YOU NEVER STOP BEING AN ENGINEER INTERVIEW DESIGNING HOMES FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF HOME WORKERS - Morson Projects
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
ISSUE 4/2021 Waldeck Consulting Morson Projects www.waldeckconsulting.com www.morson-projects.co.uk YOU NEVER DESIGNING HOMES STOP BEING FOR THE NEXT AN ENGINEER GENERATION OF INTERVIEW HOME WORKERS
MORSON PROJECTS 3
← 04
YOU NEVER
STOP BEING
AN ENGINEER
INTERVIEW
10 →
APPROVED
SYSTEMS
INTEGRATOR
FOR CODRA
↓ 24
MEET THE PANEL
BUILD TEAM
4 MORSON PROJECTS MORSON PROJECTS 5
“YOU NEVER STOP BEING AN
ENGINEER” — THE BENEFITS
OF ENGINEERING SKILLS IN
BUSINESS LEADERSHIP
In a 2020 report, it was indicated that 28% of chief
executives at Fortune 500 companies had an engineering
degree, with 34 of the top 100 of the Harvard Business
Review’s Best Performing CEOs also being engineers.
This was the case even in companies that weren’t themselves Business Development Director Andy Hassall, to find out Science teaches you the why, engineering the how. If your challenges across a range on sectors, has helped me massively
engineering-based, such as Jeff Bezos at Amazon. But how how their engineering and design backgrounds have helped business is an engineering one, a knowledge of engineering in my leadership role at Morson Projects. I have had to work
can a background in engineering help develop the skills needed propel them through a combined experience of almost 80 itself can be crucial, as Andy finds working at design consultancy with a diverse range of people and personalities with a broad
for a senior leadership role, and why are so many companies years with Morson. Morson Projects. Having the relevant business qualifications for range skills and capabilities. This experience has helped me to
succeeding with engineering-savvy CEOs? a leadership role is always useful but knowing the mechanics understand, shape and develop the dynamics of the business
Within Morson Projects and the wider Morson Group, several PROBLEM-SOLVING of the engineering process you design or make is almost more development team that currently works for me. We are all
of our longest-serving directors began their careers within “Engineers are generally practically and academically trained crucial. It allows you to build teams and know which people to different, whether by ability or personality; understand this and
the Morson Projects division of the business as engineering throughout their career and wired in the same way. We see surround yourself with in order to get results. you can work and get the best from any team and the diverse
apprentices, working their way through the business to hold key the world through eyes that analyse, apply logic, question why It allows you to match the right person to the most suitable engineering teams I have worked with over the years have
executive positions. things are how they are and look for opportunities to improve. role and take an objective view on projects with incisive and taught me this!” – Andy
Morson Group Managing Director Dr Kevin Gorton, said: Our purpose in life is to problem solve using standards but also knowledgeable input. Concise, effective, and clear communication is key for
“For me, engineering gives people a clinical way of thinking and recognise the part research and development plays to foster everyone in a leadership or management role, and a strong
solving problems. It allowed me to visualise the world through a innovation.” – Steve PROJECT MANAGEMENT SKILLS foundation in engineering and the associated technical
deterministic lens, making decision making easier. Engineering Problem-solving is a key skill in both engineering and “My son and daughter always used to ask me “why has communication can be invaluable – especially if the business
provides a great platform to build qualifications and learning leadership. The ability to analyse how things work and then everything always got to be a project, Dad?” My answer was happens to be technology or engineering-focused but not
across different disciplines and sectors. It has given me the rebuild them in a more efficient way can work extremely well that everything needs a plan, a programme and a budget, even exclusively. Leadership and management involve working
confidence and drive to be successful. I would recommend when looking at both an engineered structure and the structure if just in my head. This approach has helped me build a career with teams of diverse people with often niche skill sets and
young people to become engineers because of the skills and of a team. In the same way that knowing how all the parts of a from apprentice to director and add value to senior management experience, so being able to effectively communicate with
diversity of the discipline, from mechanical to civil engineering particular machine work together to create the whole, or how one teams by ensuring that all ideas are considered, risks are a variety of stakeholders makes for better, more efficient
market sectors.” faulty part can have a severely negative effect on the smooth assessed with affordability with tolerances communicated. It outcomes.
Morson Projects Managing Director, Chris Burke, said: “As running of a device, a knowledge of the constituent elements of can be challenging for colleagues who are wired differently, Leadership involves knowing how the constituent parts of
an engineer you are taught to have a logic fact-based approach a team gives you a knowledge of how things work that gives you neither is wrong or right, we just see the world in a different but an organisation work together effectively to create an efficient
to any situation. I hope that this approach helps team members the confidence and skills to make subtle changes for the complimentary way.” – Steve whole. This same theory is true in engineering projects, so it’s
understand the mission at hand and use facts to work out good of the whole. Engineers can see a set of related parts as a whole ‘project’, not surprising that so many successful CEOs in so many leading
whether they are winning or losing. As with many professions, with the constituent elements being part of a larger whole. With global companies have swapped the drawing board for the
engineering is rooted in an apprentice culture. It is well KNOWLEDGE OF ENGINEERING every engineering project worked on needing a budget, a plan boardroom.
understood and accepted that senior engineers have a duty to “The definition of engineering is the use of scientific principles and a set of recordable outcomes, this thinking can be incredibly Morson Projects and Morson Group are working to help
bring along the younger generation. As a result there is a natural to design and build machines, structures, and other items, suited to leadership and management roles where a keen eye for develop the next generation of engineering talent, and hence the
expectation to lead young aspiring engineers, I have always including bridges, tunnels, roads, vehicles, and buildings. In planning and delivery is needed throughout. future leaders. Our Gerry Mason Scholarships at the University
enjoyed this leadership privilege.” particular, the discipline of engineering encompasses a broad of Salford help bright students by paying for their three-year
We spoke to two of our design apprentices who have gone range of more specialised fields of engineering, each with an COMMUNICATION engineering courses, helping those who may otherwise have
on to have long careers throughout Morson; Morson Groups emphasis on particular area of expertise” – Andy “I think my background at Morson Projects, working with struggled to finance them. ●
Client Services Director Steve Seddon and Morson Projects’ teams of engineers and designers to deliver complex client
6 MORSON PROJECTS MORSON PROJECTS 7
In addition to these carbon reduction steps, we will invest in
carbon removal projects selected on the basis of quality criteria
and verification of the carbon reduction impact. In doing so we
will offset the remaining residual emissions.
The Morson Projects team supported by Morson Group
and its associated companies and other interested parties will
develop a collaborative hub with our clients, business partners
and other key industries to accelerate the transition to a net zero
Working closely with our parent future together.
company, Morson Group, we are Morson Group’s HSQE Director Gareth Morris said: “It is
important that we communicate to our staff, our clients, our
committed to continually reducing community and our value chain that we care for our environment.
our total Greenhouse Gas Emissions The vast majority of our emissions come from our use of
commercial vehicles in the delivery of certain contracts.
in absolute terms in order to Our Group Fleet Manager, David Robinson, has worked
achieve Net Zero emissions by for many years to reduce these emissions through the use of
lower emission vehicles, driver training and in-vehicle telemetry
2023. This will be achieved through systems. One year ago we joined Shell’s fuel offset scheme
absolute emission reduction and which has reduced our overall Net Zero carbon emissions
by 80%, and we are currently working hard on reducing the
offsetting the residual amounts. remaining carbon emissions in order to achieve Net Zero.”
Chris Burke, Executive Director at Morson Projects added:
As a Group, 82% of our emissions are currently derived from “The team at Morson Projects are working closely with the wider
Operational Road Travel and other business travel. We aim to Morson Group team to continually reduce our Greenhouse Gas
reduce our business travel and accommodation associated Emissions over the next 2 years. This offsetting of emissions
emissions through the greater use of technology including goes much further than our own operations and is also an
virtual meetings, virtual site tours and tech-savvy asset important consideration for our technical team when designing
management tools. and delivering projects for our clients.” ●
REDUCING EMISSIONS THROUGH TRAVEL
We are committed to the de-carbonisation of our company
cars and commercial vehicles, with 49% of our company car fleet
MORSON PROJECTS:
already being low emission vehicles (either electric or hybrid)
CARBON ZERO
and plans to increase this to 95% total by the end of 2023.
By 2023 we aim to complete all regular, commercial
vehicle journeys under 50 miles distance round trip by electric,
commercial vehicles. As suitable ultra-low emission commercial
It is important that
vehicles come to the market Morson Group are committed to we communicate to
EMISSIONS
being an early adopter of new technology, ultra-low emission
vehicles.
our staff, our clients,
our community
IMPROVING THE EFFICIENCY OF OUR BUILDINGS
and our value chain
PLEDGE
Electricity consumption on our premises accounts for 14% of our
carbon emissions and we have already commenced the Building that we care for our
Information Modelling of our premises by our in-house team in
pursuit of increasing building efficiency.
environment. The
Initial carbon reduction projects include the installation of vast majority of our
a power metering solution and LED lighting at Head Office and
other premises. As current electricity supply contracts expire,
emissions come from
we will purchase carbon neutral electricity including power from our use of commercial
renewable sources for our premises. We have commenced a
feasibility study for on-site generation on our premises and
vehicles in the delivery
intend to install solar generation and potentially wind power. of certain contracts.
8 MORSON PROJECTS MORSON PROJECTS 9
NAVIGATING IR35 WITH
MORSON PROJECTS
Earlier this month, IR35 legislation came
into play across the private sector.
Following our recent webinars covering HOW CAN WE HELP?
the topic, we are working with new and From full reviews of your contractual
existing clients to provide the necessary workforce to practical and commercial
support to deliver IR35 compliant IR35 solutions including fixed
solutions across the engineering and price statements of work, we provide a
technical services landscape. suite of robust solutions tailored to your
For more than 40 years, Morson organisation to help shape an effective
Projects has been delivering fully IR35 strategy to remove the burden of
contracted-out services to clients, long IR35, minimise risks and costs.
before IR35 legislation was established.
However, since the introduction of IR35 WHY CHOOSE A FULLY
in 2000, we have successfully delivered CONTRACTED-OUT SOLUTION?
more than 12,000 projects as fully Private sector organisations who
contracted-out solutions, with a value in engage contractor populations are
excess of £750m. turning their attention to ensuring
This method of working puts us in compliance with the legislation, yet few
the position of the ‘End Client’ to any hiring managers, procurement heads
relevant Personal Service Company and HR professionals consider a fully
(PSC) engaged. It, therefore, means contracted-out service as a potential
we are responsible for ensuring option.
reasonable care is exercised correctly A fully contracted-out service –
by producing and issuing an IR35 Status often referred to as a Statement of
Determination Statement. Work (SOW) or a bought-out service
Our robust processes, procedures is a flexible, effective and highly
and tools to ensure IR35 compliance successful commercial route which
are underpinned with a comprehensive has many benefits and incidentally,
insurance policy. Our experts can help can remove off-payroll considerations
guide businesses through the offload related to IR35. Already commonplace
process, helping them clearly define in engineering, IT and tech sectors,
their requirements and supporting many other industries could benefit
them in generating Statements of from choosing this advantageous and
Work (SOWs). effective way of working.
Whilst there is strictly no prescribed
format, a fully contracted-out service
comprises a ‘contract for services’,
...we provide a suite which governs the relationship and
outputs agreed between the client and
of robust solutions service provider. ●
tailored to your
organisation to help Our experts are on hand to help
shape an effective businesses navigate the reforms, to
find out more, please don’t hesitate to
IR35 strategy... contact the team on 0161 707 1516.
10 MORSON PROJECTS MORSON PROJECTS 11
MORSON PROJECTS: We caught up with our specialist control
systems integration team within our Ematics
Codra support us with technical expertise,
providing patches to the Panorama software if
APPROVED SYSTEMS division, to find out more about Codra, and what we encounter any bugs during development or
CODRA
benefits our partnership creates for our clients. upgrade cycles.
INTEGRATOR FOR WHO ARE CODRA?
Codra is the software manufacturer of the
WHAT BENEFIT DOES THIS
CREATE FOR CLIENTS?
Panorama Suite Platform, specialising in Our excellent collaborative relationship with
industrial information technology: Front- Codra helps us to provide support to clients
end communication, SCADA, Data Historian throughout the whole project lifecycle. From
& Reporting tools. As an International IT early contractor involvement and tender
Engineering Services provider, the company support, through development support and
has forged its know-how from experience in input, and finally system maintenance and
services demanding very specific skills in highly updates.
technical sectors, such as embedded and real- Our existing team have been delivering
Morson Projects are an approved systems integrator for software time systems, critical applications, scientific
computing, test systems and other complex
projects together for many years and have
vast amounts of experience developing and
engineering business, Codra, having worked with them collaboratively automation and instrumentation and control supporting Panorama systems for major UK
since 2014 on major projects across the UK. projects. infrastructure.
Two key projects recently completed are the
WHAT DOES BEING A PARTNER MEAN? APMS Replacement at Drax Power Station and
Morson Projects and our Ematics division the Unified SCADA Upgrades for Mersey Travel,
are a Codra Certified Integration Partner for which we hope to share more information on
Panorama E2, Panorama Suite, and the legacy soon.
Panorama P2.
As a trusted integration partner, Morson WHAT’S NEXT?
Projects are able to take advantage of Codra’s Over the coming months and years, we look
expert engineering support team in the forward to continuing to work with Drax, Mersey
development and integration of the Panorama Travel, and other clients on UK infrastructure
software for major UK infrastructure projects. projects using Panorama as one of our platforms
This direct collaboration with Codra maximises of choice.
development efficiency and helps reduce fault Several innovations have already been
snagging at testing stage. made available by Codra, such as IEC61850
Our team have worked on numerous major for the electricity market and BIM operations.
control system developments using Panorama Others will follow at the end of the year with the
software including tunnel upgrades for arrival of Panorama Suite 2022, Web Client, the
Merseytravel, Power Station upgrades for Drax EdgeToCloud approach and many more.
and work on the UK rail infrastructure’s traction Paul Ward, who heads up Morson Projects’
power networks. Ematics division added: “Our relationship
with Codra has evolved significantly over
HOW DO THE SERVICES OF THE the past 7 years and we are proud to be one
TWO BUSINESSES INTEGRATE? of their approved systems integrators. Our
Codra provide the necessary software collaborative approach to projects means we
platform and tools for us to carry out critical are able to deliver successful, efficient solutions
control system development and integration to our clients, whilst continually improving the
works for our clients. software we use. We look forward to continuing
For our projects, our software development to work with Codra on exciting projects over the
team is supported by the Codra team. We define coming months and years.”
the software and infrastructure architecture James Burgess, Sales Manager at Codra
for the project and have the design validated commented: “We are pleased to have Morson
by Codra to ensure best practice is being Projects on-board as one of our approved
followed. This ensures that we are compliant systems integrators. Their team brings a unique
with the Panorama product roadmap, allowing mix of technical expertise and experience to
for seamless upgrades to future versions of the table and we look forward to continuing to
Panorama, which saves our clients in the long evolve our relationship over the coming years
term. On project completion, Codra will audit our as we deliver successful projects together for
software to provide independent validation. our clients.” ●
12 MORSON PROJECTS MORSON PROJECTS 13
INTERNATIONAL
WOMEN’S DAY 2021:
#CHOOSE
TO CHALLENGE
At Morson working world: “International Women’s
Day is a global day celebrating the
build a career within STEM.
“With an above average 18% of
Projects, equality achievements of women across all our workforce being women, equality
has always been industries and in all environments,
as well as calling out inequality and
and diversity are an everyday learning
activity at Morson Projects and days
important when increasing visibility. like International Women’s Day only
considering aspects “Gender equality, and celebration
across all diversities is essential
reinforce our commitment to this,
raising awareness both internally and
of the business for economies and communities to externally.
such as recruitment, thrive, as well as businesses. In the
Construction and Engineering industries
“Morson Projects, as part of the
wider Morson Group have already
training and career it is clear that stereotypes are being taken huge steps to influence positive
progression, in order challenged and a diverse representation
of women is more evident, which is
behaviour, with compulsory Equality
& Diversity training for all employees
to create an inclusive, something we work hard to champion and carrying out awareness events
empowering as a business.
“At Morson Projects, equality
throughout the year.
“That said, there is still a
future for all. has always been important when continuing need worldwide for more
considering aspects of the business progressive mind-sets and inclusive
Today the world celebrates International such as recruitment, training and behaviours, which we hope to be
Women’s Day (IWD) 2021 and it’s career progression, in order to create able to continue to support through
theme; #ChoosetoChallenge. an inclusive, empowering future for all. our internal programmes such as
The IWD campaign focuses on the As such, some of our female engineers apprenticeship schemes, graduate
idea that a challenged world is an alert are currently volunteering as mentors training, professional development
world. Individually, we’re all responsible for the University of Salford’s ‘Go reviews, flexible working and other
for our own thoughts and actions – all Beyond’ programme, working with final internal initiatives.” ●
day, every day. We can all choose to year female students to help them step
challenge and call out gender bias and confidently into the industry.”
inequality. We can all choose to seek out Becky Hicks, from our HR Team Find out more:
and celebrate women’s achievements. adds: “Within STEM industries in www.internationalwomensday.com
Collectively, we can all help create an particular there is a preconception that
inclusive world. From challenge comes it is a ‘man’s world’ and the statistics
change, so let’s all choose to challenge. support this with only 12.37% of all
We hear from Executive Director, engineers in the UK being women. This
Chris Burke about why Morson Projects is why education is so important to
supports #ChoosetoChallenge and ensure that young women feel inspired
how a diverse workforce drives a better to use their creativity and knowledge to
14 MORSON PROJECTS MORSON PROJECTS 15
The Women in Engineering
Mentoring Programme is powered by
our parent company, the Morson Group
and is a new mentoring initiative to cater I hope to help the students with their confidence and
for a select group of female students in
their last year of study in engineering
show how it is ok to take risks. I also believe that it
subjects in the School of Science, is important to own our accomplishments and set
Engineering and Environment (SSEE)
at the University of Salford.
positive examples for the next generation of women.
The programme is running from
The focus is on developing the mentee encouraging them through the initial
February 2021 to May 2021 and
professionally with the aims to achieve stages of the professional development.
aims to connect the University’s final
self-awareness, more confidence and “Mentoring allows me an opportunity to
year female students with industry
to feel equipped to Go Beyond the reciprocate the guidance, kindness and
professionals to:
University to get a job in industry. support given to me by others when first
→ Gain greater insights of the
“We welcome a phenomenal starting out, giving something back to
industries of their chosen
number of industry mentors who the engineering students and cohorts of
subjects
registered their supporting to the tomorrow.”
→ Obtain greater knowledge about
programme and are dedicating their Becky Veal, Head of Business Unit,
their career prospects and have
time and expertise to help promote our shared: “Having built from scratch
focus on the future
graduate talent to encourage and upskill and ran a successful engineering
→ Acquire broader skills for personal
more women into engineering roles. recruitment business before joining
and/or career development
“It’s a real testimony to our Morson Projects, I hope to bring a
→ Build understanding for
partnership with the Morson Group, fresh perspective to the young women
communication and a range of
and our collaborative investment to who are taking part in this mentoring
interpersonal skills
developing our talent pipeline and programme. I believe It is important
→ Discover good practices and
creating employment routes for the next we nurture confidence in women
understand how to enter the
generation of women in engineering, to from a young age, as they can often
industry with confidence
have five of their team from across the be underestimated by others and
Group onboard with the programme.” as a result, start to underestimate
Anna, Ana, Becky and Maria have been
Anna Davanzo, Aerospace themselves.
matched with students in order to
Engineer shared: “Helping to inspire “I hope to help the students with
offer valuable one-to-one mentoring
young people and in particular young their confidence and show how it is
sessions and will also take part in
women to pursue careers in STEM ok to take risks. I also believe that it is
group webinars, providing guest talks
based disciplines is so important for important to own our accomplishments
alongside the other mentors.
the future of our industry. Taking
the and set positive examples for the next
Dr. Maria Stukoff, Maker Space
first tentative steps into the workplace generation of women.”
Director shared: “The aims of ‘Go
can be daunting and having a mentor Maria Williamson, Lead Design
Beyond’ are to help our students to
who understands this can make the Engineer within our Marine team added:
focus on the future, gain broader skills
transition from university into work “To give these young women the best
FEMALE ENGINEERS
for personal or career development. The
much less intimidating. chances of success in this industry,
expectation is that the knowledge and
“I’m really excited to be a part of the it is important that time, advice and
VOLUNTEER FOR ‘GO
influence of the mentor will assist the
mentoring programme at the University guidance is provided from the offset. It
student in planning career objectives
of Salford, to be able to share some of is a great responsibility being asked to
BEYOND’ MENTORING
and help with gaining insight about how
my knowledge and experiences with help these young aspiring engineers,
to step confidently into the industry.
future engineers and help them to enter this is our chance to share experiences
PROGRAMME the industry with confidence.”
Ana Meek, Chemical Process
Engineer also shared: “I am very
and discuss how they see their career
progressing.
“These engineers have already
We are pleased to announce that four of our female excited and honoured to be part of Go
Beyond Programme. As a mentor, I am
chosen this path by going to university
and studying so I’m looking forward
engineers, Anna Davanzo, Ana Meek, Becky Veal and Maria looking forward to engaging with young to exploring what they want to get out
Williamson, have volunteered to join the Morson Maker engineers, and understanding their
drivers, ambitions for their emerging
of their career and hopefully make the
transition a little more comfortable
Space’s ‘Go Beyond’ Mentoring Programme. careers and supporting, guiding, and for them.” ●
16 MORSON PROJECTS MORSON PROJECTS 17
WOMEN LEADERS As part of a series Maria has worked in Mechanical Design,
specialising in marine and submarine
This was a great challenge for me
professionally and was the first time I’d
IN ENGINEERING of ‘Women Leaders design for over 11 years. moved teams without knowing any of
MARIA
in Engineering’ HI MARIA, TELL US A LITTLE BIT
my immediate colleagues.
interviews, we ABOUT YOUR ROLE… WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU
AND YOUR TEAM?
caught up with one A lot of what I do is very confidential,
WILLIAMSON
but what I can tell you is that my role My team are currently expanding
of the Lead Design requires me to think about every aspect again, we are in the midst of setting up
Engineers from our of my team’s work, from the processes
they follow to the problems they face.
2 more teams, which will allow us to
bring more people on board and share
Marine division, My team is built up of highly skilled the knowledge, so it’s definitely an
Maria Williamson. designers, but the processes that
require following are so complex that it
exciting time to be a part of this Morson
Projects team.
is my job to guide the designers down
the right path. With a wide range of HOW DO YOU THINK WE, AS
stakeholders and the complexity of AN INDUSTRY CAN WORK TO
these routed systems, the design work INSPIRE THE NEXT GENERATION
often encounters a lot of changes even OF WOMEN LEADERS IN
after it has been signed off. My team ENGINEERING?
manage the design stage from initial I believe that the inclusion for women
concept through to release. into Engineering should start from a
young age. If I had a better experience
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE AN at school with this path, then I definitely
ENGINEERING CAREER PATH? believe I would of embraced it a lot
Engineering has always been interesting earlier.
to me, but I don’t believe enough I believe the UK’s STEM programme
information was available for me in does a great deal for students of all
school to guide me down this path backgrounds, but schools and parents
straight from secondary education. do need to be actively encouraging
I took Design & Technology as a young women to choose engineering
GCSE, and it was difficult being 1 of roles if they show an interest.
2 girls in the year taking that subject
further, I would say it actually set me WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU OFFER
back quite a bit, and it wasn’t until 2 TO WOMEN WHO WOULD
years after leaving school that I decided LIKE TO PURSUE A CAREER IN
to get back into Engineering and take ENGINEERING?
on an apprenticeship. This was much Women that have an interest in
more inclusive, and I was made to feel engineering should climb over all the
supported. obstacles to stay on that path. I promise
The qualifications I’ve gained along it’s worth it!
the way cover Mechanical Engineering, There are ways in which women
Nuclear Familiarisation, and Leadership and men work and analyse situations
& Management training. differently and the Engineering industry
I do, however believe that now, 11 can certainly benefit from the value that
years after I started my apprenticeship, a mix of male and female colleagues can
the industry welcomes women in a contribute to this. The women I meet
much larger capacity. in this industry, like myself, have had
to overcome certain obstacles to get
WHAT ARE YOUR CAREER where they are, and as a result, have
HIGHLIGHTS SO FAR? grown into strong, successful people. ●
I’d say the highlight of my career was
being re-located 2 years ago, I moved
to Morson Project’s Manchester office To find out more about how our
to set up a new team, which involved Marine team can help you with
taking on half of an existing team and your next project, please don’t
expanding it. hesitate to contact Maria by calling
0161 707 1516.
18 MORSON PROJECTS MORSON PROJECTS 19
MEET THE TEAM:
MORSON PROJECTS’
BRISTOL OFFICE
As part of a series of ‘Meet the Team’ articles,
we caught up with our Bristol office to find out about
the team delivering our projects in the South West.
We caught up with Sam Pike, Principle Design Engineer, WHAT PROJECTS ARE YOU
who runs our Bristol team to find out more: WORKING ON AT THE MOMENT?
We work with a variety of clients across the Aerospace &
HI SAM, TELL US A BIT MORE ABOUT Defence industry, but an example of a key project for us would be
THE BRISTOL OFFICE TEAM? the work we are doing with Leonardo Helicopters at the moment.
Our Bristol office is a diverse and dynamic team of 8 technical Over the years Morson Projects has nurtured the relationship
staff, who work closely with clients across the Aerospace & with Leonardo Helicopters, developing our expertise across
Defence industry. The team provide support on everything from multiple platforms.
structural design concept through to manufacturing detail, This long-term relationship has created offload opportunities
including the integration of systems, stress analysis, tooling for our Bristol office, enabling us to develop our team inline with
design and manufacture, and production support. the clients demands.
The team also work collaboratively with other Morson The team has been responsible for delivering small-scale
Projects design and stress teams located in Manchester, Hull, stand-alone packages of work as well as working collaboratively
Belfast and Yeovil. Typical services we provide clients with are: on larger tasks such as creating customised aircraft to meet the
→ Certification and Technical Reports specific requirements of the customer.
→ Check and Final Stress Analysis With new insight into existing platforms, this has enabled
→ Detailed Design and DFM constructive exchange of views and collective discussions with
→ Dynamic Analysis of Mechanisms the client.
→ Fatigue and Damage Tolerance The Bristol team are working closely with colleagues at our
→ FEM Analysis Including Pre and Post Processing Hull and Manchester offices to provide:
→ Initial Conceptual Design Studies → Initial Design Layouts & Stress Evaluation
→ Kinematics → Production Design & Stress Analysis
→ Product Development → Certification Report
→ Project Planning and Programme Management
→ Prototype and Production Design WHAT DID 2020 TEACH YOU AND YOUR TEAM?
→ Stress Conceptual Design Evaluation From what was a strange year, my respect and confidence in
→ Stress Sizing the work the team do has only increased as I’ve experienced
their ability to adapt to the ever-changing situation and the extra
WHAT MAKES YOUR TEAM DIFFERENT challenges that have come with it.
FROM COMPETITORS? The team’s ability to be self-reliant and also working
I believe that our biggest USP is our willingness and remotely in a communicative way has meant the team has been
capability to work collaboratively with clients using the able to come up with solutions to everything that has been
multitude of experience and methods that we have gained thrown at them. ●
from working across a variety of different projects for a range of
different clients.
Our unique experience allows the team to be adaptable and To find out more about how our Bristol team can help
reactive to any task, meaning we can get the “right people on you with your next project, please don’t hesitate to contact
the job”, as well as challenging the conventional ways of working Sam by calling 0161 707 1516.
“this is how we have always done it” by offering alternative view
points and best practices from the teams gathered experience.
This allows the wider team, the client and ourselves to work in
partnership to achieve the best solution to any given challenge.20 MORSON PROJECTS MORSON PROJECTS 21
GARETH CLARKE
— FROM TOOLING
APPRENTICE TO
ADVANCED TOOL
DESIGNER
As part of a series of ‘Meet the Team’ articles, we caught up
with Tooling Designer, Gareth Clarke, to find out more about his
career at Morson Projects as he has progressed from a Tooling
Apprentice to Advanced Tooling Designer.
SO, GARETH, WHAT MADE testing a model to then see your ideas Manchester Metropolitan University,
YOU DECIDE TO DO AN come to life, whether that is a lifting which I started after completing my
APPRENTICESHIP AT MORSON mechanism, trolley or overspeed test Apprenticeship. I have been doing this
PROJECTS? fixture. Regardless of what problem you part-time alongside working 4 days a
My Dad actually worked at Morson are solving, it’s all about the accuracy! week at Morson Projects and have one
Projects for 28 years, so I definitely saw year of my studies remaining.
the success in his career and the variety WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR Following my graduation, I will be a
in his job role which inspired me to FAVOURITE PROJECT TO fully qualified Engineer and then hope to
follow a similar path. WORK ON? work towards Chartership.
When I applied for the One of the most interesting jobs I have
apprenticeship, I didn’t let anyone worked on was an engine upgrade for WOULD YOU RECOMMEND AN
know my connection to him though as one of our defence sector clients. I was APPRENTICESHIP TO SOMEONE
I wanted to know I’d got the job on my responsible for designing the seats LOOKING TO START A CAREER IN
own merits. used to secure the engines’ intakes and ENGINEERING?
exhausts. I was the lead Mechanical I would definitely recommend an
TELL US A BIT MORE Design Engineer and I was responsible apprenticeship to anyone looking to
ABOUT YOUR ROLE… for producing over 100 individual start in engineering. It is a great way to
I joined Morson Projects straight designs with a team of 4 people. This is get started in the industry, I think it is a
from High School in 2014 and have one of the largest and most interesting big advantage as the experience you
progressed in my career as part of the jobs I have worked on, as there was a gain as an apprentice from working in
Tooling team. I currently lead a Tooling lot of aspects to consider in order to get this environment as well as academic
Design & Manufacture delivery team them right. Plus, it was great to see and learning is invaluable. ●
which consists of 4 others and me. We work with one of the most impressive
take our clients requirements, work out ships in the world!
how to solve their problem or facilitate As part of my day-to-day work, I am To find out more about Morson
their requirements and then work with also in charge of producing all tooling Project’s Tooling & Design
them to deliver whatever it is they might jobs we receive for Siemens Industrial Capability please speak get in
need. Turbomachinery. This involves working touch with Gareth and the team
Tooling is a unique and often quite with Siemens to find solutions to any by calling 0161 707 1516.
‘wacky’ discipline. Each project is issues they may have, producing CAD
unique and often means working with a designs and drawings of a solution and Alternatively, if you are interested
vast range of other disciplines, whether then organising the manufacture of the in finding out more about an
that be Mechanical Engineering, Aircraft item for them to use. I have designed apprenticeship with Morson Projects,
Design, Civil Engineering and so on. all sorts of equipment over the years please contact our Group HR
from lifting mechanisms, laser trimming Assistant, Becky Hicks.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST fixtures and industrial transport fixtures.
ABOUT YOUR JOB?
For me, I really enjoy the variety of work, WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU?
particularly the CAD element of Tooling I’m currently in the third year of my
Design & Manufacture; creating and BEng in Mechanical Engineering at22 MORSON PROJECTS MORSON PROJECTS 23
MORSON PROJECTS' We interviewed them to find out more about their careers
so far and why choosing to start an apprenticeship in 2021,
CRAIG: My career highlight has been attaining a First-Class
Honours Degree in Electrical & Electronic Engineering at
POWER APPRENTICES might just be the best decision you make!
Paul Ward, who heads up our Power division explains:
Manchester Metropolitan University.
GO FROM STRENGTH “We’ve been taking on apprentices for over ten years now.
We have a fantastic success rate of recruiting both school and
DID YOU, OR DO YOU PLAN TO CONTINUE YOUR
EDUCATION AFTER YOUR APPRENTICESHIP?
TO STRENGTH college leavers and training them to become valued members
of our team, so much so, that 60% of our current Power team
began their career with us as an apprentice.
JAMES: As well as my NVQ, I am currently in my final year
studying for a HND having completed the HNC in previous years,
from this, there is the option to continue into a final ‘top-up’ year
As Morson Projects’ Power division celebrates another “Our apprenticeship training scheme sees employees
gain a broad range of experience across Power, Electrical and
in order to achieve my BEng in Electrical Engineering.
I plan to continue past my HND at Wigan & Leigh College
successful year of business, we caught up with two members Instrumentation disciplines. Academically, some choose to and onto my degree in order to make the most out of my time in
of their team, who started out as apprentices. continue their studies after completing their HND’s at college,
by going on to study for a degree.”
education and to improve my knowledge and understanding of
certain principles within work.
We caught up with Craig Nuttall and James Adshead,
who started with us as apprentices, to find out more about life CRAIG: I started my degree just after completing my HNC
as part of our Power Division. in 2016 and graduated in 2020 with a First-Class Honours
Degree in Electrical & Electronic Engineering from Manchester
HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED AT MORSON Metropolitan University.
PROJECTS AND WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT ROLE?
JAMES: I’ve worked at Morson Projects for 3 years now and I WHAT IS THE NEXT STEP FOR YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
am currently an Engineering Apprentice. My day-to-day duties JAMES: I want to continue to learn and improve within work over
include providing CAD support for one of our senior engineers the next few years with the goal of being able to produce design-
as well as assisting in a variety of other office duties. Working based work, as well as being able to undertake draughting work
alongside a senior engineer, I am able to continually improve my in order to further progress my career.
knowledge and experience, creating a foundation for what I hope
will be a successful and rewarding career. CRAIG: The next step in my career is to become an Electrical
I study part-time at Wigan & Leigh College, on day release Design Engineer.
each week and will be officially completing my apprenticeship in
the coming months when I receive my certificate for completing WHY WOULD YOU RECOMMEND AN
my NVQ in Design and Draughting. Once I have completed APPRENTICESHIP TO AN ASPIRING ENGINEER?
my apprenticeship, there are further opportunities at Morson JAMES: I would highly recommend an apprenticeship to
Projects for progress onto further education. school and college leavers as an alternative to the traditional
route. After finishing my A-Levels I was unsure whether an
CRAIG: I have worked at Morson Projects for just over apprenticeship was a viable option in trying to work towards
8 years now and my current role as a Senior CAD Technician an engineering career but after working in the industry for 3
involves working closely with a Senior Electrical Design Engineer years and having spoken to others across the industry, I truly
on the electrical design aspects of projects as well as drafting believe that apprenticeships can be beneficial to the traditional
AutoCAD drawings. university route as you finish with the same qualifications but
I completed my apprenticeship in 2016, after 4 years with more practical experience, as well as the opportunity to
of studying at North Trafford College (ONC) and also Wigan start earning instead of being straddled with debt.
& Leigh College (HNC).
CRAIG: Yes, I would highly recommend apprenticeships to
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR CAREER young adults as you get paid whilst you learn. Engineering is
HIGHLIGHT SO FAR? an interesting topic as it is continuously evolving. As a former
JAMES: A highlight for me has definitely been having the apprentice I learnt more about what I was doing in the drawing
opportunity to travel to Scotland and other places within the office as I was taken to site being shown what each project
UK to visit different sites. Our projects are located in a variety involved. ●
of places across the UK, so being able to go out and visit these
sites is great experience and is a welcome change of scene
from our typical way of working. To find out more about how our Power team can help you
with your next project, please don’t hesitate to contact Paul
by calling 0161 707 1516.24 MORSON PROJECTS MORSON PROJECTS 25
MEET THE TEAM:
PANEL
BUILD
The Morson Projects’ Panel Build team specialise
in providing power system protection panels and
cubicles for a wide range of clients.
Our team offer a full scope of works from generation. Utilising a fully equipped TESTING:
primary and secondary engineering workshop facility in Manchester, Morson → FAT
and design through to site installation, Projects work closely with clients → SAT
including connections to grid >132kv. to define and supply their complete
As part of our offering, our team are requirements. Our previous annual capacity was 80
also able to offer clients the design and per annum Large Secondary Protection
build of protection and control panels on WHAT SERVICES DO Panels and 200 per annum Small LV/ MV
existing frameworks. THE TEAM PROVIDE? Panels, however we have now secured
Following the recent appointment We work closely with clients across the additional storage at one of our sites
of Jonathan McCreavey as Panel Shop Infrastructure, Nuclear, Transportation, in Irlam to increase our capacity due to
Manager we caught up with him and Manufacturing and Renewables sectors. heightened demand for this service.
the rest of the team to find out more Our team includes experienced panel
about what projects they are working on builders who, together with our team of WHAT PROJECTS ARE YOU
and what offering they can provide to project and design engineers are able CURRENTLY WORKING ON?
clients. The team currently includes the to offer clients a complete solution to Although we can’t go into detail
following members (left to right): their control and system requirements, about our current projects due to
→ John Armstrong including install and commissioning client confidentiality, we are currently
Installation Manager services, covering the below: working on a range of battery storage
→ Jonathan McCreavey solutions, Remote Power Quality (RPQ)
Panel Shop Manager TYPES: installations, infrastructure maintenance
→ Graeme Burns → Critical Power & Standby Power upgrades and some large projects in
Senior Site Engineer (ATS & UPS) power generation and renewables.
→ Josh Loughran → HV Secondary Protection
Electrical / Site Engineer & Control Panels WHAT’S NEXT FOR
→ Jay Lee Smith → LV & HV Metering THE PANEL TEAM?
Apprentice (Remote Power Quality) As mentioned earlier on, we grew our
→ LVAC Switchboards Panel Build team by initially providing
We have also been joined by Senior → PLC & Motor Control Panels full design from primary design to
Design Engineer, Jack Roberts, who, connection which then evolved into
thanks to recent software investment APPLICATIONS: also offering secondary protection and
and training, will soon be EPLAN → Data Centres control panel build, the next step for
certified. We caught up with the team → Traffic Management us is panel build installation for a wider
to find out more… → Power Distribution range of clients, utilising our National
(6.6kV – 400kV) Grid approved team. ●
HOW CAN THE TEAM HELP? → Automation & Control
Morson Projects specialise in providing → Building Management
power system protection panels and To find out more about how our Panel
cubicles for all levels of electrical Build team can help you with your
power transmission, distribution and next project, please don’t hesitate to
contact us by calling 0161 707 1516.26 MORSON PROJECTS MORSON PROJECTS 27
MEET As part of a series of ‘Meet the Team’ articles, we caught up
THE TEAM: with Systems and Software Engineer, Dean Ellison, to find out
how he has been using his coding skills to enhance his role as
DEAN ELLISON an Engineer within our Control Systems team.
SYSTEMS &
SOFTWARE
After finding issues I will then discuss benefits our clients in terms of working I am continuing to enhance my
possible solutions with the relevant efficiently, meeting milestones and knowledge of control systems and
ENGINEER
design team. It’s a challenging role that sharing best practise. It is a privilege to gain expertise in various stages of the
incorporates a good mix of technical work with such a knowledgeable bunch systems development lifecycle. I am
disciplines. I get to interact with system of engineers. also passionate about the global push
designers, software developers and I like to think that I bring some towards net zero carbon emissions and
experts from other disciplines, to better good benefits to my team, such as my the increasing adoption of renewable
understand the product and to verify systematic approach to identifying and energy technologies. In years to come
that each sub-system works as per its solving issues, good initiative to find I would like to say that I had used
design intent. efficient ways of working, and a desire to my engineering skills in the fight to
keep things simple wherever possible. tackle climate change. So perhaps
AT WHAT POINT DID YOUR The goal is always to develop the best one day I will be leading a team in the
CODING AND ENGINEERING possible solutions for our clients, development of novel designs for future
CAPABILITIES START TO BE ensuring that the control systems we engineering technologies.
USED TOGETHER? develop are safe and reliable. Gordon Murphy, who heads up
Like most engineers I enjoy analysing Morson Projects Systems & Software
how things work and finding the best WHAT PROJECTS HAVE YOU team added: “Following a chance phone
methods to improve products and solve WORKED ON RECENTLY? call and an excellent interview, we were
HI DEAN! TELL US A LITTLE
problems for people. At Morson Projects I have worked on a delighted to welcome Dean to our team
BIT MORE ABOUT YOU AND
While I had some good exposure to range of civil and defence projects with in Belfast in 2017.
YOUR ROLE?
computer programming during my a variety of clients, including Rolls- “Dean joined Morson Projects with
I joined Morson Projects in 2017, and
degree, I would consider myself more Royce, BAE Systems, and Mitsubishi a strong technical background from
work with a team of over thirty engineers
of a logical problem-solver than a Aircraft Corporation. his previous roles including working at
in Belfast to develop safety-critical
software developer. Each project has come with its own Rolls-Royce and Bombardier, which
software for aircraft engine control
When I started work at Rolls- unique challenges and development was complimented by his academic
systems.
Royce in 2015, I was surprised that opportunities. I have enjoyed working achievements.
I have a master’s degree in
many of my engineering colleagues in multi-disciplinary teams, leading “Over the past 3 years, Dean
aerospace engineering and am
wrote code on a daily basis. Whether work packages, and interfacing with has become a valued member of our
professionally chartered with the
writing a simple batch script or coding a clients on-site. For example, I frequently Systems & Software team, who is
IMechE.
bespoke software solution, I discovered travelled to the Rolls-Royce site in willing and completely able to take on
My current role is within our
that I enjoy writing code to automate Birmingham to support key software responsibility working and delivering a
Hardware-Software Integration team,
repetitive tasks and to help solve certification activities for the Pearl 700 quality product for our clients.” ●
where I am responsible for testing
complex problems. So I suppose my engine, and on a previous project with
that our designed software operates
coding and engineering capabilities Mitsubishi I was the lead engineer
correctly when deployed onto engine
developed alongside one another, and within Morson Projects for systems To find out more about how our
hardware.
now I am working with a great team verification work on the Pratt & Whitney Control Systems team can help you
On a typical day, I try to find
of engineers to develop software for 1000G engine. with your next project, please don’t
realistic scenarios to ‘break’ the control
aircraft engines. hesitate to contact Dean by calling
system, which often requires me to
WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU? 0161 707 1516.
think outside-the-box. First I have to
HOW DO YOU CREATE BENEFITS A career in engineering is one of lifelong
understand the system design, and then
FOR YOUR TEAM AND CLIENTS? learning, so I am always looking for
code some useful tests to verify that the
We are a close-knit team at Morson opportunities to develop myself and
hardware and software are behaving
Projects, and this undoubtedly learn new skills.
as expected.WALDECK 29
31 →
CASE STUDY:
GRAND
DESIGNS
PROJECT
← 36
FARRINGDON
STATION COMPLETES
CONSTRUCTION
40 →
WALDECK
WELCOMES TWO
NEW MEMBERS
TO SHEFFIELD
TEAM30 WALDECK WALDECK 31
CASE STUDY: Lincolnshire couple
GRAND
Nathan and Amye
Marshall had grand
DESIGNS
ideas to create a
Dutch-barn style
property when they
PROJECT
came across a plot
of land near Weston
Hills in South Holland.
Channel Four’s Kevin
McCloud and the
Grand Designs team
also joined them on
their journey to create
their forever home.
The Waldeck team were appointed by structures, often for commercial and the building components that needed
architectural firm, Studio 11, to support industrial developments. Such a large careful consideration. Sanjay was happy
them with the foundation and super- steel frame, which was necessary to to develop those details with us and
structure engineering design for a achieve the Dutch-barn style roof, is not this attention to detail is reflected in the
giant cathedral-like new home, which common for a house, so it was great to excellence of the completed home.”
recently featured on Channel 4's Grand be able to use our expertise to help with Home owner, Nathan shared:
Designs. The building was modelled this bespoke design solution. “We found the plot back in early 2019
on the Dutch-barn style houses of the “We had a couple of visits to the and Studio 11’s Kris and his team had
area – but with a sleek contemporary site, collaborating closely with the wider completed the drawings and gained
twist and a rather striking 5,000 tile team in the early stages for the project, approval by August 2019, so work
‘armadillo’ roof. but the last time we went on site was to began the following month.
Adjacent to the property, which see the steel frame go up, so it was great “As for the property itself, we
sits in about an acre of land, was to see the project progress into the final wanted something architecturally
an additional annexe which would stages on Channel 4’s Grand Designs. different. The house is about 4,500sq
accommodate Nathan’s mum and “As always, it was a pleasure to ft, arranged over two storeys and has
stepdad to provide multi-generational work with Kris and the team at Studio five bedrooms and five reception rooms.
living. 11 who we have been working with for “It took just over a year, from late
We caught up with Waldeck’s several years now, supporting them on September 2019 to November 2020,
Project Lead, Sanjay Dhanani, to a selection of residential developments and the final filming for Grand Designs
find out more about our involvement: across the East Midlands. took place on 17th November 2020.
“Waldeck were responsible for the piled “Studio 11 did a fantastic job of That morning we were still rushing to get
foundation and ground beam design bringing this project to life and we are the last delivery of gravel down!
for the project as well as the design grateful to have been able to assist!” “To come home each evening to
of the super-structure steel frame to Kris Baxter, Founder & Creative Amye and to the house that we’ve built,
suit the Dutch-style barn shape. Our Director at Studio 11 added: “As usual and to know there’s a space for our
team modelled the civil and structural it was a pleasure to work with Sanjay parents and my older children, Noah and
elements in 3D using Revit. and the Waldeck team on this project. Ava, has really made the whole journey
“On this unique project, we were Achieving the open plan nature of worthwhile.” ●
able to apply the same standards and the building meant that a steel frame
processes that we would usually use was the only option, but the roof form
when we are designing much larger created several intersection issues with Find out more: www.granddesigns.tv32 WALDECK WALDECK 33
MEET THE TEAM:
SANJAY
DHANANI
Following on from our engineering designs WHAT ARE YOU AND YOUR
TEAMS’ MAIN AREAS FOR
recently being showcased on Channel 4’s Grand FOCUS WHEN DESIGNING AND
Designs, we caught up with Associate Director, DELIVERING A PROJECT?
Sanjay Dhanani, who led the super-structure and The key drivers for all projects have to
be cost and efficiency. Finding effective
foundation design for the project. engineering solutions that are economic
to build provides benefits for both the
Contractor and the Client. With the
Although the hour-long episode sharing WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE range and depth of experience that we
the journey of building Nathan and PART ABOUT YOUR JOB? have within the team, I have confidence
Amye’s dream home, may have been our My favourite part is seeing the projects that we are able to deliver practical
‘fifteen minutes of fame’, many of the that the team have worked on go into solutions to the projects we work on.
projects Sanjay and the team have been construction, especially when we have
involved with are equally (if not more) seen the designs through from concept WHAT’S NEXT FOR
impressive. to completion. I still get that buzz! YOUR TEAM?
We caught up with Sanjay, who is I also really enjoy being able to work The Peterborough team are currently
based in our Peterborough office, to find with Clients, Architects and Contractors delivering a host of medium-sized
out more about what happens behind alike to solve complex problems. For residential developments and large
the scenes in our Civil & Structural me, collaboration is key and we have a industrial projects throughout the UK,
Engineerings team. great team of engineers and technicians which have been our ‘bread and butter’
who work really well together to deliver in recent years.
HI SANJAY! TELL US MORE projects both large and small. However, we’re also involved in a
ABOUT YOUR ROLE? range of projects in other sectors such
I have worked in the construction WHAT WAS YOUR MOST as healthcare, food manufacturing
industry for over 20 years now and have REWARDING PROJECT? and commercial retail, which we look
been at Waldeck since 2007, where I’ve been lucky enough to work on a forward to continue expanding over the
I lead a team of Civil and Structural range of significant projects, both close coming months. Who knows, we might
Engineers and Technicians. to home and on a national scale. even get another TV appearance one
My experience covers a wide range A few examples include the new day, too! ●
of civil and structural engineering Sports Centre at Stamford Endowed
disciplines and has seen me working Schools and Primark at the Queensgate
on multi-million pound schemes Centre in Peterborough, plus a host To find out more about how our
across sectors such as automotive, of complex manufacturing and Civil & Structural team can help you
manufacturing, data centres, infrastructure projects for Jaguar with your next project, please don’t
educational, retail, commercial and Land Rover and more recently some hesitate to contact Sanjay by calling
residential. large Data Centres. 08450 990285.
I work closely with clients and our
in-house multi-disciplinary team to
ensure the delivery of innovative and
commercially-aware design solutions
for projects across the UK.You can also read
