Meet Brian, Powerday’s Longest Serving Employee of 47 Years

Meet Brian, Powerday’s longest standing employee of 47 years.
Having joined the team in 1979, just 2 years after our inception, Brian has witnessed it all – from dramatic changes in the industry to the arrival of our first ever JCB and skip lorry.

We sat down with Brian to hear about his journey at Powerday and his interests outside of work.

I arrived in London on 4 November 1979, by kind invitation from the Crossan family and two days later started work as a labourer on a site in North Finchley.

In March of the following year, I was invited to work in the Powerday office which was on the first floor of a building on Harrow Road in Paddington.

My addition saw the number of staff increase to a grand total of five! The business then provided a Labour Hire Service all over London and a Construction Division working mainly for Local Authorities and Housing Associations.

As Construction Manager, my job is quite diverse. I do all the pricing, supervision of work on site, appointment of subcontractors, buying and ordering of materials, valuations, payments and agreeing final accounts. I also don’t mind picking up the odd bag of cement or box of screws if needed.

So, my day is divided between being in the office and out on site, the fact that no two days are ever the same gives me the most enjoyment, as does the good banter with the guys on site.

For me, the digital age has changed the industry completely compared to back in 1979 when everything was pen and paper. Now tenders come via email where before, large packages of drawings and specifications arrived in the post.
The mobile phone has also made things so much easier, I not so fondly remember on many occasions running around trying to find a telephone box that worked to relay messages to the office or to get a material order placed for the next day’s delivery.

Site Health and Safety has improved dramatically, as has recycling and sustainability, all of which are good things.

As for Powerday, the changes I have witnessed are incredible, I could never have dreamed the company would have expanded into what it is today. I remember when the first JCB and skip lorry went on the road, now wherever you travel in London it’s almost impossible not to see one of our vehicles.

Despite the continuing growth, Powerday remains very much a family business and for me personally I’m proud and pleased to still be part of it.

There are a couple of projects that I am particularly proud of, especially one
of our own developments in Ruislip and the refurbishment of a beautiful private house in Wimbledon Village.

I do, however, feel every completed project is an achievement. Particularly when, in the vast majority of cases, the Client will shake my hand and say ‘well done Brian’ and thank you’.

Outside of work I enjoy most sports, but particularly football. I enjoy a pint on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon with my mates watching a game, especially if it’s The Arsenal!

I also enjoy days out with the family, and I have recently become a grandfather for the first time! So no doubt babysitting will soon be on the agenda.

I do a lot of reading; I have read all Stephen King’s books and enjoy sport
autobiographies.

I don’t have many secrets, I’m an open book, but for those who don’t already know I’m a huge Queen and Meat Loaf fan and for those who already know I support Arsenal. I’ll take this opportunity to remind them of it again.