As we mark Tamdown’s remarkable 50th anniversary, we’re taking a moment each month to look back at the people who’ve helped shape our story. Throughout the year, we’ll be sharing memories and reflections from some of our longest‑serving colleagues — those who’ve witnessed our evolution first-hand and contributed to the culture, resilience, and success we celebrate today. Their stories not only honour our past but also inspire the road ahead.
For our third feature, we spoke to Lee Haylock who has been working with Tamdown nearly 28 years!
What is your earliest memory of Tamdown when you started?
My memories of Tamdown actually begin long before I worked here myself. My dad worked for the company too, working as a Welder/Fabricator in the workshop and I would often join him on weekends.
One of my strongest early memories is from the late 1980s, when I was in my teens. My dad took me to the area that would eventually become Great Notley Country Park – before Great Notley Village or the Notley by-pass existed. I remember standing there, watching Tamdown’s Cat D8 dozer at work. It was enormous, one of the biggest machines they had at the time and it was cutting and shaping the balancing ponds. The noise, the dust, the sheer scale of it all left a real impression on me. I knew then that I wanted to be involved in the construction industry.
I later joined Tamdown as an Engineer on various sites in Kent after leaving university. The commute was long, so when an opportunity came up for a Technical role in the Braintree office, I jumped at it. From there, I eventually moved into the Commercial department, so I have been a QS for 20+ years.
How has the role of QS evolved since you started?
I’d say the biggest changes have come from technological advances, which have transformed the way we work. We now have access to far more information – and we can get it instantly. When I first started, there was no internet on site, everything was handwritten, then you went back to the office and posted a hard copy of the valuations to the customer.
Nowadays, all the information you need is right at your fingertips. It allows us to be proactive rather than reactive. We can now look towards the end of life costs rather than just what was spent yesterday.
Collaboration with our operational colleagues has also improved, which makes a significant difference to how effectively we can plan, forecast and deliver.
What part of your role gives you the most satisfaction?
For me it’s all about the small wins – the achievements that come from the combination of moving parts. I get a real sense of satisfaction from seeing how each decision, each bit of collaboration, each piece of shared information contributes to the bigger picture. It’s more about the cumulative success we create as a team and that comes from supporting each other, and finding better ways collectively.
Do you have a memorable negotiation or breakthrough moment?
Generally, due to the nature of our contracts, there isn’t much room for negotiation. However, one experience stands out. We were securing an RC frame contract in Cambridge for a customer who was working with a high-profile end client. The contract was quite onerous – this big client feeding down through the chain. I was a bit sceptical on how things would go, but the customer was open and willing to work through the details with us. We managed to reach a mutually agreeable position. It was a challenging process but an enjoyable one to be part of.
What advice would you give to an apprentice QS joining the company?
Spend as much time as possible on site – watch, listen and really take in what we do and how we do it. Observe how teams work together and how we interact with other trades. Understanding the practical side of the job is invaluable. Be inquisitive, ask questions and don’t be afraid to get involved.
I also believe that nothing beats face-to-face communication. You can pick up far more when you’re sitting across from someone – their body language, their reactions, things that you just don’t get through a screen. So speak more, message less.
What keeps you motivated after so many years?
I’ve grown up in this industry and during my time at Tamdown I’ve seen so much movement, growth and diversity, I feel very fortunate to have been part of that journey. It genuinely feels like family here – I enjoy the work I do, and I enjoy the people I work with. That combination is what keeps me motivated year after year.
Thank you to Lee for sharing his stories and reflections from years gone by. We hope you’ve enjoyed this look back at our shared history. Be sure to keep an eye out for next month’s feature, where we’ll spotlight another long‑serving colleague and continue celebrating 50 years of dedication, growth, and community.