Andy Lord
1. Why did you choose this industry for a career?
I chose a career in consultancy following a discussion with one of my lecturers at university who recommended it to me. Like many people, following university I was unsure of which career path to follow but consultancy seemed a good basis from which to gain a variety of skills at the start of my career. Plus I did my degree in human geography at Sheffield University and that led me to have an interest in people and places and more specifically regeneration and the work and funding of the European Union.
2. What is your main area of work?
When I started at EKOS in 2004, I worked in the Sheffield office and most of my work focused on undertaking evaluations such as SRB evaluations and evaluating the impact of business support projects. Since I moved across to the Manchester office however I have increasingly undertaken more work relating to area regeneration and strategic planning policy, for example being part of consultany teams which have produced masterplans, local plans, regeneration strategies and strategic housing land availability assessments. I now really enjoy working in this sector, and as a result I am currently studying for my masters in Planning on a part time basis at the University of Manchester. I will graduate in 2009 and hope to gain full RTPI status in due course.
3. What do you like most about your job?
The best part about working in consultancy is the variety of core work skills which you acquire, such as report writing, undertaking presentations, one to one interviewing, workshop facilitation, teamwork, client management and public consultation. These are all transferable skills for any field of work which you may be involved with in the future. In addition you get to work on a variety of projects in a variety of different areas. I have worked on projects which include such diverse topics as the provision of enterprise in deprived areas, public perceptions of climate change, strategic housing policy, the development of major strategic business parks, community leisure facilities, the use and impact of European funding and the regeneration of market towns etc etc. I have also worked in a variety of different places such as major cities like Newcastle, Sheffield and Manchester, to smaller towns such as Grantham and Newark and a variety of rural market towns in County Durham.
4. What is the best example of an economic project you have seen recently?
Whilst I didn't do any work relating to it, I actually think the Hilton Building in Manchester is great. Some people dont like it because of its size and design but I love the sheer scale of it compared with other buildings in the city. I like how you can see it from miles away, like the views from the 23rd floor and think that all major cities need tall buildings. Quite a simplified view maybe, but its true. That's why I like New York.
In terms of our work, I think the Sheffield Economic Masterplan which we produced is an impressive document, although I didn't actually work on it - credit to the Sheffield office for that.
5. Where is your favourite place in the world you have visited?
Australia, and Sydney in particular. I've been there 3 times now, including a year abroad after university. Mainly because of the beaches, cricket and rugby league. Oh and the Opera House and Harbour Bridge aren't too bad either.
6. What are you currently working on?
I am currently working on the Trafford Park Masterplan and a Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment for Lincoln and North Kesteven, plus bits and bobs on other projects and company work. The Trafford Park Masterplan is an important and high profile commission which has recently received a large amount of publicity in the property press. The Lincoln and North Kesteven SHLAA is a particularly interesting study for me as I enjoy working on planning assignments and it has also been good to get out of the office and undertake site visits.
7. What is the best experience that working in consultancy has given you?
I once hosted a farmers market stall in Barnard Castle, County Durham, on a freezing cold saturday morning in November asking people about their views on their local town. Surprisingly I quite enjoyed it. Public consultation is interesting and enjoyable. More generally, as mentioned previously, consultancy is good at giving you a variety of skills and you get to deal with a variety of people in different roles and from different parts of the country.
8. What is your most prized possession?
The wicket of Andrew Flintoff, taken in a junior cricket match when I was just 11 years old and he was 13. He just couldn't handle my leg spin. I like to tell everyone about that..... My friend once met him and mentioned it to him and he actually remembers the game as it was a cup semi final. Our careers have taken different routes since - I'm regularly playing Wednesday and Sunday cricket whilst he just keeps getting injured.
9. What is your favourite quote?
"When the seagulls follow the trawler, it's because they think sardines will be thrown in to the sea." Eric Cantona 1995.
Sheffield