Barclay's Pateley Bridge

Have almost signed off my first project for Killby & Gayford, as I'm working as a general foreman for them. It is a varied role - I'm a general foreman on paper, but in reality I'm a quarter site manager, a quarter joiner, a quarter foreman and a quarter handyman. Being solely in charge of a small team, I have to do the site files as a site manager, but it isn't feasible to have a full-time site manager on the job, hence the multi-tasking involved.

Ironically, I've done more manager's paperwork on this job than I have when I've previously worked as a site manager! It's all good experience, though, and my boss - the project manager, Paul Southgate, is great to work for. This obviously helps things immenseley, as there's nothing more disheartening than an arsehole of a boss.

Got an Interview. Yahoo!

Going for an interview on Thursday. Things are definitely ramping up as I've had quite a few calls from agents in what has otherwise been a quiet time for me and the industry in general. Will let you know how it goes later... Don't want to advertise where it is just yet, knowing my luck someone will pick up on it and beat me to it, ha ha!

Didn't get the job as, even though the interview went well, they were nit picking with my Asbestos Awareness certificate. I did it online, but as far as I'm concerned it is legal - and they even checked it out before I went to the interview so should have saved me the £50 petrol travelling to Leicester. The training provider, NATAS, is, I'm led to believe, a trusted company. Perhaps when online courses become more popular they won't pose the same problem or scare employers off.

Sainsbury's Bishop Auckland

As Night-Shift Site Manager, I was responsible for the health and safety of the night team and making sure the project was on time and finished to a high standard.

This was a job I enjoyed immensely and had a great rapport with the workforce.

Stott Carpentry & Joinery Ltd

Having worked for Stott's Halifax branch, I can vouch for their competency with large joinery projects they have completed on behalf of construction giants such as Carillion. Phil Carter - Regional Director - and his team are a great set of lads who know their stuff and get the job done. As a site supervisor, I could see first-hand the commitment of the site joiners who worked with speed and efficiency in equal measure. The Contract Managers were also good guys. I enjoyed reporting to them as we had a sound working relationship and I still keep in touch with them to this day.

Whilst I can't vouch for the London side of things, or Harrow to be more precise, I'm sure they are also a fine team of managers and tradesman.

Should you be on the lookout for a new joinery contractor then give Stott's a call and ask them for a quote. They cover most of the UK and take on jobs ranging from small shop-fits to multi-million-pound sites for the MOD.

Contact: phil@stottcarpentry.co.uk

Website: http://www.stottcarpentry.co.uk

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