team of people in an environment where there’s always a great atmosphere.

What appealed to you about the company?

As a family-run business, which has been around for over 60 years, Elkins has a long and interesting history. I wanted the opportunity to contribute to the continued success of the company by growing and developing its customer base.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I’m a sports enthusiast and enjoy football, rugby, golf, cricket (mostly watching) and swimming. I love to travel to experience different countries and cultures, and I also enjoy going out and having fun with my friends and family.

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

Enthusiastic, friendly and reliable.

We’re off to the pub – what’s your order?

A pint of Guinness.

Say hello to Michael on our social media channels – you can find us on Facebook, X, LinkedIn and Instagram.

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The post Meet the Team – Michael McGovern, Business Development Manager appeared first on Elkins Construction.

Quantity Surveyor

What does your role involve?

I’m the quantity surveyor responsible for the three sites that make up Elkins’ new build residential project, The Brooks. I look after the commercial side of the project, which includes valuations, variations, procurement of subcontractors, contract management, financial management and more.

What’s your background?

I have over 20 years’ experience working in the construction industry. I’ve mainly worked for main contractors on a variety of new build and fit out projects in the residential, commercial, education and healthcare sectors.

What are you looking forward to about your role?

I’m looking forward to getting stuck into a large project that uses new modern methods of construction. It’s a great opportunity to gain knowledge and grow my skillset.

What appealed to you about the job?

Elkins’ head office is local to me, so taking this role has massively reduced the time I spend commuting. This makes for a better work-life balance and a happier workplace.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Apart from spending time with my wife and two kids, I enjoy playing badminton. I play to quite a high level and have represented Great Britain and Northern Ireland in the World and European Transplant Games.

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

Loyal, honest and hardworking

We’re off to the pub – what’s your order?

A coke or orange juice.

Say hello to Chris on our social media channels – you can find us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Get to know the rest of the Elkins team and keep up to date with all our latest news.

The post Meet the Team – Chris Pierce, Quantity Surveyor appeared first on Elkins Construction.

Why did you want to do an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship appealed to me because it provided the perfect opportunity to continue learning while also giving me the opportunity to gain practical experience and earn a salary.

What made you choose Elkins for your apprenticeship?

I wanted to work as an apprentice at Elkins as I’d heard the company has a great culture and offers a supportive working environment. I firmly believe that working in a positive and collaborative atmosphere has helped me perform to the best of my abilities and contribute meaningfully to the work of the team.

Tell us more about your apprenticeship

I’ve been doing my apprenticeship in plumbing and gas engineering for coming up to four years now. I work with Elkins’ multi-trade department across various projects, undertaking all kinds of jobs. Day-to-day this can be anything from simple plumbing tasks to fitting and repairing cookers, boilers and much more.

What’s your favourite thing about working at Elkins?

Elkins is a family-run business and that is really evident when you work there. I like the sense of camaraderie that there is between everyone in the team. There is always someone on hand who is willing to help you and teach you something new, which makes it a great place to learn, and an ideal environment for an apprentice. I’ve learnt so much from the experience of those that I work alongside.

What do you get up to outside of work?

When I’m not working, I like to keep fit. I’m sporty and play a lot of football in my spare time. Plus, I’m currently training for a marathon.

Say hello to Hayden on our social media channels – you can find us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram. Keep up to date with all our latest news here.

The post Meet the Team – Hayden Blake, Apprentice appeared first on Elkins Construction.

Why did you want to do an apprenticeship?

I didn’t really like classroom learning in school and felt I learnt more through hands-on practical experience. Through my apprenticeship, I met lots of new people at college and in the work environment, some of whom became my good friends. Choosing an apprenticeship was, by far, the best decision I ever made.

What made you choose Elkins for your apprenticeship?

I liked the fact that at Elkins you feel like part of a big family. Everyone is really welcoming and ready and willing to help you, if you need it. Over the years that I’ve worked here, the bond I’ve developed with my peers has continued to grow stronger and the supportive work environment has helped me to develop and progress in my career.

What subject was your apprenticeship in?

I joined Elkins as an electrical apprentice. My time was split between college, where I learnt the theoretical side of being an electrician, and working on-site, putting into practice what I was learning in the classroom.

How long was your apprenticeship? What did you do once it finished?

My apprenticeship lasted roughly five years; it was delayed by Covid, which put things back a little. Once it was complete, I became a full-time Electrician at Elkins, working in the maintenance department.

In the seven years I’ve worked at Elkins, I’ve continued to undertake training to develop my skills further. I’m interested in health and safety work, so I asked to take a Portable Appliance Testing course. I’m now the company’s dedicated PAT tester, which means I have responsibility for ensuring the safety of all our equipment. I have also been put forward to take a Testing and Inspection course, which will allow me to sign off work through our governing electrical body, NICEIC.

How did your apprenticeship prepare you for your current role?

Being given responsibility over my own work as an electrical apprentice, allowed me to develop technical and practical skills, as well as leadership skills, which have helped me make decisions about how best to progress with specific tasks. It also taught me team-building skills, which have motivated me to strive for success as part of team.

What’s your favourite thing about working at Elkins?

The best thing about working at Elkins has been the amazing people I’ve met, who have helped me in many different ways.

What do you get up to outside of work?

I enjoy spending time with my partner and exploring the world by going on cruises, I also enjoy playing golf and socialising with friends, whether that’s going to the pub or to play football. My favourite hobby is carp fishing.

Say hello to Charlie on our social media channels – you can find us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram. Keep up to date with all our latest news here.

The post National Apprenticeship Week – Charlie Harris, from Apprentice to Electrician appeared first on Elkins Construction.

Pre-Construction Manager

What does your role involve?

My role involves managing and coordinating Pre-Construction activities, from tender to the construction stage, for all Elkins’ projects. I work collaboratively with others in the Pre-Construction team, including commercial, estimating, planning and design management, to ensure milestones are identified, monitored and achieved to successfully complete the Pre-Construction process.

Some of my other responsibilities include: attending site visits and engaging with stakeholders to inform design and pricing; reviewing tender documentation and proposing key initiatives to form a high quality submission; managing and supporting the commercial team and bid support.

What’s your background?

Prior to joining Elkins, I worked in proposals management for a highly reputable industrial and logistics company. I performed several roles, progressing through the ranks from Bid Coordination to Bid/Proposals Management. I managed a team of four other people, ensuring our bid library/management was concise and comprehensive, to produce winning solutions.

What are you enjoying most about your role?

I’m learning new things every day and have really enjoyed getting up to speed. It’s been particularly rewarding seeing the Pre-Construction team grow and develop and watching our ‘potential tenders’ list turn into ‘works won’. Overall, I am just enjoying this new chapter of my life and absorbing the knowledge and experience to be the best version of myself.

What appealed to you about the job?

The first, and most important, factor was the people. I work best in an environment where I feel appreciated and respected, and my thoughts, feelings and contributions are taken into consideration, which is what I have found at Elkins.

I like working for mid-scale SMEs because you aren’t just a number. At Elkins, I could see that the staff want to be there, are proud of their work, and enjoy working together towards the same goals.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Exploring the world with my family, resting and Pilates.

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

Optimistic, motivated, and grateful.

We’re off to the pub – what’s your order?

Rum and apple juice.

Say hello to Rianon on our social media channels – you can find us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

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The post Meet the Team – Rianon Patterson, Pre-Construction Manager appeared first on Elkins Construction.

Why did you choose an apprenticeship?

I had just left sixth form and wasn’t sure what I wanted to do in terms of my career. The idea of an apprenticeship appealed to me as I could get straight into work and gain experience, whilst still studying.

How did you find out about Elkins?

I first heard about Elkins through a friend of my mum’s. She was working at the company at the time and advised that they had apprenticeship positions available, so I decided to apply.

Tell us about your apprenticeship.

My apprenticeship lasted two-to-three years. I studied customer service and business studies, whilst shadowing the company’s Resident Liaison Officers across various project sites. Once I’d completed my apprenticeship, I was made an RLO at Elkins and given my own sites to run.

What were the benefits of doing an apprenticeship?

My apprenticeship was great preparation for my role as an RLO. I was able to learn the job in real-time, whilst also gaining practical experience. Having support from more experienced colleagues also really helped to build my confidence while I was still learning.

How has your career progressed since and what are your future plans?

I first started with Elkins as an apprentice nearly 10 years ago and I feel like I’ve learnt a lot during my time working for the business. As well as my apprenticeship, I’ve gained my CSCS card and completed courses in first aid, asbestos, and various other subjects. Most recently, I gained a Site Management Safety Training Scheme qualification, and I’m hoping to progress into site management, when the opportunity arises.

What’s your favourite thing about working at Elkins?

I love working as part of the Elkins team. I also enjoy the fact that my role isn’t solely office-based, so I have the opportunity to go out on site, visit residents, and see the progression of our projects, from beginning to end.

What do you get up to outside of work?

When I’m not at work, I mostly enjoy spending time with my family.

Say hello to Cydney on our social media channels – you can find us on Facebook, X, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Get to know the rest of the Elkins team and keep up to date with all our latest news.

The post From Apprentice to RLO: Cydney Tucker Looks Back on a Decade Working for Elkins Construction appeared first on Elkins Construction.

Roofing Estimator

What does your role involve?

My job involves all aspects of tendering for Elkins Construction’s roofing projects. As well as producing estimates and prices for roofing works, my role includes visiting project sites, looking at logistics, compiling a working system for each individual site, and generally, working with the team to ensure everything is in place for the smooth delivery of our roofing projects.

What’s your background?

Prior to joining Elkins, I spent 42 years working in the roofing industry. I started out as a mastic asphalter and worked my way up to where I am today. My experience undertaking a number of different roles in roofing and construction, at different levels, has given me a thorough understanding of all aspects of the industry, which is really useful in my Estimator role.

What are you enjoying most so far about your job?

I started working at Elkins in July and I’ve been thoroughly enjoying working for the company. One aspect of my job I particularly like is using my roofing knowledge to solve any problems within the project scopes – for example, suggesting the right waterproofing solution to suit the specific job/site.

What appealed to you about company?

I really appreciate the openness and honesty of everyone involved in the business. Elkins is a family-run business, and everyone was so welcoming when I joined, it made me feel immediately included.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I used to play rugby, and although I can no longer play, I still enjoy watching it. I also like to go fishing.

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

Loyal, hardworking, and a team player.

We’re off to the pub – what’s your order?

A pint of Old Speckled Hen please. I’ll get the first one!

Say hello to Russell on our social media channels – you can find us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Get to know the rest of the Elkins team and keep up to date with all our latest news.

The post Meet the Team – Russell Wilson, Roofing Estimator appeared first on Elkins Construction.

What made you choose an apprenticeship at Elkins? 

Prior to joining Elkins, I was working as a labourer on construction sites. However, I needed a new role, as the work wasn’t consistent enough for me. I’m 22 and have a young family, so it’s important for me to have a secure full-time position. I chose the apprenticeship at Elkins, as it offers me the opportunity to study towards a qualification, alongside working a full-time job. 

What subject is your apprenticeship in and what does it involve? 

I’m doing a multi-trade apprenticeship, studying towards a Property Maintenance Operative Level 2 qualification. My role involves working across all of Elkins’ repairs and maintenance projects, which has given me a great overview of the construction industry. My day-to-day work can include tiling, plumbing, carpentry, bricklaying, fencing and kitchen and bathroom refurbishments.  

What’s your favourite thing about your apprenticeship? 

My favourite thing about being an apprentice is getting to learn practically, whilst on the job. During my apprenticeship, I’ve been lucky enough to work alongside experienced tradesmen in many different areas of the business. They have taught me a lot, and the skills I’ve learnt have been invaluable to my studies. 

What are you hoping to do once your apprenticeship finishes? 

I’m really enjoying working at Elkins and I’m hoping once my apprenticeship is complete, I can continue working at the company as a multi-trade operative. 

What do you get up to outside of work? 

My life is quite busy outside of work, spending time with my partner and two sons. I also enjoy keeping fit and going to the gym whenever I can. 

During his time with Elkins so far, Dylan has been working mainly with three of our operatives, Matthew, Edmond, and Kyle, on new kitchen installations, larger two-person repair jobs and void works. He has received great feedback from the team: “Dylan has shown a very positive attitude with a desire to learn. With the experience he’s gained, he has been able to carry out basic carpentry and plumbing repairs, as well as decorating works, including filling and preparation.”

Say hello to Dylan on our social media channels – you can find us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.

Get to know the rest of the Elkins team and keep up to date with all our latest news.

The post Meet the Team – Dylan Godfrey, Multi-Trade Apprentice appeared first on Elkins Construction.