After a focused succession planning effort, T&G Structural Engineers have appointed two directors to eventually succeed the existing management team. Marcus Taylor and Tom McCarthy will work alongside long-standing directors Ian Bashforth and Johnny Moffett for the next five years, gaining the learning and experience needed to ensure continued business success.

Having gone through the challenge of taking over responsibility for running a company without the necessary experience, director Ian Bashforth was determined to avoid a similar future situation. So when he and partner Johnny Moffett began thinking about stepping down in five years’ time, they embarked on some advanced people planning.

‘Most people are aware of the term “succession planning”, elaborates Ian, ‘and the vital need to undertake it in advance of key people leaving the organisation. And yet, it’s a practice that’s often missing or mishandled, which can have damaging consequences for any company. Johnny and I wanted to avoid such as situation. Having spent so many years focused on building T&G, its client base, relationships and fantastic staff team, we are determined to give it the best chance to succeed in the future too. So appointing Marcus and Tom as directors in advance provides ample time to ensure a smooth handover.’

Both new appointees are existing members of T&G’s staff. Associate Director Marcus Taylor joined in 2005, having come to Jersey following training and experience in the UK. After completing A-Levels at De La Salle College and a degree at Leeds, Engineer Manager Tom McCarthy joined T&G in 2013, having worked elsewhere in the local structural engineering sector for several years.

Under the new structure, Tom will focus primarily on customer facing activities while Marcus will have responsibility for the organisation’s office-based functions.

‘It’s a slightly daunting but really exciting opportunity for us both,’ commented Marcus after the new appointment, ‘The structural and civil engineering profession is undergoing tremendous change now and will do in the future. Under the guidance of Ian and Johnny, T&G has constantly moved forward, adopting new ways of working that includes advanced 3D design applications and virtual reality technology. But the construction industry we serve is also changing rapidly, embracing new building techniques and materials, while clients increasingly demand new green solutions for their developments. T&G will have to keep evolving – Tom and I are looking forward to planning the organisation’s future alongside the existing directors and then taking over responsibility for its delivery.’

Helping Marcus and Tom adjust to their new roles are two further appointments. T&G’s present Operations Manager Alex Farrow and Structural Engineer Cátia Caetano have been promoted to associate director. Under the new structure, Alex will provide direct support to Tom while Cátia performs the same role with Marcus.