10 QUESTIONS
Each month we ask an industry professional the Tomorrow’s FM 10 Questions. This month, we chatted to Nick Duncan, Contract Manager for Bennett Hay
Q1
10 QUESTIONS WITH... Q6
What was your first job?
When I was 14 I worked part time as a pot-washer, I had to vacuum the back stairs, clean the toilets and do the washing up.
Q2 Q3
How did you get into the facilities
management industry?
I used to be kitchen-based so it was a refreshing change to step into front- of-house with Bennett Hay. It was also nice to be able to ditch my apron! My progression into FM was a natural step forward.
Who, in any other industry, do you
most admire?
Richard Branson. He is always trying to improve his business, and he’s never defeated. He seems to just get on with things that are thrown at him, which I admire. He goes headstrong into numerous adventures and industries and I love how he deals with his staff; he nurtures them and seems to have similar values to Bennett Hay.
Q4 Q5
If money was no object, what car
would you buy? It would have to be a Nissan R34 GTR.
How would you improve the FM
industry?
I would improve the pay banding for soft services staff; cleaners, guards, porters - they all do a great job and yet their pay doesn’t always reflect the importance of their role. They’re the backbone of the industry and the pay should reflect the fact that they’re key members of the team.
66 | TOMORROW’S FM Q7
What do you do to unwind?
I do some photography part-time and I am also quite adventurous. Last year I did the longest zip wire in Europe, in North Wales, with my partner. Believe it or not – this helps me unwind! I hit about 96 mph, which really got the adrenaline going.
What did you want to be when you
were growing up?
I wanted to go into the catering industry! I used to cook a lot at home growing up, and I did a lot of outdoor cooking with the Scouts – which I loved. My first thoughts were that of commercial catering or military catering.
Q8
If you could host a dinner party with any
three guests, dead or alive, with a fourth cooking and a fifth providing the music, who
would they be and why? I would love to host a dinner party for my late Mother, who unfortunately has never seen me cook. Richard Branson would also be a fabulous guest to discuss business with. The third would have to be an old friend of mine Mr Anton Adelman – the head chef at the Savoy when I worked there; he is a huge inspiration to me.
Marco Pierre White would cover the food. His food is what I love - it is simple and honest. Queen would provide the music, I grew up listening to Queen and they bring many happy memories for me.
Q9
What do you think is the future of the
Facilities Management industry?
FMs need to be more multi-skilled than ever before. Half a decade ago, there were various managers; each looking after a different type of facilities - nowadays, one person tends to look after the entire spectrum. Within the next five years, I imagine some facilities will be cut because office space is getting more and more expensive, and technology is moving on at a rapid pace.
Q10
Scott Dwyer – Key Account
Manager, Ideal Response asked: What do you enjoy
most about your role? Every day is completely different. I’m able to work on a steady stream of various projects so it never gets boring because I’m always dealing with different situations and scenarios.
www.bennetthay.co.uk twitter.com/TomorrowsFM
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