Arthian Spotlight: Steve Alderson

Our Arthian Spotlight series showcases our technical experts around the UK. This week, we are spotlighting a new member of the team – Steve Alderson, Associate Director Energy Group, who is located near our Wolverhampton office but operates across the UK.

Steve brings with him experience from a long and varied career that has been largely focused on operational delivery, be it in projects, maintenance or consultancy. He has worked across many areas which includes the industrial, commercial, and the public sector. His career path has exposed him to working on all sides of business, from the client side, as a consultant and as a contractor.

As Associate Director, within Bryan McAlpine’s Energy Team, Steve will be responsible for developing strategic relationships and partners, supporting our Salix offering as well as providing technical support to our energy colleagues.

Learn more about Steve below:

What inspired your career choice?

As with all teenagers I was influenced by my parents and family, my father enjoyed a long career at Dunlop (manufacturer of tyres and complementary products) but my Uncle was a Director in a small electrical company, and so I followed in my uncles technical footsteps by securing an electronic and electrical apprenticeship at the same company my father worked at. I had a love for learning and Dunlop offered me both my first paid job and my career in engineering. I later became interested in the world of energy and it was only a short, sideways step to move into energy where I have been for the past 20yrs.

What has had the greatest impact on your career?

Working within Teams, so Teamwork!

When I started my career, I very quickly learnt that for any major project to be successful, the delivery team needs to be organised, aligned and embrace the output deliverables and its timescale. Everyone within a team needs to proactively contribute to achieve the outcome.

Aligned teams will always work better, and in most cases the collective team will always be stronger than any individual. I have found the most successful teams are those which are open minded and embrace the continuous improvement mindset, these teams are always striving to become better. So, Teamwork absolutely works.

What career advice to the younger generation?

My advice to any young engineer is to always take the time to invest in yourself. It is your responsibility to learn and develop in all areas of engineering and business. You own your career; people will always be willing to help and support your development if you show willingness to learn. Every day bring with you a “positive attitude” and when you combine it with a “strong work ethic” and opportunity doors will always open for you. Don’t be frightened of being stretched and working out of your comfort zone, this is how you learn.