Member Article

Veteran quantity surveyor recognised at national industry awards

A quantity surveyor who helped shape North Wales’ roads has been recognised for his contribution to civil engineering.

Peter Tomlinson, senior estimator for Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK, was presented with the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) Wales’ contribution to the industry award at its annual awards ceremony in Cardiff.

The award recognised Peter’s skill and expertise, which has had a major impact on a number of engineering projects in North Wales.

Peter, from Dwygyfylchi near Conwy, worked as a trainee at Dinorwic Power Station in 1974, and later went onto the Caernarfon inner relief road as an assistant quantity surveyor.

He moved with the same contractor to the £17m A55 Bangor bypass in 1980, where he was involved with work on 12 bridges and underpass structures still in use today.

He used his eye for value engineering to make life easier for motorists during early exploratory trial anchor tests high above road level prior to the construction of the A55 at Pen-y Clip, Penmaenmawr, in the late 80s.

He suggested the old Goat Pub, destined for future demolition, be demolished early, and the rubble used to form a temporary ramp for the tracked drilling rigs to gain access to the upper level.

Peter’s solution prevented the hiring of a large crane to lift the rigs over the adjacent properties, which would have resulted in a major 40+ mile diversion and disruption to motorists using the existing highway.

The work to demolish and create the ramp started at sunrise on a summer’s Sunday morning and was completed before most people woke up that day.

He joined Jones Bros in 2002 as manager of the small works division and set to work leading the de-silting, renovation, and maintenance of the 14th century Beaumaris Castle’s moat, to help protect the UNESCO world heritage site.

Peter now heads up the estimating department where he is involved with major contracts including the Tir Gwynt wind farm and substation, and worked on a project to complete early preparatory works at Wylfa Newydd.

Peter said: “I’ve worked in the industry for a long time and have been fortunate enough to be involved with some major contracts.

“I’m proud to have won the award and it’s thanks to our team at Jones Bros that we’ve been able to complete so many successful projects during the 16 years I’ve been here.”

Jones Bros chairman Huw Jones added: “When I think about Peter, the words ‘honesty’, ‘integrity’, and ‘dependable’ come to mind. He works quietly in the background but has a huge impact on the company and the industry.

“He is responsible for mentoring a number of our graduate quantity surveyors, many of whom have gone on to become chartered surveyors and progressed through the ranks at Jones Bros.

“Peter’s patience and approachable nature continues to be a fantastic asset for the company. He sets an excellent work ethic as well as portrays high standards for colleagues to adhere to.”

Established in the 1950s, Jones Bros is now being run by the second and third generations of the founding family.

It works on projects including the construction of waste management facilities, highways, flood and marine defence, and renewable energy projects around the UK.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sam Harris .