Employee profile – Stephen Brighton, Site Manager

What led you to where you are today?

I left school at 16 and undertook a Business Administration NVQ while working nights at a wholesale market and then went into warehouse operations. I joined a company called Shaftec as a picker and packer where I was rapidly promoted to supervisor, team leader and then stock control team leader. They gave me an opportunity to move into purchasing where I worked for 3 years and learned a huge amount about data management. Unfortunately, the Covid pandemic then hit and after a period on furlough I was ultimately made redundant.

I’d seen several of my friends working on construction sites and doing well so I decided to do my CSCS card (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) and started working as a labourer under Sam Coley, who encouraged me to take the SSSTS (site supervisor course) which then enabled me to support him on site with snagging and management items. When Sam joined DDK, he referred me into the company, so I took the SMSTS (site management course) and joined as Assistant Site Manager until I was promoted lately to Site Manager.

How have you found working with DDK?

I genuinely enjoy working at DDK and have learned a huge amount about specialist areas such as refrigeration and wider areas of commercial construction as opposed to residential. There is a very positive and encouraging culture at DDK and the senior directors are very hands on, which makes for a close-knit team. I’m very grateful for the opportunities they have provided me and the immense knowledge and experience that I’ve gained on the job.

Fun Fact

As a native Brummie, I’m a die-hard Aston Villa fan and am very fortunate in that my girlfriend works there so I’m able to get free tickets and you can find me there most weekends!