As part of our #30Yearsin30Days series, we’re excited to highlight two of our rising talents: Andy Walker and Oliver Williams, both making a significant impact since joining Focus in June 2023.

Andy, a Graduate Building Surveyor, holds a degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering and is currently pursuing a master’s in Building Surveying, funded by Focus. Andy’s work on projects such as the Blueprint retrofit and Cross Keys Homes Northminster showcases his dedication and growing expertise. His most memorable moment? Completing the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge in just under 9 hours with just 28 seconds to spare! Andy’s goal is to become a Chartered Building Surveyor, and we’re proud to support his professional development every step of the way.

Oliver, a Graduate Quantity Surveyor, has contributed to key projects like the Cambridge City Council Net Zero Retrofit Pilot. With a background in civil engineering, Oliver is also pursuing a master’s in Quantity Surveying. His commitment to excellence and sustainability has already made a positive impact, and we’re excited to see his future contributions as he continues to grow within our team.

Both Andy and Oliver bring energy, dedication, and fresh perspectives to Focus, and we couldn’t be prouder of their achievements so far.

#Focusat30 #TeamFocus #BuildingSurveying #QuantitySurveying #CareerDevelopment #Sustainability #Retrofit #FurtherEducation

STAFF SPOTLIGHT – ANDY WALKER

Name: Andy Walker

Role: Graduate Building Surveyor

Qualifications: BEng

Joined: June 2023

BACKGROUND:

At university I completed a degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering which was the base for getting into the industry. I worked in the logistics industry once I had finished my degree and eventually stumbled across the opportunity at Focus. To further my knowledge and experience, I am currently completing a masters degree in Building Surveying which Focus are funding.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS:

• My masters degree is progressing well and having now completed a quarter of it, I can see where it fits in with my day-to-day work.
• Going through the tender process for the first time as part of a retrofit project for Blueprint (General Partner) Ltd. I was given the responsibility of writing the specification and tender documents and eventually had the role of Contract Administrator once the works began.

NOTABLE PROJECTS:

• Blueprint (General Partner) Ltd – Contract Administrator
• Cross Keys Homes Northminster – Snagging of 315 new build apartments

PERSONAL INSIGHTS:

• Memorable Moments: The most memorable and toughest moment at Focus was the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge. We aimed to complete the route in under 9 hours and just scraped home with 28 seconds to spare!
• Future Vision: My goal is to become a Chartered Building Surveyor. I have just completed the first semester of a part-time master’s in building surveying, funded by Focus, which is the first step in this journey. My colleagues have been really supportive and being able to ask them questions has proved extremely useful.
• Why I love working at Focus:. My previous job was in a small company of only 4 employees, so walking into the Nottingham office was a daunting thought but from day one I felt welcome and a part of the team.

STAFF SPOTLIGHT – OLIVER WILLIAMS

Name: Oliver Williams

Role: Graduate Quantity Surveyor

Qualifications: BEng

Joined: June 2023

BACKGROUND:

Oliver Williams is a graduate Quantity Surveyor with a strong foundation in civil engineering. His expertise spans both the technical and strategic aspects of quantity surveying, with a focus on sustainability and cost-effective project delivery. After completing his degree, Oliver began his career on the contractor side, gaining hands-on experience before transitioning into consultancy last year, where he now provides cost consultant services on a range of projects. He is also currently pursuing a master’s degree in Quantity Surveying to further enhance his skills and knowledge in the field.

Currently, Oliver is notably involved in a £6.5 million contract with Cambridge City Council, where the project team is working to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions across 50 council-owned properties through a comprehensive whole house retrofit initiative.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS:

• Going through the pre-contract tender process for the first time as a part of the Cambridge City Council Net Zero Pilot and seeing works now progress on site.
• Good progression in my masters degree and the implementation of this into my day to day work.

NOTABLE PROJECTS:

• Cambridge CC – Net Zero Retrofit Pilot
• Nottingham City Homes SHDF Wave 1 & 2

PERSONAL INSIGHTS:

• Motivation: My Civil Engineering background has given me a strong, problem-solving mindset.
• Memorable Moments: Whilst undertaking the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge, a small number of us had the idea to try and complete it in under 10 hours. We made it but it involved running down the last mountain with already wobbly legs.
• Future Vision: I have just completed my first semester studying a part-time masters in Quantity Surveying funded by Focus. Having the team around me is great for bouncing ideas around and getting thoughts and feedback. I plan to complete my master’s degree and work towards my APC and RICS Chartership. My goal is to further develop my expertise in cost consultancy, taking on more complex projects and leadership roles while delivering cost-effective, high-quality outcomes.