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Self-employed – senior partner CB+Associates

What inspired you to become an engineer?
Being technically minded and achieving an A level in Engineering Drawing, I joined the City of Chichester as a draughtsman and it grew from there.

What made you join the IHE?
I was a member of the Highways and Traffic Technicians Association, which eventually morphed into the Institute for Highway Incorporated Engineers. I was elected as a Fellow in January 1973 and awarded IEng in April 1989. And then the IHIE became the IHE.

Has professional registration benefited your career and did this have any benefit for your employer?
Definitely! I have had a long career in both the public and private sectors but promotion in the latter was always more easily achieved by having registration.

Is there any advice you would give to members?
If you want to increase your professional standing, seek to  become registered.

Please describe your role or position within your workplace
Currently, a self-employed consultant running my own small part-time business.

Can you describe a typical working day?
Mainly working from home on a demand basis. I do both paid and voluntary work. It is varied and interesting.

What do you find most enjoyable about your job?
Being able to give back to the industry my time and experience for the benefit of new and younger members.

Is there a professional achievement you would like to tell us about?
There are many for me, but notably being associated with the strategic network in the UK. I was the author of the first successful TMC contract for the (holistic) M25 maintenance. I was also the project manager for the transition of the Hindhead Tunnel from build into operation.

Given the current economic and environmental climate, what do you consider the biggest challenges facing the highways and transportation industry?
To meet and satisfy both government and public aspirations.

What are your plans for the future?
To continue working for as long as I am able, putting my time and experience to good use.

Do you participate in any other career-related activities, such as mentoring, volunteering or membership of other engineering groups?
I am a mentor and professional reviewer for the IHE and have served for many years on its Council. I am currently the champion and auditor for CPD. I am an active branch committee member on the Southern Branch. I am a member of the Institution of Civil Engineers and the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation.

Outside work, is there any activity you enjoy doing in your spare time personally and/or professionally?
I am currently the chairman of the residents association at the estate where I live and enjoy helping members with their problems.

What do you like about the industry and what would you like to see change?
Being able to drive on the local highways that I have maintained for many years. I would like to see these given better recognition as they are always perceived as a poor relation.

What do you do in your spare time?
Travel and visit as many National Trust properties as I can with my wife, Wynne.