Meet Our Directors
Mark Carter
SVM Associates
I joined SVM as a Senior Engineer within 6 months of John launching the Birmingham office. My role was to bring M&E capability and we soon became involved in many prestigious projects, including multi award winning Brindleyplace. I progressed to Principal Engineer, then a managerial position within three years of joining.
We developed a distinct local client base in the office workplace and industrial sectors. Following the buy out In 2004, we have sustained a significant growth in business across all disciplines. Known as the ‘M&E go-to guys’ for situations requiring innovative solutions, we get off the fence and get the job done.
“If you do have a problem with any of your building services, you can be safe in the knowledge that we will find a carefully considered way forward – all based on an abundance of knowledge within the industry.”
“We revel in technically challenging commissions that demand innovative solutions. Our clients say we are a safe pair of hands who they trust to deliver difficult commissions.
We are not run-of-the-mill consultants who act as drawing contractors. You will not experience different faces turning up to every meeting. We are trouble-shooters. We are cost-effective. We are pragmatic.”
Industry Expertise
In my apprenticeship I was fortunate to experience a breadth of skills associated with building engineering services, including:
– draughting and design – pipe-fitting – plumbing – ductwork installation – maintenance – electrical services – controls and electronics laboratory – circuit board design & installation –
This solid foundation has been invaluable to me, allowing me to consistently make informed engineering design and installation decisions. The combination of pragmatic experience and academic engineering skill set is the model that I continually use to shape our team, set us apart from our competitors, and deliver solutions.
Working in the building engineering service for over 30 years, I have worked with a wide range of industries acquiring detailed knowledge and bespoke experience that influences, and benefits, every new project we work on. Specialist sectors include:
– Office workplaces – Industrial – Defence – Education – Custodial – Fire Services – Places of Worship – Retail –
I am currently using my sector experience to develop a new service line using BIM as a real tool for owners/occupiers post-construction.
In addition to my role as company secretary and running the business, my fee earning commissions also involve:
- Directing larger commissions
- Ensuring the brief is fully met
- Acting as Principal Designer
- Technical due diligence reports
- Dilapidations assessments
- Expert witness for dispute resolutions
“First and foremost this is a people business. Whilst we have all of the technical expertise to deliver appropriate solutions, we engender an upbeat and innovative working experience. This is with the attitude that a problem is a chance to take ownership and do our very best. People who shrug their shoulders do not fit our business profile”
The Beginning
My career began as an indentured apprentice for a large international group of manufacturing companies. I progressed to a role with full responsibility for design, specification, supervision, project management, new build commissions and refurbishment for many workplace and industrial projects across the UK and Europe.
"For myself I am an optimist - it does not seem to be much use to be anything else."
Career Highlights
In the first year of my career I was proud to be given the accolade of apprentice of the year. Then, having just completed my apprenticeship, one of the organisation’s critical production facilities suffered catastrophic fire damage. I was given the opportunity to lead a team of multi-disciplined professionals in a fast-track reinstatement of the facility. It led to a special note from the chairman for the team’s commitments and efforts in returning production to the facility in short order.
More recently, celebrating the awards for the Brindleyplace fit-out was a definite highlight. However, my greatest career achievement is ongoing – the continual growth of our successful business. This has been mainly developed through word of mouth, and with a team of individuals who are essentially at the top of their game. Repeat business from clients involving many prestigious and unique commissions, and successfully delivering them, is testament to the quality of the service that we are renowned for.
Free Time
I like being outdoors whenever I have some spare time. I have a passion for cycling and I am drawn to challenging rides – I follow Eddy Merckx philosophy, ‘Don’t buy upgrades, ride up grades….’
I also enjoy hill and mountain walking. Most of all though, I enjoy quality time with family and a few beers with friends.
