Meet The Team: the faces behind our success!
Sit back, grab a cuppa and enjoy getting to know our team!
Sit back, grab a cuppa and enjoy getting to know our team!
This month, we’re excited to finally pull back the curtain and introduce you to the exceptionally talented, innovative and charismatic* individuals that bring Focus On Testing to life.
*Rest assured, this judgement is entirely impartial and definitely not biased.
Our team’s dedication and precision to their craft are second to none, so it only felt right to shout about the brilliant individuals that power our comprehensive range of commercial health and safety services…
Firstly, meet Richard, our ever-determined and yet surprisingly jolly Managing Director.
As the brain behind our success, Richard founded Focus On Testing back in October 2013. Bringing an impressive 30 years of industry experience to the table – it’s this vast wealth of know-how that makes him the heartbeat of our business.
Notably, just two years into Focus On Testing’s establishment, the company’s rapid success and growth were recognised at the esteemed Burnley Bondholders Awards, as we won “Best New Business of the Year” under Richard’s leadership.
As Managing Director, Richard is the top dog in our operations. Managing the team, managing the accounts, managing the testing reports… there isn’t much he doesn’t do. Luckily for us, Richard is the embodiment of logical thinking and excels at operating methodically and making sure everything runs like clockwork.
When asked what he’s most proud of within Focus On Testing, Richard is keen to emphasise that it’s the team he’s built here. Everyone is committed to offering the highest quality of service to our clients and delivering health and safety solutions with precision, quality and care.
Away from the hustle and bustle of work, Richard leads a very relaxed life. As a canal enthusiast, he spends most of his free time aboard his beloved boat, navigating the serene local waterways with his partner. When he’s not doing that, you’re likely to find him at home with his cherished feline companion, Rosie.
The secret sauce behind Richard’s success is the satisfaction he gets from his work, which he has no plans to retire from any time soon. As a steadfast leader with a clear growth mindset and a dedication to perseverance – we couldn’t ask for a better Managing Director!
Introducing you to the brawn behind Focus On Testing: Michael. As our driving force, Michael not only makes things happen – but he also ensures they happen well. Joining us over eight years ago in 2015, Michael has accelerated the team to the size we’re at today and plays an instrumental role in allowing our company to flourish.
Before joining us here at Focus On Testing, Michael worked alongside Richard as an Operations Manager for a retail chain. Incidentally, they’ve both worked together for over 19 years – making them the ultimate power team. Having previously been on the receiving end of the services we currently deliver, they both have a unique understanding of our client’s needs and how best to meet them.
As Operations Director, what doesn’t Michael do around here?! His days are jam-packed with ensuring the business runs smoothly and efficiently. But fear not – we’re in safe hands thanks to his obsessive organisational skills, coupled with his kind and fair approach.
Away from the office, Michael enjoys a decidedly active lifestyle – regularly hitting the gym and keeping fit. To chill out, he’s a big Formula 1, football and Netflix fan. One thing’s for sure, we certainly wouldn’t be where we are today without him!
Next up is our Business Development Manager, Gareth – who is as conscientious, generous and as loveable as they come!
Having been with us since January 2018, Gareth has worn many hats at Focus On Testing, moving seamlessly from being our Lead Engineer to guiding the development of our business.
In his current role, Gareth does a little bit of everything – from site visits, risk assessments, PAT testing and pest control, he isn’t afraid to dabble into it all. But his diverse responsibilities don’t end there – he also excels at networking, getting our name out there and actively building relationships with other local businesses.
He has an eclectic career history, having worked as a Chef and then as a Facilities Manager at a children’s nursery – and this contributes to his versatile skill set. We like to think Gareth’s unique blend of experience helps him navigate any situation – be it problem-solving, carrying out testing or bringing in new business.
In the office, Gareth is a bit of a team cheerleader – and is always on hand to lend a listening ear when someone needs a grumble or has had a rough day.
When he’s not working, Gareth might be found out and about walking his energetic Working Cocker Spaniel, Oscar. He’s also recently got back into fitness – which helps the self-confessed work-a-holic chill out and switch off.
Next up, meet Hadrian, a highly valued and respected member of the team who’s been with us for 7 years but has over 30+ years of industry experience. He’s ex-military, he means business, and he only scares us a teeny bit.
With an impressive array of qualifications and expertise, Hadrian manages compliance, conducts NICEIC audits and excels in electrical testing and comprehensive EICR evaluations.
He goes beyond simply being an electrician – Hadrian manages our team of engineers and is the man responsible for ensuring everything is up to scratch, compliant and legal. That’s a lot of responsibility on his shoulders – but we couldn’t think of anyone better suited to the role.
Outside of work, we struggle to keep up with what he’s been up to.
Having spent ten years in the military and with grown children, he knows a thing or two about discipline and responsibility – but he certainly knows how to play, too. Living an extremely active lifestyle, Hadrian is a fully-qualified personal trainer and spin instructor and enjoys activities such as swimming, cycling and climbing mountains.
Introducing Daniel, our dependable Team Leader and Lead Engineer here at Focus On Testing. With three years of experience under his belt, Daniel is a pro at keeping the gears turning smoothly and ensuring the rest of the engineers are happy and motivated.
As the team leader, Daniel is the go-to person for any queries or assistance, and he helps manage the newer engineers’ queries or concerns. His secret to success lies in his efficiency, as he’s all about maximising productivity and ensuring tasks are completed to the highest of standards. His motivation and drive for success are infectious, inspiring the team to perform at their very best.
When asked about the best part of their job, Daniel likes to answer “going home”. Very funny (you can hear us laughing from here…) But deep down, we know he thrives on the satisfaction of a job well done and supporting the team to succeed.
Outside of work, Daniel embraces the ultimate chilled-out lifestyle – chilling out, unwinding and recharging. Though when he tires of all that strenuous activity, you might find him hitting the gym, too.
Tom is a Health & Safety engineer here at Focus On Testing and has been a member of our team since 2020. We’ve come to know Tom as a confident, active and meticulously organised professional who brings an exceptional level of dedication to every task he undertakes.
In his role, Tom provides a variety of crucial services. Everything from fire extinguisher checks and PAT testing to comprehensive fire alarm system evaluations and more! With a background in electrical work and experience as a qualified auto electrician, he brings a wealth of industry knowledge to our team. And his hands-on approach ensures that the highest safety standards are upheld at all times.
Tom starts his day early, arriving at the office by 7 am to prepare for the day ahead. He methodically goes through his job sheets for the week, often arriving at his first job site earlier than required – a testament to his proactive and enthusiastic nature.
When asked what makes him excellent at his role, Tom mentions his talent for organisation and a level of confidence that keeps him cool, calm and collected – even when faced with unforeseen challenges. You can’t knock that kind of self-assurance!
Away from work, Tom is quite the health nut (he totally loves us calling him that) and you’ll often find him training in MMA or lifting weights at the gym. But don’t mistake him for not having a softer side – as he’s also quite the animal lover, too. With three dogs of his own; Lola, Bonnie and Benny – he also finds great joy in frequenting animal sanctuaries and zoos!
Next up, say hello to Coburn Heaton, who you’ll find is as cool as a cucumber, always. Coburn joined us just six months ago, but he’s quickly made a name for himself in our ranks as a determined and reliable PAT tester.
In his role, Coburn spends his days visiting a variety of commercial and industrial businesses, from local cafes to expansive flats. This role suits him perfectly as it combines his love for being on the move with an ability to work independently – around 80% of his time is spent working solo. And he thrives in it.
But don’t mistake his chilled demeanour for a lack of drive or passion. Behind his calm exterior lies a robust work ethic shaped by his four years in the RAF. The discipline and resilience he developed there contribute significantly to his effectiveness in his role at Focus On Testing.
Coburn admits that his favourite part of the job is the variety it offers. He gets to peek into the different workplaces, feeding his inquisitive nature, and he never finds himself bored.
Away from work, Coburn’s relaxed vibes continue – as he enjoys going out for food and drinks, socialising with his friends, hitting the gym and going for walks. One thing is for sure, this laid-back PAT tester is an asset to our team, and we’re very lucky to have him on board!
Next, meet Adam – our free-spirited PAT tester. Adam may have only been with us at Focus On Testing for just under a year, but he’s already made a tremendous impact on our operations with his professional attitude and outgoing personality.
Having previously worked at an engineering firm, Adam’s career took a detour when the travel bug bit. He spent 11 months exploring the corners of the world, from Spain and Greece to Thailand and Sri Lanka. His travel experiences have not only widened his perspectives but also honed his adaptability and independence.
In his current role, Adam’s day-to-day consists of PAT testing across a diverse range of locations including offices, hospitals, cafes, industrial sites, and more. Though he occasionally handles fire extinguishers, it’s PAT testing where he truly shines.
Despite being new to the industry when he joined us, Adam has quickly adapted and brought with him a wealth of life experience. He finds immense satisfaction in managing his own daily workload, travelling to new places, meeting new people and simply being on the move – a true testament to his free spirit!
Outside of work, it’s no surprise that Adam lives his life to the fullest. He’s a huge Bolton Wanderers football fan and loves chilling out with friends, often enjoying a pint or two at the local pub or enjoying the live music scene. When he’s not out and about, you might find him walking his beloved 16-year-old Jack Russell, Hendrix.
Next up, meet Petra – our vibrant and energetic Office Manager. She’s been with us for two years, bringing an impressive whirlwind of energy and experience to our day-to-day operations. No two days are the same for Petra, and she wouldn’t have it any other way!
As Office Manager, Petra’s role is a juggling act of administrative duties, including sending out certificates and reports, chasing invoices, updating paperwork, and preparing job sheets. What makes her so fantastic at her role is her ability to establish a rapport with everyone she interacts with – colleagues, clients, or suppliers. She’s a natural at communication and customer service, always striving to provide the best experience possible – as long as she’s had her morning cup of coffee first!
Petra’s career trajectory is quite unique, beginning in the kitchen as a qualified chef. Yet, after 25+ years in the culinary world, she transitioned into sales, selling fish, then wholesale fruit and vegetables, and then…into marketing. Her passion for connecting with people and her entrepreneurial spirit eventually led her to us at Focus On Testing.
Outside of work, Petra’s life is just as colourful as you’d imagine. She’s an active dog agility trainer and has even competed at prestigious events such as Crufts. It’s no surprise then that her household includes two dogs, Sol and Vee, a cat named Johnny Cash, and a husband, who she claims is the hardest of them all to train!
Finally, meet Karen Walsh, our Office Administrator whose strong work ethic and attention to detail make her a critical asset to our team. Karen joined us in October 2021, bringing with her more than three decades of professional experience from her prior career in the police force.
Working part-time from Wednesday to Friday, Karen primarily handles the creation of PAT testing reports. She diligently types up the reports, converts them to PDF, and uploads them into the document portal. Additionally, she also manages other reports such as those for legionnaires and fire extinguishers. Karen’s role extends to general administrative duties, ensuring our engineers have everything they need for their jobs.
Before joining Focus On Testing, Karen spent an impressive 32 years in West Yorkshire Police. She primarily worked in HR before moving into Civilian Intelligence – a role she found deeply satisfying and interesting. This unique blend of experience equips her with exceptional organisational skills and a strong sense of responsibility.
Karen describes herself as stern but fair, and a little on the quiet side – traits that perfectly complement her role. Yet despite her cooler exterior, after taking an early retirement from the police in 2021, we know that deep down she appreciates the collaborative nature of the team here at Focus On Testing. We certainly keep her on her toes!
When she’s not working, Karen loves exploring the world and travelling. And we’re not talking two weeks on a sunlounger sipping cocktails – oh no. She’s just got back from Vietnam, where she loved embracing the culture and adventuring with her husband.
So there you have it.
We have a whole host of diverse skillsets, personalities and backgrounds within our team here at Focus On Testing – and each of them plays an essential role in delivering the superior services and experience you’ve come to expect from us.
Thanks for taking the time to get to know us a little better. Please stay tuned for future updates and behind-the-scenes insights from our team.
If you’d like to find out more about the services we provide or just fancy a chat, we’re only ever a phone call away. Give us a ring on 0330 088 4597 or drop us a message here.