In 2005, Andrew commenced his journey at Fairhurst as a Graduate Geo-Environmental engineer, specializing in geotechnical and environmental engineering, armed with a BSc(Hons) in Geography, Geology, and Environmental Engineering. Undergoing a year of comprehensive training, mentoring, and regulatory exposure, he established a Geo-Environmental team, spearheading diverse projects in due diligence, major site investigations, and soil and groundwater remediation.
Andrew’s role expanded beyond his specialisation, encompassing civil engineering, housing projects, and major road developments. This diversified experience laid the groundwork for a holistic understanding of development and construction, crucial for future advancement within the multi-disciplinary engineering consultancy. Fairhurst facilitated his growth through secondment opportunities across multiple offices, exposing him to nationally significant projects and expanding his skill set in various domains like mining, quarrying, road construction, and structural engineering.
These secondments not only allowed Andrew to collaborate with recognized experts and inspirational leaders but also contributed to his early chartership in environmental engineering (CEnv) and chartered scientist (CSci). He played pivotal roles in brownfield land regeneration and expert witness work for high-profile mine gas escape cases, influencing the UK’s risk mitigation approach.
Andrew’s leadership and teamwork flourished, leading to swift progression within Fairhurst. Over 12 years, he rose through the ranks from Graduate Engineer to Partner, mirroring the collective achievements of the teams and offices he collaborated with. Equipped with project management skills acquired from diverse projects and aided by Fairhurst mentors, Andrew’s journey included a sponsored place at the Sandhurst Leadership Academy course.
Andrew was also given the opportunity to manage Fairhurst’s output for multi-billion-pound developments globally, including projects in Japan. Simultaneously, he assisted in day-to-day office operations, financial management, and business development. Andrew’s story exemplifies the transformative power of mentorship, diverse experiences, and a supportive professional environment, culminating in a fulfilling career.
