What’s in the works for Operations Director Jamie Cole?

January 18, 2019

Jamie Cole joined WES Ltd as Operations Director in July 2018. He takes time out of his busy schedule to share his plans for growth and what he sees as the biggest opportunities for WES and their utility clients.

Jamie Coles’ early career as a Gas Engineer saw him deal with safety critical projects. He later diversified into electrical, water and then planned works within property services. But it was when he moved to Kier that gave him a real insight into the utility sector and why he was a great fit for this key role at WES.

What attracted you to join WES?
Having spent a lot of time working for large corporates it looked like a genuinely refreshing opportunity to move to a company that has a clear growth plan as well as the autonomy to focus on the overall business strategy.

What areas have you been involved in since you joined?
So far, I have concentrated on operational efficiencies and laying the ground work for our future growth plans. I am excited because WES is in a great position for growth but there are a few areas that I am working on to create a more solid base.

I am assessing and establishing strong controls for operational management and productivity. I expect a few growing pains along the way, but this excites me as it’s all fixable and will improve how we operate.

To date, I have been mainly involved in larger projects to facilitate products are delivered to site on time, that field staff are fully briefed and engaged with the client and that the process between build and commission is as smooth and swift as possible.

What’s been the biggest challenge so far?
From a personal perspective, it’s been understanding the complexities of what we do. The products and processes themselves can be quite technical. There are some very clever people here at WES and the technical language takes some getting used to. Operationally, nothing has shocked or surprised me so far so that’s good.

What are you looking forward to being involved in?
I came on board to take ownership of the Service and Hire part of the business. There is also a great opportunity to bring the Maintenance business to life. I am looking forward to growing this part of the business and building a plan to do so. Undoubtedly, it’s an area that we want to grow by at least 20% and will have significant focus in 2019.

We will also be concentrating on predictive and preventative maintenance and plan to make this a large part of the WES offering. Part of my broader remit is to research and plan what these maintenance plans might be. For example, an annual plan might include a certain number of visits per year to change key elements of the process on a preventative basis. I want to understand the balance between cost and number of visits combined with the client’s needs as to how best we achieve an outstanding offering. I will be building two business plans; one for waste water and one for fresh water. Both have very different needs and I look forward to building maintenance solutions for both.

What excites you about the coming years at WES?
I am really excited about the company’s five-year plan. It’s a big plan with lots of exciting opportunities along the way. I am really looking forward to having a key role in the research, planning and building of the plan; enabling the structures and the processes in order to achieve our goals.

I am extremely happy and enthusiastic about having the autonomy to do what needs to be done. The coming years will allow me to have significant influence over the direction of the company. I have a broad remit and can build my own role and team. I love the ethos of the business. We are in a strong position, are forward-thinking and are able to invest substantially back into the company which will benefit the business and the customers long term. I am excited to make my own mark in the business and to really make a difference.

What excites you about the utilities sector at the moment?
This sector is in an interesting period. All major water companies have declared high expenditure for the next AMP (Asset management Period.) AMP7 which relates to 2020 – 2025 and will see a huge focus on investment in infrastructure. For example, Thames Water have declared a £1bn spend over the five years. We’re yet to understand if this investment will be spent in pumping systems but AMP7 will certainly contribute to the growth plans we have at WES.

What is the culture like at WES?
I love the culture in our workplace as it’s a very warm and friendly environment with a family feel. What’s great is we are all very inclusive and work well together.

What is your normal day like at WES?
I am based in the office at Basingstoke, but actually, I spend a lot of time in the field. In general, anywhere we have business I will be visiting. My days are very busy and there is lots going. Our growth plans are very exciting, and I look forward to making it happen.

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Les Bunce

Hire & Service Director

Les Bunce is Hire & Service Director. He leads the WES Hire Business responsible for managing the supply of our Temporary Chemical Dosing hire fleet on both a planned and emergency basis. Les has over 25 years’ experience in the hire industry and fully understands our customers’ hire requirements.

Patrick Fisher

Projects Director

Patrick Fisher is Projects Director. He leads the business stream responsible for project management, design, engineering, manufacture and delivery of “Capital project” chemical dosing systems. A degree qualified engineer with over 10 years’ experience working in fluid delivery solutions to the water, general industrial, petrochemical, and food & beverage industries.

Matt Haines

Business Assurance Manager

Matt Haines is the Business Assurance Manager, responsible for leading the business support and corporate services team to ensure that the business has what it needs to deliver safely and efficiently for the customer. Matt also runs the WES Academy, delivering chemical dosing and water industry training . A Chartered Quality Professional specialising in process improvement and with over 10 years experience in nuclear, aerospace and medical devices.

Ian Price

Dosing Products Business Manager

Ian Price is WES Dosing Products Business Manager, leading the business stream responsible for delivering a wide range of standardised chemical dosing packages, ad-hoc dosing needs and ‘off the shelf’ dosing products & solutions. A mechanical engineer with over 20 years’ experience in fluid handling solutions into the water, petrochemical, pharmaceutical and food & beverage markets.

Jamie Cole

Operations Director

Jamie Cole is Operations Director. Jamie joined the business in 2018 bringing career long experience in a variety of operational roles – including service delivery to the property and utilities sectors. Jamie is responsible for the management of all operational activities of the business including the repair, maintenance & refurbishment business stream, and our site installation and workshop manufacturing teams. Jamie also forms part of the senior management team of WES.

Graham Ward

Business Development Director

Graham Ward is Sales and Marketing Director. His extensive experience includes a number of senior roles working for various SMEs and large organisations in the water, power generation, petrochemical, marine and food & beverage industries. As a qualified marine engineer, Graham has established his career in Sales and Business Development and is responsible for the business development, marketing and sales of systems, products and services across WES.

Carl Millington

Non-Exec Director

Carl joined WES as Non-Exec chairman following an appointment via the Business Growth Service to assist the business with growth strategy. A highly experienced Business Mentor, Coach, Managing Director & Non-Exec Chairman, having led product, manufacturing, contracting and service provider businesses for nearly 30 years. A strong track record of market, sales and profit growth within a diverse range of sectors.

Core competencies include business growth strategies, board & business leadership, strategic planning, sales & marketing management, P&L & balance sheet management, acquisitions, divestments, outsourcing, TUPE transfer, mentoring & coaching.

Kevin Wheeler

Managing Director

Kevin Wheeler is Managing Director. Kevin trained as an Engineer at the Royal Aircraft Establishment and joined the business in 1989. Kevin now leads the Board of Directors setting strategy and defining priorities to meet the business objectives & growth aspirations whilst adding experience to technical issues where required.