IN CONVERSATION WITH...
Ten minutes with...
Andrew Hayward
In the third of a new series, we fire some quick questions at Andrew Hayward, managing director of
Russell Roof Tiles, who discusses the stability and future of the roofing and construction industry
What is your current role and
what does it entail?
I’m the managing director at Russell
Roof Tiles and with three sites in Burton
on Trent and Lochmaben, Scotland, I am
responsible for the overall management
in all areas of the business. This can be
anything from dealing with matters
relating to the manufacture of our
concrete tiles and pitched roofing
accessories, to matters relating to
finance, sales, marketing or HR.
How did you first get started in
the industry?
I first started working in the industry
as a sales and technical manager for
another roofing supplier, before moving
to Russell Roof Tiles. Before that, I had
worked at Birmingham City Council for
five years in the building and finance
department.
What roles were you doing
before and how did they
prepare you for the roles you’re
doing now?
Having worked at Russell Roof Tiles
for 28 years, I had the privilege of
being mentored for six years for a
senior director position, and then I was
mentored for an additional six years,
before becoming managing director
and overseeing general management of
the business. This provided me with a
unique insight of the market.
What made you choose
construction as a career?
I started a career within the roofing
industry early on, and I really enjoyed
the variety of work on offer and the
fantastic team at Russell Roof Tiles.
What has been the highlight of
your career so far?
During the worst recession in history,
many other long-standing roofing
companies, both small and large, had
to close. However, through building
an excellent team and hard work, we
were able to keep Russell Roof Tiles in
business and today, we are one of the
largest roofing tile manufacturers in
the UK.
What do you believe are
the biggest issues for
roofing contractors and the
construction industry at the
moment?
Currently, there is a lot of uncertainty
surrounding Brexit, pulling into
question the stability and future of the
roofing and construction industry.
The construction industry is
also currently facing its largest skill
shortage, with a lack of resource
available to meet future demand.
It is now more important than
ever that businesses are providing
career opportunities to younger
people, whether that be through
apprenticeships, progression or training
to further help solve this growing skills
crisis.
What piece of advice would
you give to those thinking
about joining the roofing
sector?
There are many career opportunities
for people looking to join the roofing
industry, and by being prepared to
adapt quickly to surroundings, learning
key skills and being flexible, people can
be guaranteed a positive future within
the industry.
What is your tipple of choice at
the bar?
Cote du Rhone. It is a cold red wine.
What’s your favourite book and
film?
My favourite film is A Few Good Men,
but I also enjoy court dramas.
My favourite book is Bert Trautman
autobiography From Hitler Youth to
FA Cup Legend.
Any claims to fame?
I was once challenged to cook for John
Torode and Greg Wallace as part of
their Masterchef road show.
w www.russellrooftiles.com
Andrew
Hayward:
“There is a lot
of uncertainity
surrounding
Brexit,
pulling into
question the
stability and
future of the
roofing and
construction
industry”
92 www.rcimag.co.uk November 2018
/www.russellrooftiles.com
/www.rcimag.co.uk
