As we continue celebrating Tamdown’s 50th anniversary, we’re proud to keep shining a light on the people who have helped build our story. Each month, we’re sharing reflections from some of our longest‑serving colleagues — those who’ve seen the business evolve, played a vital role in its success, and helped shape the culture we value today. Their experiences offer a meaningful look back at where we’ve come from, while reminding us what continues to drive us forward.
For our fourth feature, we spoke to Dave Butler, Site Manager, who has also been working with Tamdown for nearly 28 years!
What was your first role and how has it evolved since then?
I started working at Tamdown back when it was owned by Tom and Mac, and I’ve seen the ownership change a few times since. I was a machine driver in those days.
Back then, machine drivers had a lot of control over the job. We were the ones on the ground with the paperwork, which is quite different to how things are now, where everyone is expected to be able to read the drawings.
I remember one day Keith Breen saying to me, “Look after these few blokes for a few days.” I told him I couldn’t do both jobs—drive the machine and manage the lads—so he found another machine driver! From that point on, that was it really, I’ve been managing sites ever since.
I also remember being sent to Tamdown’s first ever project in Cambridge. Paddy Mohan was my Contracts Manager at the time. Over the years, I’ve worked with many of the current Tamdown Contracts Managers and Site Managers and have seen them progress and develop along the way.
What makes a site run smoothly in your eyes?
Putting the right people, in the right place, on the right job. As a Site Manager you’ve got to know the capabilities of your team – you need good, hardworking people that you’re able to trust. The site is easier to manage if you know everyone is doing what they’re supposed to be doing.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt whilst being a Site Manager?
Understanding people’s capabilities is important – you get far more out of them when you know what they can realistically deliver. You’ve got to be tough, but it has to be balanced with give and take.
I remember working on a job where it had been snowing heavily for days, and we had been pushing the team hard to complete a task. By the final afternoon the conditions were really bad, and there was a discussion about sending the lads home unpaid. I made the case for keeping them on full pay, because I recognised the effort they had put in and the difficult conditions they had been working under.
You’ve got to be approachable too. When you move from job to job, the early stages can be challenging as you take time to get to know the people on site. But if you stay visible, present, and accessible, you build trust and develop strong working relationships.
What has been your biggest achievement that you are most proud of during your time with Tamdown?
I enjoy sharing my knowledge and experience, and over time I’ve passed those skills on to others around me. I’ve mentored a number of Tamdown’s Site Managers, including my son, Matt and more recently Tyler Grove. I’d say that’s what I’m most proud of.
Any funny or unexpected moments that still make you smile?
I do remember a time when we were working near Hobson’s Brook in Cambridge, putting a bridge across. One of our Site Managers, though I won’t be naming names — decided he could easily jump across. As he ran up to it, you could see him getting nervous, and the next thing we knew he went straight in. It still makes me chuckle to this day.
What do you still enjoy about your role and what keeps you motivated after so many years?
I take real satisfaction in finishing a project and walking away knowing I’ve delivered what I set out to deliver. When the customer sees the finished result and is genuinely pleased, there’s nothing better. I believe in doing a quality job — it’s pointless doing the work if it isn’t done properly.
I’ve got five children — three of whom also work for Tamdown in varying roles— and five grandchildren, and I work hard for them. I also make no secret of the fact that I enjoy my holidays too.
What advice would you give an apprentice or junior staff to progress?
Always strive to do your best and work hard. When you approach your work with commitment and give it your full effort, people notice. That recognition leads to trust, and in time, it opens the door to new opportunities.
Thank you to Dave for sharing his stories and reflections from years gone by. We hope you’ve enjoyed this look back at our shared history.
Thank you to Dave 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.