About

IN CONVERSATION WITH DAMM’S MANAGING DIRECTOR, GERRY RUSSELL

*Gerry is pictured with Civils Director Brian McLaughlin, at a Glasgow DIY SOS completion party, celebrating a very worthy project to which DAMM proudly donated time, services and equipment.

“I originally worked in plant hire for drainage companies – and I used to supply companies with high pressure water jetting equipment. At work I looked at each individual supplier, maybe about a dozen in total – and thought ‘Oh I like that idea, and that idea..’ not really consciously thinking I’ll go and do this myself. I just knew instinctively what I liked and what I could see working. Although I never really seriously considered going out on my own in the early days. Looking back though, this almost unconscious ‘research’ did set me on the path to being where I am today. From plant hire work I moved into the contracting business, and eventually an opportunity then arose to go out on my own.

Over the years the drainage industry has really, at times intensely, evolved. I’ve witnessed huge changes. From Health & Safety protocols and industry accreditations, to the technological advancements around the drainage equipment we use – we’ve come a long way from water pressures of 2000 psi = about 4 gallons a minute. Now we’re up at 2000psi = 130 gallons a minute for major sewer cleaning. Only a few companies specialised in HPWJ systems back in the day.

People within the drainage industry have changed too, which is of course inevitable. Technology has transformed many jobs but cultural shifts are just as important. Companies have had to make a huge adjustment in the way we work over the past couple of years, with the rise of remote and hybrid working. And even before coronavirus, the world of work was going through some major changes, as employees pushed for better work-life balance, and employers saw the benefits of making the workplace an environment in which staff can thrive, be more engaged with the company’s vision, and be more motivated and productive. I think it’s become harder than ever to recruit and retain good staff within the drainage industry – which is one of the reasons at DAMM we helped to found the N.A.D.C (the National Association of Drainage Contractors) One of our aims was to bring fresh, new faces into the industry to both galvanise and cultivate an interest in the world of drainage and environmental services.

By recruiting employees from a young age, mentoring them, and training them properly I felt there was more of a chance of encouraging employees to grow with DAMM and be a part of our long-term employment strategy. I wanted to help rid the industry of the ‘white van man’ and ‘cowboy builders’ stigmas. Receiving our ‘Contractor of the Year’ award at the inaugural National Drainage Awards was a real professional highlight, and I think it’s really important to the industry as a whole to be seen to be rewarding those individuals and companies going the extra mile. To be recognised by our NADC peers was a great moment! Competition is healthy!”