For this edition of Meet the Team, we’re shining a spotlight on Gary Davies, our Head of Pre-Construction. With decades of experience across the M&E sector, Gary has seen it all, from starting as an electrician in the late 70s to heading up pre-construction here at Hawley Building Services. Let’s dive into his story.
Personal Introduction
Q: Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?
Gary’s journey into the M&E world wasn’t exactly planned.
“I started off as an electrician in the late 70s and got fully qualified. I then moved into running my own company, but that didn’t go so well due to clients not paying their bills. So, I switched into project and contract management. I moved north for a change of pace, got tired of contract management, and ended up in estimation. I quickly moved up to Estimation Manager, then Design Manager, and now I’m the Head of Pre-Construction.”
Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Gary values time with his family above all else, but he also has a few hobbies he enjoys.
“I love golf, cycling, and walking. Coastal walking, in particular, is a big passion of mine. There’s nothing better than a good walk by the sea.”
Q: How did you get into the M&E industry?
Gary’s entry into M&E wasn’t the typical route.
“It was pure chance, really. My parents were moving to Northern Ireland, and I needed a job. I tried carpentry at first, but it didn’t feel right. I always had a natural instinct for working with electricians, so I went for an apprenticeship, and that was it, I was hooked.”
Professional Background
Q: What is your role at Hawley Building Services, and what does it involve?
As Head of Pre-Construction, Gary plays a crucial role in preparing projects for execution.
“Once a project is secured, I work with the project managers and clients’ teams to get everything ready for the next phase. That involves sourcing the right products at the best prices and making sure we’re all set up for success before the project even begins.”
Q: What do you find most rewarding about working in M&E?
For Gary, the most rewarding part of his job is seeing the finished result.
“The most satisfying thing for me is seeing the final product after all the hard work. When you’ve put everything together and managed to deliver a project successfully, it’s incredibly fulfilling.”
Q: Can you share a standout project you’ve worked on?
One project that stands out for Gary was a lighting overhaul at a live rail depot.
“When I was working as a project manager in the South of England, I worked with Network Rail on a complete lighting design and installation at Camden’s live shunting station. Managing 20 electricians, we did a full lighting design in a live rail environment. It was challenging, but the sense of achievement when it was completed was amazing.”
Industry Insights & Leadership
Q: How have you seen the M&E sector evolve over the years?
Gary has seen significant changes in the industry, particularly around health and safety and technology.
“The M&E sector has definitely evolved alongside the wider construction industry. Health and safety is now a huge focus, and technology is playing a much bigger role in how we work and deliver projects.”
Q: What are the biggest challenges facing the industry right now?
Gary highlights pricing and contract negotiations as a major hurdle.
“One of the biggest challenges right now is negotiating prices and securing the final contract from main contractors. It’s always a tricky part of the process.”
Q: How do you approach leadership and mentoring within the team?
Gary’s leadership style is grounded in his experience and hands-on approach.
“I’m very hands-on with leadership. I like to get involved in the early stages of a project and offer as much advice as I can. A lot of it comes from experience, I’ve been in the industry long enough to know what works and what doesn’t.”
Final Thoughts
Q: What advice would you give to someone starting out in M&E?
Gary’s advice is simple but powerful:
“Pay attention to detail, always prioritise health and safety, and never underestimate the power of good communication.”
Q: What do you enjoy most about working at Hawley Building Services?
Gary is full of praise for the team here at Hawley.
“The team spirit here is fantastic. Everyone gets along, and everyone is eager to help each other out. That kind of atmosphere makes a huge difference in how we work together.”
Q: Where do you see the company heading in the next five years?
Gary’s confident about the company’s future under the leadership of James and Patrick.
“I can see a bright future for Hawley Building Services with James and Patrick driving things forward. We’ve already got some exciting projects in the pipeline, and there’s definitely more to come!”
Gary’s wealth of experience, commitment to hands-on leadership, and dedication to teamwork make him an invaluable part of the Hawley Building Services family. With him at the helm of Pre-Construction, the future of our projects is in safe hands.
