FORTEM - Key Persons
I joined Fortem back in January 2004. The property maintenance sector was new to me having spent the last 13 years the General Manager of an industrial services company operating in the Oil, Gas, Power and Pharmaceutical sector.
To date I have held a number of roles within the business ranging from Operations Manager, Mobilisations Manager, Director of Business Solutions and now Director of Procurement. My varied experiences have provided me with a unique and deep insight into the workings of our business.
I joined the Fortem family in July 2007 following 10 years in the social housing sector. I am a professional associate of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants and have always worked within finance.
Whilst working in finance I have had various jobs including setting up contractual models, implementing controls and processes to improve accuracy of information, auditing system reports with proactive management tools and setting up nationwide supply chain agreements ensuring that all expenditure adds value and innovation to our stakeholders.
I joined the Fortem board in September 2016 as Finance Director leading the finance department and I believe that the success of the team is driven by good communication both internally and externally, training and developing the team to maximize their potential and ensuring key controls are maintained within the business.
Fortem is a company that I am proud to work for as the people and culture within the business sets us apart from anyone else I have come across. I admire Fortem's flare for change that aims to benefit the sector and our clients by empowering and investing in the people within the Fortem family.
Job Titles:
- Director of Operations ( Midlands )
I joined the business in 2020 to lead Fortem's Birmingham City Council (BCC) contract, carrying out repairs, maintenance, voids, gas, and capital works across 22,000 properties, including a multi-million- pound capital programme, to improve fire safety across BCC's high-rise stock
I have held several senior operational and strategic roles across construction and engineering delivering to private and public sector clients. Before joining Fortem, I worked with Centrica/British Gas developing and managing subcontractor delivery in gas/electrical home services.
My focus is developing cohesive teams with a joint purpose and commitment to excellent customer service. I have a passion for improving diversity in the construction sector and in 2015 I was recognised by BITC's Opportunity Now Excellence in Practice Awards.
Since 2016, I have been a Trustee on the Board of The Haven Wolverhampton, an independent charity providing refuge and support services for women and children survivors of domestic violence. I also mentor for Business in the Community and the placement of the homeless into employment.
Mike Hart - Managing Director
I have worked within the Willmott Dixon Group for nearly 30 years, many of which where I have been responsible for leading a number of our successful businesses.
In all the businesses I have led, my relentless focus on achieving exceptional quality, performance and service delivery resulted in working with a substantial number of customers on a long-term basis, which is key to having a successful business.
One example was where I was appointed Chief Operating Officer for Willmott Dixon Interiors in 2012, where I have overseen the company's growth in turnover from less than £50 million to nearly £200 million, with that company now listed as one of the top five most profitable fit-out contractors in the UK.
In 2020 I was appointed as Executive Chairman at Fortem, and in 2022 also took on the role of Managing Director. During my time so far with Fortem, I have been highly impressed with the calibre of our people and our unrelenting focus to provide a high-quality service to our customers. I'm hugely optimistic about our future at Fortem and with the solid foundations that exist within the business, that we will achieve our ambitious plans for growth over the next few years.
I joined Fortem as a Management Trainee in 2006, and immediately knew I had come to the right place. The buzz and enthusiasm of everyone in the business was contagious and energising, and that continues to make our culture special today.
Job Titles:
- Director of Mobilisations
I started my career in the rail industry as an electrical apprentice. After qualifying as an electrical engineer, I moved into facilities management which led to different sectors, including defence, education, and healthcare.
I first experienced Social Housing when I joined Fortem in February 2012 as Northern Operations Director, before moving into a business support role.
As Director of Mobilisations, I work with the procurement team to secure contracts and then mobilise them into our business. Alongside this I have two other key areas,