Introducing Mark Ward

05 Aug 2020

In the next in our series, with the aim of introducing you to some of our key colleagues at Space Engineering Services, we would like to introduce you to Mark Ward, our Head of Industrial & Facilities Management.

What led you to your career?

I joined my family business around the time of my 21st birthday. I had always had a mechanical aptitude and this was a perfect opportunity to put it into practice.

Why did you join Space Engineering Services?

I left the family business in 2001 and I worked on my own for circa 5 years before joining Space Engineering in May 2006. It felt like the right time to connect with a different pathway.

How would your friends describe you?

Thoughtful and supportive.

What would you do differently if you had the chance?

The standout moment, both personally and professionally, is not reaching out and looking for support when our family business experienced difficulties in the late nineties.

What’s the biggest challenge facing you personally?

Ensuring I can support my family during my retirement.

What do you see as the biggest challenge facing the industry?

Supporting the global aspirations of a carbon-neutral society. We have come a long way, but there is so much more to do to ensure that we protect the world for future generations.

What does a typical day look like?

An early start, reach out to the team and provide support and guidance where needed, reviewing contract scopes and identify ways that can improve us operationally and commercially.

What are you most proud of accomplishing?

On a personal level, supporting my 3 children and seeing them develop and flourish into very special people. Professionally, helping the industrial team at Space Engineering develop and deliver the engineering diversity that our customers need.

Is there anything about yourself that you want to improve?

My waistline! All joking aside, I do want to find a diet that works well for me and ensure I focus on my fitness.

What do you think the future of the business looks like?

Professionally, my aspirations are supporting the Industrial team’s development, implementing a cohesive succession plan and helping them build on the existing foundations. Personally, it would be spending time with my wife Carol and developing our home for the next stage of our lives, which is our grandchildren.

Outside of work, what do you enjoy?

Sport is a big part of my life outside of work, with cricket, formula 1 and keeping up to date with my home football team, Carlisle. I am also spending time to develop my understanding of geology.