Ian is currently responsible for the Asset Care and Technical Services (ACTS) division at Morson Projects, focussing on the management of projects for many of our Nuclear clients.
Ian has over 20 years’ experience as a mechanical designer and latterly as a manager with a track record of delivering quality, continuous improvement and business growth.
We caught up with Ian to find out more about his career so far at Morson Projects.
Ian, congratulations on 40 years! Tell us, can you remember your first day?
Yes, I remember my first day at Clarendon House in Eccles. I joined the company as a junior Jig and Tool draughtsman and found myself surrounded by experienced designers who were always willing to help. The support and encouragement I received on my first day has continued throughout my time with the company and working together and giving support to each other has always been the Morson way.
As you’ve progressed in your career, what has been your favourite role so far?
Even though I really enjoyed being involved in design, my favourite role is that of Associate Director. I enjoy everything that the position involves – from client liaison to project management, engineering, negotiation and people management.
Are there any stand-out projects that have been a career highlight for you?
Perhaps the most interesting project was one we delivered for Rolls Royce. I was tasked with the design of a range of ultrasonic components to test the bond between the rubber lining and the steel casing on the Ariane rocket fuel tanks (nothing to do with the explosion in 1996 I might add!).
The project which proved to be the most successful was the Recommendation 12 project at Sellafield. We won the bid in 2000 to write all of the Suitably Qualified and Experienced Person (SQEP) assessments for the Sellafield site, employing a team of 20 Technical Authors for 10 months at a project cost of £800k. Recommendation 12 was closed out in 2002, but the associated documentation tasks expanded to include all operational and maintenance documentation resulting in a team of 60 personnel and an annual turnover in excess of £2.5million. The work continues at that level to this day.
Tell us one of your favourite Morson memories…
Up there has to be the Morson Groups 50th Anniversary celebration, which was fantastic, but jumping out of an aeroplane at 14,000 feet to raise money for the Morson charities is an experience I will never forget…….and never repeat!
What is the biggest change you’ve seen across the industry throughout your career?
The introduction of CAD brought many challenges and opportunities. Young people learned CAD quickly, but had little or no engineering experience, whilst many experienced designers found the change from drawing board to CAD very difficult. Managing the change was a challenge in terms of quality and delivery, but many opportunities materialised once the transition was achieved.
Any final words?
Thanks to Ged and his dad Gerry for supporting me and giving me the opportunity to learn and to meet and work with some fantastic people. Here’s to the next chapter!