Meet the guys who make it happen
Here we take a look behind the scenes and meet some of the people who play key roles in delivering our projects. We hope you enjoy finding out a little more about them, and discovering what they like to do when they are not working hard for you.
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Harry Pashby
Plumber, Shouksmiths' York Division
Harry began working for Shouksmiths as an apprentice in 2004, studying at York College on day release. He fully qualified in 2007 and has rapidly worked his way up the ladder.
Harry now often has the responsibility of running a range of smaller projects for the company, working on a variety of developments including refurbishing and modernising social housing in Bridlington and Scarborough, and most recently working on the student accommodation refurbishment at the University of York.
Harry said: ‘‘Shouksmiths has given me a great opportunity to work in this industry, and encouraged me to develop and learn new skills. I thoroughly enjoy the different challenges I encounter every day, from working with the site team and our clients, to working out the best way to approach a specific part of each project in the most efficient and effective way possible. I have been on a number of training courses which have been of great value to doing the job effectively including how to deal with asbestos.’’
Away from work, Harry’s life revolves around his love of football and particularly Sunderland Football Club. When he’s not watching the football he enjoys socialising with friends as much as his time permits.
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Andy Horton
Contracts Manager, Shouksmiths’ Sheffield Division
Andy joined us three years ago and has worked in the building services industry since leaving school, starting as an apprentice tradesman, progressing to foreman and then on to contract management. Known as a great motivator of people, Andy is currently focussed on the raft of social housing projects being run by the Sheffield Division, plus some new build and refurbished city living apartments in Sheffield and Bradford.
Speaking about his work, Andy said: “My main motivation is to deliver the highest standard of work on time and have a satisfied client. I try hard to create an environment where the workforce enjoys coming to work, and we work together well as a team. Also, the fact that we enjoy lots of repeat business is very rewarding, as it means we all must be doing something right!”
Andy lives with his wife Lesley and three children in Doncaster. Keen followers of Doncaster Rovers, the Hortons enjoy travelling all over the country to watch them play. Andy is also involved in the Children’s Arts Foundation in Leeds, recently raising money for them by completing a 33 mile walk.
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Hayley Booth
Estimator, Shouksmiths’ North West Division
Hayley began working in the construction industry straight from school, when she took a job as an apprentice and studied Business Administration and then Building Studies at Bolton College on day release.
Joining Shouksmiths in 2007, Hayley plays an integral role in the North West Division Team, working with Contracts Manager Carl Turner and Division Director Michael Draper to prepare estimates and tenders for a wide range of clients throughout the region. Once contracts are awarded, Hayley also works with colleagues and suppliers on the materials lists she has devised for each particular project.
Hayley said: “Working for Shouksmiths has enabled me to grow and develop new skills not only in estimating but other areas of the company. Every day brings new challenges, on the estimates, tendering and also the ongoing contracts. One of the most rewarding aspects of the role is developing a good rapport and positive relationship with the main contractors and working as part of a team to deliver a great service.”
Away from work, Hayley enjoys spending time at home on the outskirts of Bolton with her partner Craig and their three year old daughter Lily-ann. Going on family day trips and going out with friends fills any spare time she has, until Monday morning appears again! -
Dave Green
Contracts Manager, Shouksmiths’ South West Division
Dave has been with Shouksmiths for 30 years, (yes, 30 years!), and before becoming Contracts Manager worked as a plumbing and heating tradesman. Particularly skilled at getting the best out of people, Dave has worked on a wide range of projects including housing, factory units, hospitals and even helped lay the leadwork on Bangor Castle roof!
Dave said: ‘Since becoming a Contracts Manager six years ago, I have seen many changes within the industry and have met a lot of people with both interesting and different personalities. What I enjoy the most is that no two days are the same and that each day brings with it a new challenge.”
Dave is married to Sara. A passionate rugby fan he is a season ticket holder at Gloucester RFC and also enjoys holidays to faraway places. He has recently visited Florida, Brazil, Mexico and his favourite of all, Goa. In his younger days, Dave was part of a successful tug-of-war team from Upton. Good training for dealing with the challenges of running contracts then!
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John Cundale
Team Leader and Senior Project Engineer, Morfitts
John joined Morfitts as an apprentice technician in 1984, progressing to technician engineer and then on to become a project engineer, obtaining the necessary diploma qualifications in Building Services Engineering along the way. John’s experience means he is highly skilled at running many of Morfitts’ more complicated projects and whilst his bias is ‘mechanical’, as a team leader he covers off both M & E.
John said: “I continue to enjoy my time at Morfitts due to the diversity of the projects that I get involved with. Because of the nature of our business there are times when I am at the sharp end of problems, however with the backing and support from the team here these problems are usually quickly resolved.”
Married to Dyan, who works in the Accounts department at Morfitts, they have a 14 year old son Jack. John’s passion outside work was playing rugby union, although he stands on the sidelines now cheering on Jack. When not at a rugby match, John enjoys mountain biking in the Yorkshire Dales, and is partial to a good curry and a pint!
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Mubin Patel
Advanced Plumber, Shouksmiths’ North West Division
Mubin joined Shouksmiths in 2002 as an Apprentice Plumber and qualified in 2006 following his training at a local college. He has recently returned to college to complete his Domestic and Industrial Gas qualifications, and is currently working on a new housing project in Farnworth which includes the installation of rain water harvesting systems.
Mubin commented: “I have always enjoyed my job and the different challenges it brings. Working for Shouksmiths, you’re always learning about new stuff such as solar panels, rain harvesters and gas savers. It’s very interesting working in this industry at the moment with the new technology coming out. I would like to thank everyone at Shouksmiths’ North West for helping me be a success in the M&E industry and I look forward to pursuing my career further.”
Married to Faatima, they have a three year old daughter named Humayra. When not at work, as well as spending time with his family and teaching Humayra to swim, Mubin enjoys off-roading on his quad bike, and plays football for the Bolton Asians.
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Mike Smith
Senior Site Foreman, Shouksmiths’ South West Gloucester
Mike Smith joined Shouksmiths in 1985 and has recently celebrated 25 years with the company. Starting as a site plumber, Mike progressed to become Senior Site Foreman leading the site team to the successful completion of a large number of contracts throughout the region. Working predominantly in the housing sector, Mike is also known for his skill at installing lead work, plus has been involved in a number of large country house refurbishment projects including Aston Subage in Worcestershire.
Highly regarded by both clients and colleagues, Mike commented: “I have had a great career at Shouksmiths and enjoy the daily challenges the job brings. The company has been very supportive of me, providing training and also working really hard to keep the teams going during the good times as well as the bad. I look forward to working with them for many years to come.”
Mike is married to Wendy and in his spare time indulges his passion for rugby as a follower of Worcester Rugby Club. Keen horse people, Mike and Wendy have just placed a point to point horse into training (family name ‘Minnie’, racing name ‘Abbeywood’), and are looking forward to a successful season later this year!
