Mike Richardson

Job Title: Spraying Operative

Company experience: My experience here started at the very beginning when the company was born, working alongside Michael Clough (MD) and a good team of people. I became a Foreman and a few years later I worked up to becoming Senior Foreman. My role is working in conjunction with the site staff and office. I ensure the projects are completed to a high standard and within timescales. Having said that, I still get my hands dirty, working with the different teams on site. As this year moves forward I see myself concentrating more on running and managing all the teams, this will mean going from project to project. My experience with the company has gained me several licences: (CPCS) 360 degree excavators, dumpers, tracked dumpers and City & Guilds safe use of pesticides. I also hold my Network Rail PTS card.

Favourite part of your job: One of the best parts of the job is having the privilege of working with the best skilled invasive weed operatives in the country, also meeting different people on a daily basis and working in all areas of the UK.

Least favourite part of your job: The only negatives I find in my job would be staying away from home, missing my beautiful fiancée and granddaughter.

Interests away from work: I like going to the gym, trying to get down to a reasonable size. I did a 10k run in the past for Cancer Research and I would like to get fit enough for the Manchester 10k run in May.

Favourite line from a film: "Fear can hold you prisoner, hope can set you free", Shawshank Redemption.

If I could be anywhere right now I'd be: On a Mediterranean cruise or on the Greek island, Skiathos.