Meet the Team: Get to Know Our Devon & Cornwall Branch
We’re delighted to introduce our new Meet the Team Series! We’re kicking it off with our Devon & Cornwall Branch, starting with our Branch Manager, Alistair Williamson.
At Casa, we believe our greatest strength lies in our people. We’re excited to introduce you to the talented individuals who make our Plymouth Office thrive.
Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your role at Casa?
A: My role has grown recently as I now manage the Devon & Cornwall branch of Casa and its team of surveyors. Previously I managed the on-site analytical team who undertake all forms of air testing across the south and midlands of the UK. We also subcontract a large amount of asbestos removal, dealing with contractors daily. I am really enjoying the challenge of juggling my new role with my old responsibilities.
How long have you been with Casa, and what do you enjoy most about your job?
A: I joined Casa in Sep 2021. I enjoy the trust that the owners of the company afford me and the ability to really make a difference on our output with decisions I make and the strategic choices we make. I also have great staff who make my role easier by being able to think for themselves. Our training is rigorous, and our policy of rewarding loyalty means our staff are happy to the extra yard to ensure client satisfaction.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the Asbestos Industry?
A: I started as an asbestos analyst in 2005. After doing some temp roles after university, the role presented new challenges every day. I really enjoyed the site work, the camaraderie with the contractors and the unusual places you visit meant the job was varied and interesting. After 10 years on site, I wanted a new challenge which presented itself when we relocated as a family from Rotherham to Exeter. I’m thankful to everyone I have worked with and I have worked under some great people who taught me everything I know today.
What does a typical day in your role look like?
A: Busy would be an understatement. The challenges and enquiries I’m presented with from 8am until 5pm everyday mean I never really know what I will be faced with from one day to the next. Our ever-expanding work force means we can cover more and more work; new clients are always appearing due to our BD team and variety of projects I work on is stupendous. I love my job and enjoy the fact my day disappears in a flurry of contract wins, man management, endless phone calls and hopefully client satisfaction.
What’s the most exciting project you’ve worked on so far?
A: We recently worked on the refurbishment of hangars at Filton Airfield which will become one of Europe’s largest indoor arenas. That one required two analysts on site for months and required a lot of work prior to contract award but once up and running it ran like a dream. We also work at some amazing buildings in Devon and Cornwall. Some of the history involved in the building we work in is extremely interesting.
What do you like best about working at Casa?
A: The way I am allowed to run my own office, how I want it to be run is really refreshing. Our team work well together, and all areas of the business complement each other. In previous companies I have worked for there has been a negative atmosphere caused by a few bad apples which the owners of Casa will not tolerate.
One thing you’re excited for the branch?
A: Growing the office to offer the best asbestos services in the area. We believe we offer the best service already and as we grow our client base more customers will benefit from this. Our independence and impartiality cannot be challenged, and this proves we are there to offer the most comprehensive service possible.
If you require any assistance with your Asbestos Projects, we offer an end-to-end service. Please get in touch for more information.