Meet Danny Beever, a highly talented Senior Quantity Surveyor working from our Cumbria Office. Since joining ALA in August 2021, Danny has worked on a variety of projects.
From taking the lead on smash and grab adjudications as a part representative to providing ad hoc troubleshoot support on problem accounts for specialist piling and fit-out contractors, Danny’s time at ALA has never been boring.
Highly qualified, Danny has a degree in Quantity Surveying and a Masters in Construction Law and Dispute Resolution, as well as both an undergraduate and Masters degree in History.
Discover more about Danny’s experiences at ALA, his history studies, and his tips for making the perfect Rueben sandwich , below…
Why did you decide to make the move into QS’ing having done the history degrees? Was there anything in particular that appealed to you about the career?
The actual answer is that there weren’t any history jobs when I had finished my history degrees. I wasn’t really aware of what a Quantity Surveyor was, or the wide scope and variety of the role but I became very instead in the law and contractual side of things. Essentially, I slowly learned how to stop worrying and love Quantity Surveying.
Can you tell us more about your history studies? What did you study, and what transferable skills did you learn along the way?
I studied quite a few topics: Medieval Gender / Archaeology / The Scottish Reformation etc. Barring any requirements in construction for these explicit facts, I would say the need to write a multitude of Historical essays has helped with general skills such as multitasking and writing and presenting claims.
What do you enjoy most about your line of work?
I like getting to the bottom of a problem or claim and finding a way around things to get a solution. Presenting claims and arguments to try and get the most value out of a dispute. Ultimately, making nicely formatted tables in Excel.
Out of work, what do you do for fun?
I enjoy reading, history mostly and complicated board games about building railroads. I could say the board games are about refining my negotiation and business relevant skills, but it is mainly about the trains.
What is the best part about working for ALA?
The best thing about ALA is that you essentially have a support group of people in the construction industry with a huge array of skills and experiences. People are always very happy to help and share their advice.
What has been the biggest challenge in your career so far?
Moving to work at ALA. Having been with my previous and first employer for a decade it was quite daunting to move to an entirely new company and form new relationships and learn different ways of working.
What is your favourite work-related achievement?
I think that would be helping others, assisting them with various queries where I am able, particularly the apprentices. However, as the apprentices have gotten better, I tend to be the ones asking them questions.
What is your favourite non-work-related achievement?
Having a son if that can be classed as such. If not, then making a near-perfect Reuben sandwich…
First, the ingredients:
- Rye
- Salt Beef
- Swiss Cheese
- Sauerkraut
- Russian dressing
My two tips:
- Lots of butter for the bread before it goes in the pan.
- Make sure your Russian dressing includes horseradish!
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Still working at ALA. There is such a wide variety of work here that I don’t think I’d want to be anywhere else.
What is the most important thing to you as a person?
Friends and cheese. Together or separately.
How are you finding life at ALA on a day-to-day basis?
Very good. The work can be a little daunting at times and having your colleagues on different projects, in different countries or in different continents can make it a challenge to keep in touch, but the company works hard to arrannge regular Teams meetings and social events. It is certainly an interesting place to work!
What is your favourite film, song and food?
- Film: Amadeus
- Song: Rock Me Amadeus
- Food: Mozartkugel (an Austrian sugar confection, covered in chocolate)
Connect with Danny on LinkedIn.
We are actively recruiting. If you are interested in discussing opportunities to join ALA or are considering a career in Quantity Surveying, please email [email protected] or look at our Current Vacancies.
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