Mark Dutton - Director, Summers-Inman
Did you always envisage a career working in and around The Built Environment?
When I was studying in the Sixth Form, I wanted to be a graphic designer or computer systems analyst and chose A-Levels to suit that path. Things change rapidly at that time and my university application focused on Surveying, as I thought that looked like an interesting job. I became a Quantity Surveyor and the rest is history. I have no regrets, and it was definitely the right choice.
Tell us about your current role?
I’m an equity partner of the firm, heading up the Newcastle office, and forming part of the senior leadership of our national business. My role includes full responsibility for delivering our services to clients across the North and I am supported by a fantastic, talented team who deliver exceptional quality.
Tell us about your team?
We have a strong team of Quantity Surveyors, Building Surveyors, Project Managers, Health & Safety Consultants and support staff. Our people make the business. We champion diversity and have played a key part in promoting the industry to women. Additionally, we have a strong record of supporting individuals to reach their full potential through training and career support. We achieved Investors in People nearly 25 years ago and really pride ourselves on providing excellent opportunities to people at all stages of their career.
What are you currently working on?
I personally head up our work to deliver a full multidisciplinary service to Severn Trent Water, for whom we have worked continuously with for the past 14 years. Further projects include working with Aldi on the roll out of new stores across the North of England, together with education, healthcare and schools for clients including Newcastle University, Teesside University, Genr8/Kajima, many of the local NHS Trusts and Newcastle City Council. Having been established in Newcastle since 1920 we have a broad and varied workload across the region, and it is great to be able to build on those long-established foundations.
What is your proudest career achievement?
Starting and running my own business for five years before being acquired by Summers-Inman. Taking the plunge and making a success of it was really satisfying. It’s been great to continue that journey, eventually going full circle to become an owner of that larger business.
What is your own favourite building?
The ‘Cathedral on the Hill’ – St James’ Park. I’ve been a Newcastle United season ticket holder for over 30 years. Working in the construction industry in the city, knowing and working with the contractors that built the stands, I’ve been lucky enough to be able to visit the site behind the scenes as the current iteration of the ground was built.
How do you see your industry evolving over the next 10 years?
Technology is really fuelling the evolution of the industry. It will become even more common place that we construct two versions of every building – one in the real world, another virtual twin in the digital world. We will continue to improve skills, competencies, training and education. Getting back to basics in designing, pricing, constructing and checking quality will be important.
What does the future hold?
We will continue to build on our strong capabilities, reputation and history to make sure we deliver quality for our clients. A focus on quality is at the heart of what we do, all delivered by our team of competent, capable professionals. And of course, enjoying our time whilst we do this.
Who would be your four ideal dinner guests?
Sir Bobby Robson, Ricky Gervais, Steve Jobs and Julia Roberts. I think there would be plenty of engaging, funny conversation with a lot of good inside stories to be told.
How do you like to unwind?
I love going on holiday, and I’m totally relaxed with some sunshine, a good book and a beer.
Favourite Boxset?
I don’t think I can split it between Game of Thrones and Band of Brothers. GoT was the first series of fantasy books to get the full high-quality treatment and the result was truer than most to the subject matter. Band of Brothers is a superbly crafted piece of television that is worthy of the big screen.
Favourite Book?
Lord of The Rings. I’ve read it many, many times and it’s a wonderful tale from the father of the genre.
www.summers-inman.co.uk
