Have you ever wondered what the industry's influential figures have on their desk? From oil rig overalls to ‘Managing Safely’ certificates, you can tell a lot about a person by their desk. This is why Voltimum's roving reporter, Frankie Snobel, scoped out the desk of NG Bailey’s Chief Innovation Officer, Martin Bailey.
Born in Leeds and raised in Ilkley, Martin Bailey is no stranger to the electrical contracting industry. His grandfather, Noel Bailey, started up an electrical contracting business in 1921 and 88 years later NG Bailey has grown into one of the UK’s leading providers of building and ICT services and systems, with a turnover of £600m, employing 4,000 people nationwide.
Despite his family’s success, Martin was determined to become an electrical engineer without any help. He attended Durham University where he earned a Degree in Electrical, Mechanical and Civil Engineering whilst in parallel attending the renowned Bailey Engineering Academy as an apprentice where he “got his sparks ticket”. As a student apprentice, Martin worked onsite as an electrician and moved around the business in variety of roles. There was even a period where he worked as a technician out on an oil rig in the North Sea and underwent mandatory helicopter training. Martin then moved into a Project Engineer role for customers including ASDA and Homebase. In 1985, Martin set up NG Bailey’s office in Southampton, which he was instrumental in running for four years. He then took over the Reading office as Divisional Director and eventually moved to Leeds to carry out the same role. At this time, Martin was also responsible for the ICT and engineering functions of the business, before being appointed as the Managing Director of Bailey Building Services - the company’s Mechanical and Electrical contracting arm, which he ran for five years..
Currently, Martin holds the position as NG Bailey’s Chief Innovation Officer, a role that oversees the development and adoption of innovative processes, technologies and solutions as well as seeking alternative ventures, in support of the company’s long-term strategic objectives. He is also responsible for Technical, Supply Chain and Safety, Health, Environmental and Quality, for the organisation, in addition he also holds a place on the NG Bailey Board. Martin follows NG Baileys’ core values in being committed to its people. “I believe in making a profit the right way,” said Martin. “How you run a business is how you engage with people.”
1. Cricket Gloves: Martin used to play cricket and used these gloves for wicket keeping. “In my youth I used to play wicket and bat,” said Martin.
2. Three Mobiles: Martin is a big fan of this 10 year old Nokia model and it’s therefore his mobile – but he keeps two spares as backup, just in case. “It’s the most reliable phone with the most reliable battery,” said Martin. “And it even has a carrier pigeon on the back.”
3. Photograph of Children: Martin took this picture of his kids, Claire and Andrew, eight years ago while on holiday.
4. Photograph of Wife: Martin keeps this photograph of his wife, Pamela, on his desk. He met her in university and describes her as being “very supportive” and a “good friend”.
5. NG Bailey Website: Found at www.ngbailey.com, here you can find the latest news and information about NG Bailey. Here you can also see that NG Bailey is a founding member of the UK Green Building Council, which was formed two years ago and serves as an influential body that works with the Government to dramatically improve the sustainability of the built environment.
6. Apprentice Training Toolbox: This toolbox was given to Martin when he was an NG Bailey apprentice. “It’s a bit rustier than it was when I first got it,” said Martin. “But you can see it has been used.” All Bailey Engineering Academy apprentices receive this toolbox upon the start of their program and more tools will be needed and added each year. NG Bailey is recognised as having one of the industry’s premier apprenticeship schemes, supported by an investment in training of more than £4m a year. Martin comments: “The future of the business is the people you employ.”
7. Grant E. Gordon’s Business Card: Grant is the Director General of the Institute for Family Business UK. This global organisation assists family businesses to increase their profile and gain valuable networking opportunities. Martin knows a thing or two about family business, as NG Bailey was his grandfather’s creation. Along with being a founding Director of the Institute, Martin attends their conferences and is involved with the UK division. He also carries around Grant’s business cards and hands them out to people who might benefit from these connections.
8. ECA Tie: Martin was recently inaugurated as the president of The Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) for 2009-2010 at the opening of the ECA’s annual industry conference in Malta. In this non-executive role, Martin will represent the ECA’s members and help make decisions on their behalf. He wears this tie (embellished with tiny ECA logos) at ECA events.
9. HVCA President’s Luncheon 2008 Biscuit: Martin sits in the JMCG (Joint Major Contractors’ Group) council, which is a group comprising of the top 16 members by turnover of both the ECA and HVCA. He is also a council member of the HVCA.
10. Innovation Pin: This “flash of inspiration” pin has the NG Bailey logo incorporated into it. Being innovative is very important to NG Bailey and to Martin. The company’s intranet has an “innovation hub”, where its employees can link to videos and news on the latest in industry innovations.
11. Chartered Engineer Certificate: Issued from the Institution of Engineering and Technology to certify that Martin is a registered Chartered Engineer. Martin is also a fellow of the IET and CIBSE.
12. Managing Safely Certificate: Martin was awarded this certificate on the successful completion of the ‘Managing Safely’ course, which is approved and validated by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health.
13. Federated Electrical Contractors Plaque: This organisation is an international network of leading electrical contractors dedicated to safely providing its customers with the highest quality electrical and datacom services at competitive pricing. NG Bailey joined in 1976 and was the first company outside of the United States to become a member. Being part of the FEC gives contractors the opportunity to share experiences and learn from each other.
14. Pruners: Martin likes “knocking around in the garden” with these pruners. “My wife tells me off for over-chopping though,” laughed Martin.
15. Sports Water Bottles: Martin used to manage his son’s football team – and needed these sports bottles to quench their thirst during half-time. “I was running around with talented kids who are much better at football than me,” said Martin. “I’m better at strategy and tactics than kicking a ball”. Keeping in theme with footie, Martin is a big fan of Leeds United as well.
16. Eco Fan: NG Bailey’s Technical Director for Research and Development is in the midst of developing this product – a fan that uses heat to power itself. “It’s all about renewable energy,” said Martin. “Sustainability is the way forward.”
17. ‘Never Eat Alone: And Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at a Time’: This book by Keith Ferrazzi discusses the importance of networking, learning, and attending events. Martin’s demanding job requires many nights away from home on business, so this book helped him decide to “never eat alone”.
18. ‘True North: Discover your Authentic Leadership’: Bill George authored this book on the importance of being authentic and lectured at a management program at Harvard. Martin participated in this advanced management program and had lunch with Bill after his session
19. ‘Our Iceberg Is Melting: Changing and Succeeding Under Any Conditions’: This book by John Kotter looks at innovation and how change is needed to adapt and move forward. Martin also met John at Harvard.
20. Oil Rig Overalls: Martin wore these brightly coloured overalls when he worked as a technician on oil rigs in the North Sea. They are orange so if the wearer falls into the water they can be spotted and rescued. Martin now wears them for DIY. “I can just about fit into them still…just about”, laughed Martin.