Meet Peter Metcalfe, an ambitious Assistant Quantity Surveyor working from our Warrington Office. Peter joined ALA in August 2023 after graduating with a degree in Quantity Surveying from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN).
Since then, he has worked on a variety of projects.
Read on to find out more about Peter’s experiences at ALA, his budding interest in travel photograph and his experience taking on the Three Peaks challenge.
What do you enjoy most about your line of work?
I really enjoy meeting new people and the variety in my work as a quantity surveyor. At ALA, no two days are the same as we are working on projects across multiple sectors. Since the start of my career, I have worked on nuclear power stations, waste treatment plants and gas projects. This has continued to develop my knowledge and confidence in this specialised area.
Out of work, what do you do for fun?
Outside of work, I enjoy staying active and exploring the outdoors. Long walks and camping are my go-to activities on weekends and bank holidays. Recently, I’ve started getting into taking pictures of the places I travel, this has been a fun way to combine my time in the outdoors with a new skill. When I’m not with friends, I like to spend time with family going for food or travelling on holidays.
The below is a photo is one of my recent favourites. I took it while camping near Haweswater Reservoir in the Lake District.
What is the best part about working for ALA?
The best part about working for ALA is the supportive team environment. Even as someone relatively early in my career, I feel like my contributions are valued, and there’s always someone willing to offer guidance or advice. The company encourages a strong emphasis on professional development. This has been crucial in helping me grow my project management skills.
What has been the biggest challenge in your career so far?
The biggest challenge in my career, as many others roles, is managing competing priorities on my time across multiple projects. Whilst working for ALA, I have sometimes had several projects running simultaneously, each with its own deadlines. I have learnt to manage my time really effectively, prioritize tasks and stay organised to always meet my clients’ expectations, going above and beyond to deliver high levels of satisfaction.
What is your favourite work-related achievement?
I feel a real sense of achievement when delivering a high quality service to our clients. This often means contract analysis for financial management on behalf of client, and success in reducing risk. Undertaking this makes me feel valued both by the client and the service we provide by ALA. For me, financial benefit to our clients is the key driver to work-related satisfaction.
What is your favourite non-work-related achievement?
My favourite non-work-related achievement was completing the Three Peaks in the UK. I enjoyed this challenge because of the determination needed to complete these sometimes grueling mountain walks. After needing the willpower getting to the top, you can enjoy the amazing view looking out. It’s an incredible reward for the hard work. This is a big achievement for me as I started on smaller walks to build myself up to the biggest in the UK.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years, I see myself as a seasoned quantity surveyor, possibly working towards a more senior role within ALA. I aim to gain more specialized knowledge to help me work on bigger and more influential projects with the option to work abroad. I also hope to be mentoring new graduates and apprentices, passing on the knowledge and experience I have gained.
What is the most important thing to you as a person?
The most important thing to me as a person is integrity. I believe in being honest, reliable, and doing the right thing, even when it’s challenging. This applies to both my professional and personal life. I believe integrity builds trust, and trust is essential whether it’s with clients, colleagues, friends, or family.
How are you finding life at ALA on a day-to-day basis?
Day-to-day life at ALA has been very positive. I feel supported and challenged in a good way. The work is engaging and I am always learning new things. The team dynamics are great which makes it an enjoyable place to work. It’s a fast-paced environment, but the support from colleagues makes it manageable and rewarding.
What is your favourite film, song and food?
- Film: Quantum of Solace
- Song: “You Really Got Me” by The Kinks
- Food: Wagyu fillet steak with Dianne sauce.
Connect with Peter 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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