Five minutes with Scott Willard

What does your role at Cappagh Browne involve?

As Head of PMO, my area is responsible for helping business delivery and providing the right controls and reporting to support our Operations teams. Providing tools, processes and techniques to enhance the work our teams do.

My goal is to “make things simple” for the teams and people doing the work.

What was your first ever job?

My first job was working at an architectural firm, doing general support work around the office and some CAD work. After a short period in retail, I then moved to British Gas.

How did you get involved in this industry?

I started as an Installation apprentice at British Gas and worked in various roles across Operations, Customer and then in support functions, most recently around innovation and transformation, this gave me a good grounding which could be applied in any industry, when I saw this opportunity come up, I thought the water industry sounded like a new challenge to apply myself to.

What do you like most about your job?

The team at Cappagh Browne are great, everyone is really supportive and helped me get up to speed in my first couple of months, I have really enjoyed learning about the business and industry it has been quite eye opening.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career in the water industry?

I would say go for it. There is a lot of negative press around the water industry at the moment

Can you share an interesting fact about yourself?

I hand delivered my baby daughter without any assistance; the paramedics turned up 15 minutes later.

What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?

Outside of work I am a Scout leader, qualified Air Rifle shooting instructor. I also enjoy walking the dogs, going to the gym, mountain biking and photography; a recent back injury has impacted being able to get out on my bike, but I am on the way to getting back out there.

What is the best piece of advice you have been given during your career?

Not necessarily advice, but a phrase I work by “The most dangerous phrase in the English language is ‘we have always done it this way.’

Always ask the question of why we do something a certain way and look for a better solution.

What do you consider your biggest success so far?

Getting capped for my country playing Roller Hockey. It took me all over the world including having to have an armed guard with us in Argentina.

Where is your favourite place in the world?

I always enjoy visiting the New Forest with my family, but on my bucket list I have always wanted to go to Canada to see the Bears, South Africa on Safari, Iceland and New Zealand, so maybe one day one of these will be my favourite.