It was around 2007, just as Mercury was embarking on its first Data Centre project in London, when Alan jumped on board. \u201cWhen I decided to move to Mercury it was <\/span>a big risk<\/span>. I had a secure position with a highly reputable firm. But moving was the best decision I ever made. <\/span>That\u2019s<\/span> when the big opportunities really started to unfold.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Alan feels hugely privileged to have been part of Mercury\u2019s <\/span><\/span>journey to becoming Europe\u2019s leading data <\/span>centre<\/span> provider<\/span><\/span>. \u201cI was there right from the start, so you could say <\/span>I\u2019ve<\/span> grown up with them! Data Centre Construction was <\/span>very different<\/span> back then,\u201d Alan points out. \u201cIT was <\/span>considerably less<\/span> sophisticated with most relying on 2D drawings. Many processes and procedures were manual, and <\/span>the majority of<\/span> decisions were made on-site. <\/span>It\u2019s<\/span> a very different<\/span> environment now. There are a lot more stakeholders involved in the process. Because of this, investors want to see the project visualised in minute detail before even one sod gets turned over. <\/span>That\u2019s<\/span> why leading-edge technology is so important. At Mercury, we have a wide range of BIM tools at our disposal to show clients a precise digital representation of the project across its lifecycle, from planning and design to construction and operations. These solutions enable more efficient design and construction processes that <\/span>ultimately support<\/span> the growth of our clients.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Throughout his 16 years with Mercury, Alan has seen the company thrive on the highs and weather the lows. \u201cThe construction industry has witnessed particularly challenging times over the last 15 years. One thing we\u2019ve always prided ourselves on is a determination never to give up which has been a key factor in our success\u201d <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n It\u2019s a bit like snooker,\u201d Alan muses. \u201cWhile many companies get caught up in the day-to-day of delivering a project, we always try to stay at least seven shots ahead. We are constantly looking for ways to future proof our business and we\u2019re not afraid of change. My division is a case in point. In the early days of Data Centre construction, there were very few experts to call on for advice. We had to develop that specialised knowledge and expertise ourselves. We now have our own internal tax department, legal department, literally a full suite of experts on hand to ensure that all aspects of compliance are achieved and maintained. Our drive to always be at the forefront of change has allowed us to deliver over 700MWs worth of data centres in just the last five years.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n When asked about his role as MD, Alan is very candid. \u201cIt\u2019s challenging and exhilarating in equal measures. It\u2019s funny, but it doesn\u2019t feel like a massively seismic jump for me. Instead, it\u2019s as though all the positions I\u2019ve held in Mercury has led up to this. There is a culture of professional development within the company which makes career progression a smoother, more seamless process.\u201d<\/p>\n This thirst for knowledge has been a real personal driver for Alan. \u201cI\u2019ve been given so many opportunities and sound advice. The senior management team has guided me to take the path that\u2019s right for me as an individual.\u201d This path saw Alan embark on a leadership programme with renowned business school, INSEAD, in Singapore. \u201cMy eyes were opened. I found myself learning alongside some of the world\u2019s top executives and realised that they had the same issues and problems as me. The programme was a game changer. It taught me how to manage people more effectively. We have over 250 direct staff, plus subcontractors in excess of 500 on any given project. I\u2019ve learned to manage situations from a leadership perspective, focus on what really matters and not sweat the small stuff.\u201d<\/p>\n Alan believes that what he has experienced through his journey has given a holistic perspective that few in construction are lucky to get. \u201cYou obtain a better understanding of the project from conception to delivery. In a way it\u2019s similar to the evolution that Mercury underwent, advancing from a subcontractor to a main contractor. We understand the job better which is of massive benefit to our clients.\u201d<\/p>\n So, w<\/span>hat does Alan see in terms of the future? \u201cThere\u2019s no doubt the construction industry is changing,\u201d he says. \u201cClients <\/span>require<\/span> projects delivered faster than ever, there is a shortage of skilled labour, and a whole new generation of talent <\/span>that\u2019s<\/span> seeking a better work\/life balance. Modern methods of construction are <\/span>definitely helping<\/span> to shift the dynamic. Modular construction, where more work is being carried out off-site, is creating a more favourable work environment. This, in turn, should encourage more diversity and inclusion in the workforce. <\/span>I\u2019m<\/span> excited for the future. <\/span><\/span>It\u2019s a tough industry but we\u2019re well-<\/span>equipped<\/span> to succeed and deliver our clients\u2019 visions.<\/span><\/span>\u201d<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Mercury is Europe\u2019s most experienced Colocation Data Centre service provider. We go beyond to meet the challenges of the ever-growing market, always delivering to our clients\u2019 requirements and commitments. Over the last 20 years as a leading general contractor, our highly skilled international teams have successfully delivered data centres across 14 countries for some of the world\u2019s largest data centre companies. We design, build, plan, construct, and commission data centres using the highest levels of safety, quality, and delivery and manage the maintenance of facilities post-construction. Our cutting-edge construction methods mean we consistently deliver highly complex and specialised turnkey services on time, every time.<\/p>\n Follow us on\u00a0LinkedIn<\/a>, Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0and\u00a0Instagram.<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The changes in the way we work and operate has brought with it a whole new set of global transformations, both for industries and individuals alike. Remote working and learning has accelerated the need for rapid access to information. This has highlighted the vital role the Data Centre industry provides in ensuring businesses can function […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":14153,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1,36],"class_list":["post-14150","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mercury-engineering","category-insights"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n![\"\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Mercury-Brussel-def-7327-4-1000x665-3.jpg\")
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\nDATA CENTRES \u2013 COLOCATION<\/h4>\n