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We’re delighted to welcome Chris Beckwith as our new Construction Director for London and the South. With 30 years in the industry, Chris brings a wealth of construction expertise and is highly skilled in delivering complex projects in a logistically challenging environment.
Tell us a bit about your construction experience and how long you’ve worked within this industry.
I’ve worked in construction for 30 years, starting out as a trainee and progressing to Site Manager, running a number of projects in Central London. I moved into Contracts Management before becoming Construction Director. I’ve worked largely for tier one contractors throughout my career and have completed a large volume of complex and prestigious schemes for clients such as the Royal Household, De-Vere Hotels, Imperial College, and The Dorchester Collection.
Where would you say your strengths lie?
For most of my career I’ve worked on complex structural refurbishment projects commonly requiring façade retentions, core alterations and a high level of temporary works. These schemes provide a new challenge each day and enhance your approach to risk and the need to look well ahead in every aspect of the process.
What project are you working on at the moment, and how is your expertise having an impact?
I’m currently working on Energetik’s Meridian Water Heat Network (MWHN), which is a new Energy Centre and below-ground district heating network designed to supply very-low carbon heat and hot water to over 50,000 homes by capturing up to 60MW of unused energy generated at the NLWA’s Energy Recovery Facility. The site is located on a busy Eco-Park and is bound by three other construction projects and a live watercourse. The building accommodates most of the footprint of the site with towers up to 30m high which will require construction and cladding. There are continuous changes within the Eco-Park paired with moving targets of the projects around us, and my expertise has enabled us to successfully unravel a logistically challenged project within this ever-changing external environment.
Why is this project different to other projects Vital have been working on?
Within the London region, Vital’s focus has been on the exemplary design, installation, commissioning, and operation of energy centre fit out projects. The MWHN project serves to demonstrate the London team’s broadened ability to provide the full turnkey approach to energy centre builds.
How does Vital compare to companies you’ve worked for previously?
Vital listen to their clients and their staff, and do genuinely make improvements where possible. The internal teams thrive on collaboration, and the level of skill and experience within the business is some of the best I’ve seen. Vital strive to provide their clients the best service possible and work closely with them towards achieving net zero, and I’m really excited to play a part in the UK’s journey to decarbonisation.
Welcome to the Vital team, Chris.
