Strengthening Concertus’ blue light expertise, Sam joins us Principal Building Surveyor from South Yorkshire Police, where he spent more than six years delivering specialist projects, including state-of-the-art Target Turning systems for firearms training, Public Order training facilities, Modular Taser training scenario spaces, and other high-security installations.

With 11 years of experience across both the private and public sectors, Sam now mentors junior team members while supporting clients across our Ipswich and Matlock offices. Sharing his sector knowledge and helping to shape the future of our surveying services.

What first inspired your career in building surveying, and how did your time at Nottingham Trent University shape your path into the profession?

Initially, my academic career never took me down the path of higher education, and I trained to become a professional chef. Hospitality is a relentless industry and after four years working my way up in the kitchen, it was time to look for another profession.

I started university later than the average student, enrolling in my first year of studies at 24. My father, an FRICS General Practice Surveyor, had been in the industry since obtaining his qualifications, and it always seemed like an interesting and varied role, which caught my attention.

As a more mature student, I didn’t slot into university life as easily as my peers, but it made studying easier because I didn’t have the same distractions. Nottingham Trent University was an excellent place to study and I made it my mission to achieve a First Class Honours, spending countless late nights in the library to make it happen.

What made you choose Concertus as the next step in your career?

Prior to working for South Yorkshire Police, I worked for Monaghans in Sheffield, in the private sector. I love the fast-paced nature of private sector work, which South Yorkshire Police struggled to offer. Leaving South Yorkshire Police was never an easy decision. I’m proud to have provided South Yorkshire Police with excellent improvements to their estate and I believe it’ll be a legacy I’m remembered for. With a hunger to grow and no room to progress into a more senior position, my attention was naturally taken to looking for opportunities elsewhere.

Concertus presents new challenges and takes the next rung on the ladder. With experience across both the public and private sectors, it was clear I could contribute positively by building on Concertus’ strong foundations. I’m also keen to progress my own career, become Chartered under the RICS, and my projects within Concertus will give me the scope and opportunity to do so.

Having worked in the field for 11 years, what key milestones stand out in your journey so far?

From working on domestic housing developments to carrying out major refurbishments on Custody Suites, my range of experiences is vast and I’m very lucky to have worked on some interesting projects, each with its own challenges.

Are there any blue light projects from your time with South Yorkshire Police that particularly shaped your professional outlook?

Some projects of exceptionally high sensitivity, which have required careful planning, attention to detail, and high-quality workmanship, have shaped my career. I have led several projects involving high security installations, including breach-resistant walls, automatic gates and fences, access control systems, and Secured by Design (SBD) external doors and windows. Each of these projects requires meticulous design, careful programming, and smooth execution to ensure they are handed over with no issues and can withstand attacks as per their design.

What unique considerations come with working on specialist blue-light facilities such as firearms ranges and public order training centres?

Working at South Yorkshire Police was unique as they have very specific requirements and regulations that must be met. For instance, the Police have firearms units at their disposal and remove illegal firearms and weapons from the public, all of which require safe storage. Illegal firearms require safe discharge and storage and must be stored until the Crown Prosecution Service has carried out its duties. Additionally, documentation is stored in hard copy for 100 years. Storage of such paperwork requires a climate-controlled environment, state-of-the-art fire suppression systems, and security measures to protect the contents of their archive facilities.

How does the blue light sector differ from more traditional surveying sectors in terms of requirements, risk management, or technical complexity?

My work at South Yorkshire Police required me to be familiar with the technologies, security measures, and regulations associated with policing, whilst implementing Building Control requirements to ensure that projects were safe, accessible, and met the client’s brief.

The building aspect is largely the same as other Building Surveying requirements, but there is an extra layer of understanding what is required specifically in a Policing environment. Security is understandably a major aspect of Policing, and the additional measures incorporated into the design reflect their requirements.

From your experience, what matters most to blue light clients when commissioning building projects?

Blue light clients always react to the latest requirements and are rarely proactive, at no fault of their own. The catalyst for many projects is often changes to laws and regulations. Timescales and budgets are often tight.

What excites you most about shaping Concertus’ offering within the blue light sector?

My understanding of the blue light sector is vast and I understand their thought process and methodology. I have a very good understanding of Policing sensitivity, security and requirements, including vetting obligations for external suppliers. Blue light sector organisations often seek cost savings for their revenue streams and my ability to offer knowledge-backed advice has often greatly improved South Yorkshire Police’s brief and the product delivery exceeds expectations.

If you could summarise your approach to leadership and project delivery in three words, what would they be?

Feedback, primarily positive, but sometimes constructive criticism, proactive and communication.