The Interview – Emyr Jones

TheBusinessDesk.com speaks to Emyr Jones, managing director of Shepherd Gilmour Infrastructure in Manchester.

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the property sector in the North West right now?

There is still an enormous skill shortage in the North West particularly for more specialist roles like those in engineering consultancy. The recession has driven a large number of talented individuals into alternative careers and they are unlikely to return. With the property market showing signs of recovery, there’s now an urgent need to attract civil engineers back into the sector or train up younger people via apprenticeships.

If you could improve anything in the region, what would it be?

The general broadband infrastructure in large parts of the North West is slow so needs to be significantly improved. Increasingly many companies here in the region are having to compete – or deal with – organisations based in other parts of the world, which have much better communication links than those currently available in the North West. Effective and consistent broadband across the region should be a given and not a luxury.

Looking into your crystal ball, what are your property predictions for the next six months?

The last six months have seen a significant upturn in the property industry with businesses finally starting to look at long-term investments. I think the next six months will follow a similar pattern and are likely to remain positive but we should approach with caution. I believe that underlying issues in the form of high government debt both here and in Europe, and the political instability in the East of Europe could slow down strong economic expansion.

What is the best project you’ve been involved in?

The masterplanning of Centrum, a 200-acre business park in Burton-on-Trent.  I was involved from the outset in 1990 and am still working on it. We’re now working on a whole new phase which includes engineering works and infrastructure design for a further 500 acres of mixed use development. I hope to be lucky enough to see it through to completion which is scheduled for 2030.

Name the person who has most inspired you and the one who has had the biggest influence on your career?

I started my career in 1990 working for Peter Gilmour. He was a tough task master and prolific work finder. He was a very clear and determined person who guided me quickly onto the path I find myself on today.

If your career didn’t exist, what would you do?

As a teenager growing up in the countryside of Wales, there was only one career on my mind, which was to become a farmer.

What’s the best thing about your job?

Unpredictability. On the drive in to work, I try to set out my day in my mind only to be derailed by the first phone call which presents a new challenge. No two days are the same and it’s that variety which makes me genuinely enjoy my job.