40 Years of Hannans: Q&A with Carl Pickford and Andy Carrington

40 Years of Hannans: Q&A with Carl Pickford and Andy Carrington

Carl and Andy began their careers in the construction industry in 1998 when they joined Hannan Associates as Apprentice Building Services Engineers. They’re now Associate Engineers and both core members of the Hannan team, contributing to the success of a wide range of projects and the continued growth of the company.

Name: Carl Pickford

Role: Associate & Electrical Design Engineer

Tell us a little bit about how you came to join Hannan Associates and what it was like when you started.

I didn’t know what I wanted to do,  but I knew I was practical minded – I moved out of home at a young age and bought a house to renovate. I tried full time education attending college and it wasn’t for me. An apprenticeship felt like the right fit, I wanted to learn on the job and earn money.

I had to take two buses to get to the office, which took over an hour. The office was full of drawing boards and I sat at a little desk in the corner with Mike Perkins, with no computer!

The only engineer to have a computer back then was Terry Fildes. We had a small CAD department upstairs and the admin team had computers as well. Everyone dressed smartly, a shirt and tie was the norm. I found Bill Hannan to be a real character but it was Dave Teale, the electrical associate, who took me under his wing. He looked after me, keeping me busy and encouraging me to progress, he was a real gentleman and a gentle giant.

How has the business changed since you joined?

I have seen massive changes in my time. Seen lots of faces come and go but there remains a core of people who have been here from the start including Andy C who started the same day I did all those years ago.
Everything moves so much quicker than it used to, letters and faxes exchanged over days and weeks have been replaced with emails requiring immediate responses.
Engineers with calculators, hand written letters, and marking up drawings on drawing boards have been replaced by engineers who can use Microsoft Office, 2D and 3D drawing software.
We all seem to handle more projects and get through them faster than in years gone by.

What do you think has been the key to keeping so many long-term clients happy over the years?

We provide a good level of service and are committed to delivering a good job

We work hard to deliver and not afraid to stay a little longer to get the job done

We continually improve our working methods and processes, always refining what we do

Maybe not as refined as some of the bigger practices but we understand buildings and services

We understand the importance of providing early input into the whole building design as it develops, not just MEP, we know which elements of the design must be considered and factored into the design from the start.

What do you think the next ten years holds for Hannan Associates and the industry?

The industry has gone through some significant changes in recent years.

Climate Change, the COVID 19 Pandemic, Wellness and Wellbeing, and Grenfell Tower Fire disaster have all impacted on the way buildings are designed and used.

We are on a path with NZC, there have been huge improvements in building design to reduce carbon emissions and this is set to continue.

Sustainability and the reduction of carbon emissions is the number one consideration on every project.

Building design is constantly changing, building services technologies are improving all the time, it is a great industry to be in.

What are you most proud of in terms of your contribution to the business? 

I pride myself on working hard and being someone that can be relied on.

I contribute to the way we do projects and the development of the processes we use.

I appreciate the start I was given at Hannan 25 years ago and thankful to all those that have helped shaped me.

 

Name: Andrew Carrington

Role: Associate & Mechanical Design Engineer

Tell us a little bit about how you came to join Hannan Associates and what it was like when you started.

I joined Hannan’s as an apprentice engineer in 1998, aged 18. Leaving school I had no idea what career path I was going to take so went into the local Job Office to see what was available.

After scouring various options I noticed the Building Services apprentice role and i thought every building needs Building Services and there are lots of buildings! I chose the apprenticeship route because it gave me the opportunity to start gaining experience of the working environment whilst continuing to learn, as after leaving sixth form I didn’t want to go straight to university full time. There was a definite benefit in being able to put into practice what I was learning on the job.

When I initially joined Hannans we were in the old office in Compstall with a very different working environment to today. Drawings produced on tracing paper and hand written calculations rather than using any software. Everyone using phones by their desk rather than mobiles and the fax machine utilised for any “urgent” communication.  I joined alongside Carl Pickford, Mike Perkins and Gareth Webb, we were the first apprentices that Hannan’s employed and I like to think we’ve all done well!

How has the business changed since you joined?

Some things about the business haven’t changed much – our focus on building and maintaining client & consultant relationships;  our key sector focus – commercial, industrial, stadia, residential; our focus on low energy design…… have all been consistent themes in our 40 years, but in many other ways the industry has changed a lot and has obviously impacted the way we do business.

The technology we use; the way we communicate; the pace the projects move at; client & market needs and expectations; the world of work …….. there is obviously a much stronger focus now on sustainability on most projects we are working on. As Building Services engineers we are playing an integral role to helping the built environment meet NZC targets and we have subsequently invested heavily in developing our sustainability expertise along with establishing an in house Building Physics team to meet the increase in client needs.

What do you think has been the key to keeping so many long-term clients happy over the years?

Consistency in terms of resourcing – it definitely benefits our clients if the same engineers continue to work with the same clients – we get to know the client, their needs and their individual ways of working. We each take a personal responsibility for the projects we are involved with – we are committed to delivering a successful project.

Strong sector expertise – we tend to each have expertise of certain sectors and by continuing to build upon this expertise from project to project means we have a lot of key, relevant experience and project data to contribute to the design process.

Delivering what you promise and when to the client and other design team members and contributing added value where possible

What do you think the next ten years holds for Hannan Associates and the industry?

We will continue to increase our Sustainability expertise and service offering, to meet client needs.

We will continue to grow our sustainability and building physics teams along with the partnerships we have with external consultants.

The desire for NZC will cause the construction industry to adapt and develop to provide appropriate solutions. Its going to involve all parties – clients, architects, end users etc. Its not down to one party, we all need to do our bit.

What are you most proud of in terms of your contribution to the business? 

Hannans have been very supportive throughout all my training – my HNC and ONC in Building Services, my BEng (Hons) Building Services Engineering degree, CIBSE Low Carbon Consultant & Energy Assessor qualifications leading up to achieving my Incorporated Engineer registration.

I believe my personal transformation from apprentice to associate has helped Hannans progress and develop as a business during my time. I’ve helped develop standards and methods of working to allow us respond to the ever changing needs of our clients.

Carl Pickford

Carl Pickford

Associate Electrical Design Engineer

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +44(0)161 337 2200

Andrew Carrington

Andrew Carrington

Associate Mechanical Design Engineer

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +44(0)161 337 2200

Meet the Team: Graduates Louis and Tom

Meet the Team: Graduates Louis and Tom

We are very pleased to introduce you to Louis and Tom, the latest recruits to join the Hannan team……

 

Name: Louis Heywood

Role: Mechanical Design Engineer

Which training route did you take?

Masters degree in mechanical engineering at the university of Sheffield.

What do you enjoy about your job?

I like the variety of the job, since joining I’ve been involved in a wide variety of projects including residential blocks, offices, warehouses, and hotels. Each project brings new challenges and new tasks to get involved in.

What do you enjoy about working at Hannan Associates?

The team here is smaller than at the multi disciplinary practice where I previously worked, but here I feel that I have a more responsibility and am playing more of an involved role than I’ve previously was. I’m also getting to work on some really interesting projects.

Have there been any projects or sectors you’ve particularly enjoyed working on since joining Hannans?

I’ve enjoyed working on the Radcliffe Civic Hub project for Bury Council,  which will provide new leisure facilities for Radcliffe town centre.

What are your future career & learning goals / aspirations?

My current goal is to carry on developing my skills and experience within the industry working towards taking the lead on a full project.

What do you enjoying doing in your spare time?

In my spare time when I’m not busy doing DIY projects at home or going to B&Q again… I enjoy hill walking, running and climbing. On the weekends I like to go camping in my campervan around the UK.

Any advice for people looking at starting a career in building services engineering?

I’d tell new engineering graduates not to overlook smaller companies when applying for roles as, based on my experience they can offer more interesting and hands on experience.

 

 

Name: Tom Meese

Role: Electrical Design Engineer

Why did you decide to become a building services engineer?

I decided to become a building services engineer during my MSc when we did a unit called, ‘Zero Carbon Built Infrastructure‘. This unit included learning about energy demand within buildings and the impact the building fabric has on energy consumption. This was my first introduction to building services work.

Which training route did you take?

 My training route was….

  •  A-levels – Maths and Physics and History 
  • BEng – Electrical and Electronic Engineering – Manchester Metropolitan University
  • MSc – Renewable Energy and Clean Technology – University Of Manchester

What do you enjoy about your job?

 I enjoy the problem-solving aspect of the job and the variety of different jobs for a variety of different clients

 I enjoy being a part of the Hannan Associates team.  My managers keep me busy but the workload is well balanced, I am not put under too much pressure and I am given trust and freedom to manage my time.

 Have there been any projects or sectors you’ve particularly enjoyed working on since joining Hannans?

I’ve particularly enjoyed working on the expansion works at Stoke City’s Football Ground and the network layout design for Liverpool Waters for Peel.

What are your future career & learning goals / aspirations?

My future career goals include….

  • Becoming a chartered engineer
  • Have an impact with the low carbon aspect of design
  • Become someone people are confident to come to for answers on technical and difficult questions
  • Specialise in electrical engineering but be able to work on some mechanical tasks to

    What do you enjoying doing in your spare time?

    In my spare time I enjoy going to football games or gigs. I try to visit as many different stadiums as possible.

    Any advice for people looking at starting a career in building services engineering?

     My advice for people looking at starting a career in building services engineering would be…..

    •  Try and make relevant contacts in the industry as soon as possible
    • Develop an understanding of other areas involved, not just the area you study
    • Keep up to date with the latest information in the sector through reading papers or watching conferences etc.. 

     

    If you are interested in joining the Hannan team in a Building Services Engineering apprentice or graduate position please get in touch. Our workforce is our greatest asset and we are always on the lookout for new talent.

    With 40 years in business we can offer you valuable experience of a fast paced, innovative environment and a very varied workload. Our long standing team of engineers provide mentoring and guidance and we are committed to providing support and funding for continued training and development.

    Hannan Associates are an equal opportunities employer and we value the diversity of our workforce. Applicants are considered in relation to business needs, job requirements & individual qualifications without regard to age, sex, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation or gender identity.

    Carolyn Sidebotham

    Carolyn Sidebotham

    Recruitment Manager

    Email: [email protected]

    Phone: +44(0)161 337 2200

    Work Begins on Blackpool Civil Service Office Hub

    Work Begins on Blackpool Civil Service Office Hub

    Vinci Construction UK have commenced work on a new, £100m office building in Blackpool, which forms part of the third phase of the Talbot Gateway regeneration scheme led by Muse Developments.

    When complete the seven storey, 215,000 sq ft office building will become home to over 3000 staff from the Department of Work and Pensions.

    Hannan Associates are providing Building Services Engineering Consultancy including operational energy modelling via advanced dynamic simulation modelling and BREEAM assessor duties for the building. 

    The building has been designed to be ultra-low energy with no fossil fuels used. Low-carbon heating and cooling to the office will be provided via high efficiency chillers and air source heat pumps. Demand-driven ventilation will also be provided, helping to improve indoor air quality while saving energy during periods of reduced occupancy. Domestic hot water will be generated via water to water heat pumps and a photovoltaic array at roof level will generate electricity on-site.

    The building has been designed to achieve a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating and is anticipated to complete in March 2025.

    We are pleased to be part of Muse Development’s design team working alongside Make Architects, RPS, Chroma, Arup and main contractor VINCI Construction UK.

    Hannan Associates were also part of the team who designed and delivered the first phase of Talbot Gateway, which included Blackpool Council’s home, the award winning Bickerstaffe House.

    Hannan Associates were also part of the team who designed and delivered Blackpool Council’s home, the award winning Bickerstaffe House. This first phase of development at Talbot Gateway, which started twelve years ago, also included the refurbishment of the 1930s, 5 level Talbot Road multi-storey car park.

    The Talbot Gateway regeneration scheme is transforming Blackpool town centre and will comprise of a new business district and civic quarter, grade A offices, retail space, event space and a new public transport interchange. It is hoped that this new development will help to drive footfall in the town centre and support Blackpool’s economic growth.

    To find out more about our Commercial office experience please have a look at our brochure below and  if you would like to talk to us about your project please just give us a call or drop us an email…. 

    Andrew Carrington

    Andrew Carrington

    Associate Mechanical Design Engineer

    Email: [email protected]

    Phone: +44(0)161 337 2200

    Jamie Hall

    Jamie Hall

    Director

    Email: [email protected]

    Phone: +44(0)161 337 2200

    Merry Christmas from all at Hannan Associates xx

    Merry Christmas from all at Hannan Associates xx

    The Hannan team would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!
    It has been a pleasure working with you during the last year, we truly value the relationships and enjoy the challenges each project brings us.

    We are as ever very thankful for the high level of repeat business we receive and the many interesting projects we are involved with. Despite all the turbulence of 2022 we feel very fortunate to have had another busy and rewarding year. But none of this could be possible without the continued hard work and commitment of our loyal team.

    Instead of sending Christmas cards & gifts this year, we have made donations to Claire’s House, The Trussell Trust and Streetlife. Three very worthy charities who do a brilliant job of making a tangible impact on the lives of those who need support. 

     

     

     

    Vicky Priestley

    Vicky Priestley

    Marketing Director

    Email: [email protected]

    Phone: +44(0)161 337 2200

    Charlotte Stansfield

    Charlotte Stansfield

    Marketing Assistant

    Email: [email protected]

    Phone: +44(0)161 337 2200

    New Building Regs 2022 – What’s changed?

    New Building Regs 2022 – What’s changed?

    Last month saw the introduction of the highly anticipated Building Regulation changes, introduced by the Department for Levelling Up, Homes and Communities. The changes included  updates to Part L and Part F and the introduction of new Approved Documents Part O and Part S.

    Why have these changes been introduced?

    These changes are aimed at improving the energy efficiency of housing in the UK to help us move towards the 2050 Net Zero Carbon targets. The UK Built Environment (buildings and infrastructure) is reported to be responsible for 25% of total UK greenhouse gas emissions  and so has a big part to play in helping to meet this target.

    The new and updated regulations are interim changes on the road to the implementation of the Future Homes Standards planned for 2025, which is targeting a minimum 75% CO2 reduction.

    What has changed?

    What effect will these changes have?

    Approved Document L1A, L1B, L2A & L2B:

    Conservation of fuel and power

    Updated documents replace previous versions:

    Volume 1: Dwellings

    Volume 2: Buildings other than Dwellings.

    Both now covering new and existing buildings. Meeting primary energy targets is now equally, if not more, important than carbon emission reduction targets.

    A new metric; ‘Primary Energy Rate’ has been introduced. CO2 emissions from new build dwellings will achieve a minimum anticipated 30% reduction when compared to the previous regulations.

    Buildings other than dwellings are anticipated to reduce emissions by a minimum of 27%.

    Approved Document F: Ventilation

    Updated documents replace previous versions: Volume 1: Dwellings and Volume 2: Buildings other than Dwellings. The new Approved Documents contain updated minimum ventilation provision by floor area (now including circulation and lobby areas) and introduction of new reporting and commissioning requirements.

    Marginal uplift in whole house dwelling ventilation rates, Recirculating systems must meet certain new criteria and air quality sensors are required in a range of spaces.

    Introduction of minimum fresh air rate per m², and requirement to ventilate common parts such as corridors and lobbies in commercial buildings.

    Approved Document O: Overheating

    New Approved Document O provides statutory guidance on overheating mitigation for new dwellings and residential buildings.

    The primary objectives are to limit unwanted solar gains in summer and provide adequate means of removing excess heat from the indoor environment.

    The majority of developments will be subject to the dynamic thermal modelling approach using CIBSE’s TM59 for regulatory compliance. Blinds should no longer be relied upon for compliance.

    Approved Document S: Infrastructure for Electric Vehicle Charging

    New approved Document S which provides statutory guidance on infrastructure for electrical vehicle charging.

    For residential schemes, generally 100% active provision should be made for car parking spaces served by EVC’s. For non-residential schemes, a minimum  of 10% active provision with a further 20% passive provision for future installation.

    What about projects which have started?

    The new Building Regulations will not apply where initial notice or full planning application has been submitted to a local authority in respect of that building before 15 June 2022, providing start on site also commences before 15 June 2023.

    If either of the above criteria are not met, compliance with the new regulations will apply.

     

    What future changes are still to come?

    Further technical consultations on the Future Home and Future Building Standards are proposed for Spring 2023, with introduction in 2025.

    The Future Homes and Future Buildings Standards are a set of standards that will complement the Building Regulations to ensure that new homes built from 2025 will produce 75-80% less carbon emissions than homes delivered under current regulations.

    When implemented; existing dwellings may also be impacted, however homeowners will likely only be affected if they are making thermal upgrades or building an extension.

    How can we help you?

    If you would like to arrange for us to come and speak to you and your team in more detail about how the building regs changes may effect your projects please drop us an email. 

    Thomas Cutt

    Thomas Cutt

    Associate Mechanical Design Engineer

    Email: [email protected]

    Phone: +44(0)161 337 2200

    Ian Joyce

    Ian Joyce

    Director

    Email: [email protected]

    Phone: +44(0)161 337 2200

    Looking for a Change? The Hannan Team is Recruiting

    Looking for a Change? The Hannan Team is Recruiting

    Due to an increase in workload we are expanding our team and are currently looking for new talent to join us at our busy Manchester office.

    >Mechanical Building Services Engineers<
    >Electrical Building Services Engineers<
    >Graduate Building Services Engineers<
    >Building Physics Engineers<

    So, if you’re a motivated team player with a methodical attitude and you’re looking for a new challenge please drop us an email enclosing your CV.

    With 35 years in business, a long standing team of experts and client base, Hannan Associates can offer you ….

    • Exciting and varied projects
    • An innovative and fast paced working environment
    • Flexible working arrangements
    • A team at the forefront of change in relation to energy modelling & carbon evaluation
    • Access to further training & growth, mentoring & support

    Our continued success is testament to the skill, hard work and enthusiasm of our long standing team. Without which we could not achieve our high levels of repeat business and client satisfaction. We believe in developing team players who possess well founded self-belief and will act with diligence & integrity on behalf of our clients whilst providing support and motivation to colleagues.

     

    Benefits

    In return for your loyalty and hard work, we offer:

    • Competitive Salary
    • Private health care
    • Health care cash plan
    • Flexible working arrangements
    • Generous Holiday Entitlement

    Apply now

    To apply please email your CV to Carolyn Sidebotham:

    Carolyn Sidebotham

    Carolyn Sidebotham

    Recruitment Manager

    Email: [email protected]

    Phone: +44(0)161 337 2200

    Hannan Associates are an equal opportunities employer and we value the diversity of our workforce. Applicants are considered in relation to business needs, job requirements & individual qualifications without regard to age, sex, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation or gender identity.

    Introducing Hannan Associates 

     

    Hannan Associates is an engineering consultancy formed in 1983 to provide Building Services Engineering to the Construction Industry.

    We deliver projects valued in excess of £500m with national as well as international design teams. We work in a range of sectors with projects of varying sizes, providing us with good market resilience and an exceptional breadth of track record and design competence.

    We pride ourselves on delivering our service with a higher level of personal attention than larger competitors but providing a comparable strength of management, process discipline, expertise and creativity.

    The development of the company has been aided by a strong, long serving work force through which we have developed lasting relationships with our clients, ensuring that 80% of our turnover is achieved through repeat business.

    We strive to maintain the highest levels of team work and co-operation and develop staff that possess well founded self-belief who will act with diligence and integrity on behalf of our clients.

    Many of our engineers have worked together over a long period of time, some for over 25 years, completing many successful projects together. 

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