As part of our #30Yearsin30Days celebration, today we shine the spotlight on Mike, who has been with Focus for 21 incredible years!

A Chartered Project Manager with vast experience across both public and private sectors, Mike has delivered a range of high-profile projects, including the Royal Albert Memorial Museum in Exeter, Hull: Yorkshire’s Maritime City, and the Coventry Transport Museum. His expertise spans heritage, culture, and public realm projects, where he has guided clients through challenges from inception to completion.

Mike’s commitment to helping others is evident, not just in his steady leadership on projects, but also in his support for the growth of new team members.

Looking back, Mike’s most memorable moments include completing the Yorkshire Three Peaks twice and enjoying Focus’ famous company walks. As he looks to the future, he’s motivated to pass on his extensive knowledge to the next generation.

“Alongside Focus’s unprecedented growth into the Energy and Sustainability sector, we have remained strong within heritage which is where it all began and I am proud to have worked on many prestigious projects.  One of Focus’s strengths lie in our ability to provide the complete package guiding clients though the whole project lifecycle, from initial ideas, with assistance from our Economic Research team, through to final delivery via our core PM and QS services. This also includes services sometimes hidden from the limelight including Building Surveying, Quality Control, Business Planning and Audience Research, all of which have also grown.

I am delighted to be able to have the chance to give back to the community through our projects and one in particular that has a special meaning to me is the Royal Albert Memorial Museum in Exeter where I grew up. We supported the client in achieving NLHF Round 1 funding for its major redevelopment project all the way through to doors opening.  In 2012 the museum received the UK’s most significant sector award, the Art Fund Prize for Museum of the Year.”

We’re proud to have Mike as part of our team, and his contributions continue to shape the future of Focus.

You can also read more on his thoughts from last year as we recognised his 20 year anniversary.  https://www.focus-consultants.com/news/celebrating-mike-lees-20-years-of-dedication-and-excellence-at-focus-consultants/

BACKGROUND:

Mike is a highly-experienced Chartered Project Manager accustomed to working on sensitive projects from inception to completion. His extensive experience includes public and private sector clients. He has delivered projects in a range of market sectors, including museums and heritage, culture, the arts, public realm, sports and leisure. Mike has delivered a number of high-profile capital projects ranging in value from £1 million to £25 million, many of which have been funded by the NLHF. He is well-versed in the variety of forms of contract that exist and can confidently and robustly administer the terms appropriately, including JCT and NEC, the primary forms in use.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS:

• Working closely with Client/ Project Teams to realise the aims/ aspirations of projects from inception to completion.
• Providing a ‘steady hand’ to guide projects during difficult periods to completion.
• Supporting the development/ growth of new members of staff.

NOTABLE PROJECTS:

• Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter
• Hull: Yorkshire’s Maritime City
• Coventry Transport Museum

PERSONAL INSIGHTS:

• Motivation: Being actively involved in the delivery of significant Heritage/ Cultural projects
• Memorable Moments: Completing the Yorkshire Three Peaks for a second time
• Future Vision: As I am nearing the end of my career, passing on some of what I have learnt to others
• Favourite Focus Day: Must be the Company Walks
• Why I love working at Focus: Working with great people to delivery some fantastic Heritage/ Cultural projects.