Samuel Knight 2021 Award Winner, Justin Morris

In this series, Samuel Knight Marketing Coordinator, Emma Dark, sits down with the 2021 Business Award Winners across our Energy and Rail divisions to discuss life at Samuel Knight and what advice they would give to prospective SK consultants.

This week Emma caught up with Justin Morris who was awarded Best Rail Consultant for 2021 as well as Best Newcomer (with less than 2 years’ service)! Justin has also recently been promoted to Rail Operations Manager, heading up Samuel Knight’s new Welsh office!

Tell me about yourself Justin…

My role has developed so that I now manage Samuel Knight’s office based in Abercynon, Wales and I currently have 2 resourcer’s who report directly to me within the Rail business. On the Rail side of Samuel Knight we supply safety critical and non-safety critical staff to a variety of national clients. At the moment Wales is incredibly busy so it’s great to have a base there now to work out of, as well as the continued support from the team in Bristol.

I’m also a keen golfer and avid Liverpool fan, often travelling to watch their games when I can!

Before working at Samuel Knight what was the most interesting or unusual job that you’ve had?

Back in 2007, I was travelling across Australia and whilst camping in a town called Broome, I went down to the beach one morning and saw a 80 foot catamaran (boat) moored up and got speaking to the skipper. After chatting for a while he asked if I wanted a job, next thing you know I’ve been signed up as the ships cook! I travelled from Australia to Thailand and did a total of 11 days at sea!  

What does an average day for you look like at Samuel Knight?

An average day… well every day is different for me! It’s a really fast paced and often demanding environment.  A speedy response is critical in the blue collar roles we supply to our clients. It’s a hugely rewarding job though and I do get a lot of satisfaction working alongside my team to fill the roles. At the moment I tend to split my time between on-site visits and the office, with around 70% of my time spent on-site visits or client meetings.

What does the industry look like at the moment, are you seeing an increase in demand for certain skillsets?

Being based in Wales, there is a lot happening within the industry, you have the electrification of the core valley lines,  station refurbishments, platform upgrades, new train depots and the entirety of the infrastructure being developed.

There is also a great need for women within the industry at the moment too.

Are there any misconceptions people outside of your field have about your role or the Rail industry?

A common misconception about the Rail industry is that it’s heavily male dominated but there are plenty of opportunities for women too,  it’s just about finding and working with the right people! I do a lot of work with supporting resettlement of armed forces leavers and support the rehabilitation for ex-offenders too. There are plenty of opportunities within the Rail industry for anyone who wants it.

What advice do you have for prospective Samuel Knight consultants?

I would say… work hard, work morally, stay true to yourself and you’ll be successful!

What do you value about working at Samuel Knight?

The people are what makes Samuel Knight for me, it’s a great culture here! The management team give you the autonomy to work whilst also ensuring that support is readily available if needed. I apply the same principles to the consultants I manage and support them in the early stages of their careers.

What does the future hold for you at Samuel Knight?

I have just recently been promoted to Rail Operations Manager following my success in 2021 and now manage the Welsh office, so I feel very positive for my future career progression here. With the support that I get from the management team I know that as long as I have the passion then I can go as far as I want within the company.

What’s your most memorable moment with the company?

For me it was winning my first award at Samuel Knight, the Rising Star Award in 2020. It tickled to be me to be honest as I felt that award was meant for people at the start of their career, not for someone my age! But it also goes to show that you get recognised for your hard work!

3 words that describe Samuel Knight for you?

Supportive

Honest

Hardworking

Finally, at Samuel Knight we have the motto ‘team work makes the dream work’, do you have a favourite quote, motto or personal mantra?

‘I don’t live to work, I work to live’. It’s from a Stereophonics song!

Interview by Emma Dark, Marketing Coordinator

To find out how Justin can support your next project or progression within the Rail industry, please contact justin.morris@samuel-knight.com