Philip Whelan

Construction Director

I came here from a 9 year landscaping background, working for Landmark EDI, before that driving heavy goods vehicles in the building industry.

Job Title: Contracts Manager

Company experience: My experience with JKSL 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, then as a Contracts Manager for many years. In August 2019 my position moved forward to Construction Director. I still work in conjunction with the site and office teams. I ensure the projects are completed to a high standard and within timescales. Having said that, I still get my hands dirty, managing the different teams on site. I still produce risk assessments and method statements, order machinery and other materials for site projects. My experience with the company has gained me several licences: SSSTS, SMSTS, CPCS (360 degree excavators, dumpers & tracked dumpers) and City & Guilds safe use of pesticides PA1, PA6 and PA6w.

Favourite part of your job: One of the best parts of the job is having the privilege of working with the best skilled Japanese knotweed operatives in the country, 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 wife and grandchildren.

Interests away from work: I like cycling and walking. Many years ago I took part in a 10k run for Cancer Research and I would like to get fit enough to do this again.

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: St Kitts. We visited this gorgeous Island in April 2019 on a Caribbean cruise.