This month, we’re introducing Patrick Garforth, our Operations Director. With a background spanning both finance and the M&E sector, Patrick brings a unique perspective to his role. Let’s dive into his story.
Personal Introduction
Q: Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?
Patrick’s journey to M&E wasn’t straightforward.
“I started my career in finance, working in the City of London for several years. But by the early 2000s, I realised it wasn’t the right fit for me. I left the industry to pursue something different and joined the M&E sector, working my way through various leadership roles before taking on the role of Operations Director at Hawley Building Services in 2024.”
Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Patrick enjoys spending time with his family, especially his two young girls.
“They keep me busy and entertained,” he says. He also has a passion for golf. “I play at a club near my home in South Yorkshire, and while my handicap isn’t world-class, I’m a solid 8. I enjoy the game regardless.”
Q: How did you get into the M&E industry?
Patrick’s entry into M&E came later than most.
“After working in finance, I had a conversation with a friend who was a carpenter. He mentioned that his company needed electricians. I looked into it, found a retraining scheme, and transitioned into the M&E sector in my 20s. I then joined a heating and ventilation company in Bradford, and the rest is history.”
Professional Background
Q: What is your role at Hawley Building Services, and what does it involve?
As Operations Director, Patrick’s role spans many areas.
“My job covers everything operational, from handling the day-to-day logistics to long-term strategic planning for the business. It’s a varied and exciting role.”
Q: What do you find most rewarding about working in M&E?
For Patrick, the most rewarding part is the client relationships.
“I love working with clients who know they need to make a change but aren’t sure what that change should look like. Helping them navigate through the process and delivering a solution that makes a real difference to their business is incredibly rewarding.”
Q: Can you share a standout project you’ve worked on?
A current standout project for Patrick is the UK’s first net-zero care home in Leeds.
“It’s an amazing project. The client is incredibly invested, and the engagement from both the staff and residents has been fantastic. It’s a challenging project, but the rewards are huge.”
Industry Insights & Leadership
Q: How have you seen the M&E sector evolve over the years?
Patrick has witnessed significant changes, particularly in the shift towards sustainability.
“The industry has evolved with greener technologies like solar panels, heat pumps, and EV charging becoming the norm. The challenge now is upskilling to deliver these solutions effectively.”
Q: What are the biggest challenges facing the industry right now?
For Patrick, the skill shortage is a major issue.
“It’s not just our sector, there’s a huge shortage of skilled workers across many industries. It’s something we’re actively addressing, but it remains a key challenge.”
Q: How do you approach leadership and mentoring within the team?
Patrick leads by example.
“I believe in showing the team that you can take responsibility and be accountable. I also try to offer advice when needed, but I also recognise that people need to learn from their mistakes. In mentoring, I encourage the team to focus on solutions, not just problems. Clients want answers, and we need to deliver them.”
Final Thoughts
Q: What advice would you give to someone starting out in M&E?
Patrick’s advice is straightforward:
“It all starts with attitude. If you’re prepared to work hard, learn, and stay focused, this is an incredibly rewarding industry. Nothing comes easy, but it’s worth the effort.”
Q: What do you enjoy most about working at Hawley Building Services?
“There’s a real alignment between the business and our clients,” says Patrick. “We all believe in what we’re doing, and that makes a huge difference. The team here is also fantastic, dedicated, professional, and great to work with.”
Q: Where do you see the company heading in the next five years?
Patrick is optimistic about the future.
“I’m extremely excited about where we’re heading. We’re working with some fantastic clients, and we have plenty of new opportunities in the pipeline. I look forward to helping these businesses achieve their sustainability goals and contribute to their journey to net-zero.”
Patrick’s blend of strategic insight, client-focused approach, and leadership experience make him a key figure in shaping the future of Hawley Building Services. With his guidance, we’re set to take on even more exciting challenges in the years ahead.
