Testimonials from Industry Colleagues

Manager of  Project Controls at Fluor 

Current Chair of Project Controls Trailblazer Team 

Shane is an extraordinary man, whose passion for his craft is second to none.  Not only has he pursued an extensive career which has broadened his experience and depth of Project Controls knowledge to a level envied by many in the industry, but his willingness and drive to pass on what he has learned to the next generation of project controls professionals is nothing short of truly admirable. My most recent engagement with Shane has been in consultation with the National Project Controls Trailblazer team.  Shane originally established this group of senior specialists and chaired the regular meetings for many years, driving the development of apprenticeship standards for the UK Engineering and Construction Industry.  Shane worked tirelessly with this group of industry experts to successfully establish both the current Level 3 and Level 6 apprenticeship standards subsequently approved by the UK Government, both of which are now successfully operating across the country.  I have no doubt that without Shane’s tenacity and drive to create such a solid foundation for Project Controls training, the next generation of Project Controls professionals would now be floundering.  Following his retirement, Shane continues to provide support and specialist training to the young engineers joining the industry and is admired and highly valued by all who have the pleasure of receiving his guidance and counsel.

Lead Project Controls Manager at KBR Systems

Reported Directly to Shane at Costain (2014-2017) 

I have known Shane for 10 years including several working in his leadership team at Costain. Shane's passion, knowledge and experience in project controls is second to none and I would also describe him as an inspirational, dedicated, kind & respectful leader. And someone I thoroughly enjoyed working for and now consider a good friend. Shane's contribution to project controls at Costain was considerable. Navigating a complex, sizeable and varied group of stakeholders across multiple sectors, Shane brought a level of rigour, consistency and harmonisation across Costain's project controls tools, processes and procedures. Furthermore, as a 'founder' of project controls in the UK, his focus and determination to lead and shape the UK project controls apprentice schemes demonstrates his commitment to pass on his sizeable knowledge to the next generation of project controls professionals. 

Divisional Director - Project Services (now retired)

Worked with Shane at AMEC 1990 -1998

My first contact with Shane was in 1990 shortly after I joined AMEC Process and Energy, a major contractor in Oil & Gas Design, Procurement and Construction. His enthusiastic, highly competent and professional cooperation led to the development of a greatly enhanced and integrated approach to the Project Control of many major and important offshore and onshore projects. We also cooperated as members of a Task Group to develop the Project Controls Value Enhancement Practice, published in 2002 by the European Construction Institute and Shane's contribution was invaluable. I later had the pleasure of working with Shane in our roles on ACostE Council. Shane took on the role of Vice-President, addressing many key topics including developing and managing the membership activities in the North East of England and taking the lead in proposing and implementing major improvements to the Association website. I have had significant contact with Shane in his admirable efforts to promote and develop the vital disciplines of Project Control within UK Industry.  A key to this is the establishment and maintenance of links between relevant organisations. Shane is playing a very important part in working with Project Control experts from BCECA (British Chemical Engineering Contractor Association) to ensure their requirements are engaged within ACostE and other national-level actions. Finally, in terms of his contribution to the development of Project Controls in UK Industry, Shane's work within AMEC to introduce a Project Controls Apprenticeship Scheme and his co-work with others to develop training and development courses related to Project Control NVQ's is, in my opinion, one of the most encouraging and inspiring initiatives currently alive in UK Industry. The work Shane, and his colleagues are doing is a shining example of dedication and commitment to raise our national project control expertise towards world class.

Project Manager at JDR Cable Systems

Reported Directly to Shane at AMEC (2007-2014) and Costain (2015 - 2019)

I  have known Shane for my entire working career and I would certainly not be where I am today without his help and guidance. Not only was Shane instrumental in dealing with the increasing skill shortage by getting the first Project Controls Apprenticeships up and running then going on to train and guide many apprentices. He has also helped various companies improve Project Controls through better understanding of the value of the function but more importantly implementing needed improvements. I have worked with Shane on a number of Project Controls and Project Management improvement processes such as Operational Excellence and SPMM at AMEC but also in the implementation of an Integrated Project Delivery Solutions (IPDS) at Costain. As well as helping other businesses such as Horizon Nuclear with consultancy support to help develop their Project Management Offices. Shane is passionate about training, development and improving the industry as a whole 

Head of Talent and Development at Tandem Bank

Worked with Shane at AMEC 2007 - 2014

I worked with Shane for 8 years at AMEC. Shane is one of the most committed and passionate advocates for growing future skills. I worked closely with Shane on many of our Project Control initiatives including the apprenticeship programme. Shane is one of those people who is willing to share his knowledge with others as he wants to see people grow and prosper. One thing I truly admire about Shane is his own thirst for learning. He invested so much personal time into his MSc and was well rewarded with a distinction for his efforts. Shane is incredible to work with, a true master practitioner in his field. 

Planning Manager at Costain Group plc

Shane was senior to Jon at Costain and AMEC but didn't manage Jon directly

I have known Shane for many years and worked within Project Controls groups that Shane was responsible for, in more than one organisation. Shane's appetite for the development of the Project Controls profession, and more specifically the people that work within it, has been a constant source of inspiration. Shane has always made time to offer advice, and the benefit of his experience, to anyone who seeks his counsel. I would recommend anyone who has the chance to be trained by Shane to take the opportunity without hesitation.  

Project Controls Consultancy Specialist at KB PCC Limited

Worked with Shane at Costain 2017 - 2019

Shane is a true gentleman with many years of project controls experience. He demands absolute respect for his profession. His work rate and ethics is unequalled yet he is never too busy to help those aspiring to be great project controls professionals. Shane supported me whilst I was working as the Regional Project Controls Lead at Costain Group a few years ago and Shane was the PMO Director, testament to his doctrine of supporting others along the way. I recently purchased his newly released book on a project controls practitioner handbook and what a great read, so much so that i referred to it just recently as part of my 'reach back' library. Hi five for that man I say 

Lead Cost Specialist at KBR

Worked with Shane at Costain 2017 - 2018

I worked with Shane briefly at Costain when I was in a Cost Engineering role. He was very knowledgeable, approachable and supportive to all of his team. He has a brilliant energy about him and is very passionate for the work he does in project controls. I highly recommend him for any project control training requirements you might have. It was an absolute pleasure working with him. 

Project Manager at Tractabel

Worked with Shane at Whessoe 2003 - 2006

Shane is a very knowledgeable and experienced Project Controls Manager who was instrumental in establishing the systems and procedures that we work to today. During his time at Whessoe he also took on the role as Bid Manager for several EPC LNG Tenders in China and got involved in commercial management for the company.  Shane is very proactive and developed excellent working relationships with the management team and his direct reports. 

Senior Consultant at Turner & Townsend

Client of Shane's at Projcon 2019 - 2021

I met Shane in 2016 when he was Chair of the Project Controls Technician Apprenticeship Trailblazer group. I am delighted to recommend him as a project control thought leader and exceptional trainer. When Shane established GO FORTH in 2019, I invited him to perform consultancy services for Projcon. He provided Quality Assurance for our Skills Assessment Reports (SARs) and recommended and created new SARs for us. All work was completed to challenging deadlines. In delivery of Project Controls training for Projcon, Shane refreshed and improved the course materials and case studies. This led-to excellent learner feedback on his innovative virtual training. Shane also delivered a successful webinar on Strategic Management 

Programme and Project Management Director

Worked with Shane at AMEC 2005 - 2009

I am pleased to endorse Shane's capabilities in the field of project controls (planning and cost controls). As an expert in that area he developed and presented a number of project controls training modules under the AMEC Projects Academy which I instigated while at AMEC. Shane is a subject matter 'expert' and was consulted by many across the Company on best practices in project controls

Project Director 

Risk Manager Corporate at CONCO International

Worked with Shane at Whessoe 2003 - 2006

At Whessoe as Company Project Services Manager, Shane developed structured planning, scheduling and cost control systems based on CTRs. Whilst managing EPC contracts, I readily adopted his integrated system, which allowed me to be able to control, make decisions and give realistic forecasts and reports to the board on schedule, manhour, cost and cash flow. Previously project control systems differed from project to project and success relied too heavily on individuals ability. Shane also followed up with his support whenever needed.  He worked closely with projects to carry out proactive technical integrity reviews on the project schedule, the development of the CTRs and the scheduling templates. Between projects, I worked on EPC tenders with Shane who had responsibility for Estimating, preparing Tender Board Papers and Risk Management analysis.

Head of Engineering Data Integrator at Lonza 

Worked with Shane at AMEC 2001 - 2003

Shane was a very experienced and highly regarded member of AMEC Senior Management team. I worked with Shane on various projects at AMEC. Shane is very approachable and extremely helpful person I have ever come across. Shane had numerous challenges throughout the project and he took great pride in tackling each with a positive attitude and smile on his face. He is very loyal and takes a great pride in meeting the highest expectations and challenging deadlines. He is logical, methodical, has an eye for detail and works quickly under pressure - all qualities required from a good manager. 

Retired

Worked with Shane but they were at Different Companies

I have known Shane since 2003, initially on a professional and business basis which has grown into a friendship based on the common trust of persons who see the Cost Engineering function as an inherent part of the engineering and construction sectors of the process industrial sectors. He is very capable and has an infectious desire to promulgate the careers of students and apprentices to become trained cost and project services personnel ensuring the future of the projects to be undertaken within the UK and globally. His experience encompasses a multi-discipline capability for a variety of industries and has a hands on approach which ensures project deadlines are met and within budget.