KWL has a big heart which rubs off on everyone

Jamie Philipson is our Commercial Manager. He joined KWL five years ago from the private sector and now oversees project budgets and manages cost.

After the company he was a Director of unfortunately went into liquidation, Jamie saw an opportunity for change and set up as an independent Quantity Surveyor, which won a contract with KWL. As the business grew, the work-load increased to the point Jamie was made an offer of employment.

He explains: “Right from the start I really enjoyed working with KWL, the contract was 3 days per week but it evolved quite quickly as at the time, significant changes were happening at Senior Management level and I was particularly impressed with the progressive visions for the company going forward. I loved it so much I decided to take the role and join the quantity surveying team.

“After being self-employed, signing up to the payroll can be a bit of a culture shock, but I knew the team and how the business operated which, for a company with roots in Local Authority, was decisive with a very positive attitude running right through the workforce. But most importantly, it has a big heart and this rubs off on us all.”

“Not long after I joined, my direct Manager retired and I was promoted to Commercial Manager, responsible for the financial management of projects, recognising business opportunities and putting together bids to win new business, as well as negotiating and agreeing major contracts.”

Jamie went to Wolfreton School then studied an HNC in Construction and eventually attaining professional status as a Chartered Builder. He adds:

“I kind of glided into my career, getting off to a good start in construction and I’ve been able to experience a variety of different roles. This industry has such broad scope with plenty of opportunity, especially in the Humber Region right now with all of the inward investment.”

“Our own comprehensive Apprenticeship scheme helps young men and women onto the career ladder and the work involved is so diverse. Projects include Local Authority rented properties as well as our own housing stock; purchasing and refurbishing empty homes to provide accommodation for expanding families and to address the housing shortage which is affecting people across the UK. We also complete larger bespoke Construction projects for Local Authorities and other private organisations.”

“We undertake additional projects, one of which took place at the start of the coronavirus crisis, supporting the emergency consortium – to construct a facility which gives hospitals additional space. Our team worked tirelessly to complete the job to a tight deadline and we are all very proud of their performance during an incredibly stressful time, right at the beginning of lockdown.”

“My current role within the Commercial Team is creating diversity in the products and services we offer. It’s an ever changing world and the role has to evolve, I think that’s why I enjoy it so much.”