Meet The Team

What name/nickname do you prefer to be called?

I am happy with Damian, although a lot of people internally call me Damo.

If you could write your own job title that best describes what you do here, what would it be?

My original job title was Quality Manager.  When my role expanded to include Health Safety and Environmental Management systems along with Quality, we then had an internal discussion and changed the job title to QHSE Manager (Quality, Health, Safety and Environment).

What do you enjoy about the work you do?

I like that every day is always different and can often certainly be a challenges.

I started at SpanSet in 1993 manufacturing nets for a large MOD order - gluing and threading webbing. My career has certainly moved on from then with continual support from SpanSet as I moved into Quality Management.  I've completed numerous courses including NEBOSH and the latest, Lead Auditor with BSI. I have really enjoyed the career progression and learning new skills and expertise.

Overseeing the implementation of ISO 14001 back in 2011 (a condition of a contract we were awarded for the Environment Agency) and then the development of OHSAS 18001 Health and Safety in 2012 was a valuable learning curve and a great achievement for me in my role. We were able to develop a lot of new processes and systems within the organisation.

There have been many changes to these standards over the years and I have gone through a number of transition audits.  Gaining accreditation of the new ISO 45001 Health and Safety Management standard was incredibly rewarding and a real buzz - you'd have to be a QHSE Manager to appreciate that!

What are your hobbies?

Keeping freshwater fish and just recently exploring the challenge of a new marine aquarium/coral reef set up. The marine side is currently a big learning curve and a lot of time and effort required to maintain the water chemistry.

I also loved going to the gym and swimming to try and maintain some level of fitness, although throughout lockdown over 2020, this appears to be a distant memory.  I need to get back on track ASAP!

Left - Tank preparation - "This picture shows one of many tests required, this particular one: Alkalinity (dKH) of the water parameters. Alkalinity, also known as KH, dKH or Carbonate Hardness is one of the most important parameters in a reef tank. Control KH and you will be well on the way to success as it is as important as salinity, and temperature “ says Damian 

Right - Success - the new marine aquarium/coral reef set up and residents.