With a career at Clegg stretching back more than twenty years, Richard Oswin is a core part of the leadership team that has seen Clegg evolve into an industry-leading structural and civil engineering consultancy. We spoke to Richard about his career journey with Clegg so far, and his future aspirations for the company.
Richard, you’ve been with Clegg for 22 years: what was your first day like?
Very different to today! When I joined in 2002, I was working as a CAD Draftsman. I had a very clear role in the team and I like to think I was good at what I did. The company was run by John Blair and Mike Wingfield (now retired) and it was always a great place to work.
However, as with most companies within the construction sector, we were often hit hard by changes in the broader economic picture in the UK. To balance this, Mike and John decided to increase the company’s marketing efforts, to help us reach new clients and build Clegg’s reputation across the industry. I had the chance to get involved in this, and my role evolved away from drawing as I took responsibility for sales and marketing.
From drawing to sales and marketing: that sounds like quite a change?
Absolutely, but I loved the challenge. My initial brief was to meet people and spread the word about what we do, and how we do it. I quickly found that I really enjoy networking and talking with people, understanding what they need and working out how Clegg can help them. My technical background helps me understand what is involved in each project and my project management knowledge reassures clients that working with us will be a good experience.
When my role changed, I also took my personal development seriously. Supported by Clegg, I did a lot of sales and marketing training, which helped me put the right systems and processes in place internally, which has really helped.
What do you enjoy most?
Probably the most satisfying part of what I do is seeing a project move from concept to completion, knowing that we’re doing a high-quality job and that our clients are happy. It’s always interesting to work with a new client and I enjoy the level of variety in what we do, as we support projects across a very wide range of sectors.
At any one time I might be scoping a commercial project, defining project costs for a residential development, or submitting an industrial project tender. Each day is different, and I enjoy that.
Is there anything you don’t enjoy?
Sales can be pretty stressful, as there is always pressure to bring work into the business. That said, I’m very driven: if we don’t have clients, we don’t have a business. I put myself into my clients shoes and think about how it would feel to work with us and what matters to them.
This always brings me back to the key things they are looking for: the quality of the work we deliver, the results that will impact their construction project and the costs involved. It helps me focus on what’s important and keeps customer service at the centre of what we all do at Clegg.
How is your role different today?
I’m still spreading the word about what we do but now there’s a new layer to my responsibilities. As Commercial Director, I’m able to think creatively about how we grow the business, helping us shape and move the business forward into a dynamic and future-thinking consultancy.
Our use of latest technologies and forward-looking design is putting us in front of an expanding range of different clients. I thrive on carving out a future for Clegg where more and more clients recognise the unique contribution we make to their construction projects.
What’s different about Clegg?
I’ve been here a long time but I hear a lot about other workplaces and I see how we stand out as being really supportive of each other. We want everyone to feel valued, involved and to know how the business operates.
Colleagues tell me that compared with other companies, they feel a lot more involved with the business at Clegg. We know how much that matters to people, and we want everyone here to be part of our journey and to thrive.
Where do you see the company in 5 years?
We have some ambitious goals! Our reputation is strong and growing – and I definitely want that to continue. I’d like to continue to increase turnover, to expand our Bristol office and generate more work across new and existing clients.
I’d also love to see colleagues progressing towards senior management roles and bring in new talented team members who can help shape our future.
What does a good day look like?
A good day is when we win a project where I know we will deliver incredible results, working together as a team to meet and exceed the needs of our clients, opening doors for even more exciting projects to follow. And pizza for lunch helps too.
And finally, who’s the colleague you have on speed dial?
Definitely John [Blair]! I call him when I have good news, not-so-good news and everything in between! He’s hugely experienced and we can always find a solution together.
Clegg is recruiting
We want to talk to ambitious individuals who like the sound of what we do and share our passion for engineering excellence. If you’d like to become part of our team, visit our careers page or call us on +44 (0)1225 541 088 to find out more.