Nick Till discusses his early start in fabrication, how he has worked his way up to the position of technical manager at CDW Systems – and why regulations are a good thing for the industry.

Glass Times (GT): How did you get started in the industry?

Nick Till (NT): I started in the industry as soon as I left school, so it was my first job. My birthday is in August, so I was only 15 at the time and I started in fabrication, working for a company that manufactured single glazed wrap around aluminium windows for caravans and motorhomes.

I was there until 18 and then decided to go into plastic extrusions before getting back into it when I was 23. I met my partner and moved to Leamington Spa and worked for a PVC fabrication and installation company. During the eight years I was there I introduced aluminium fabrication before I moved back to Tewkesbury in 2011 and started at Clearway.

GT: What are your biggest achievements?

NT: The role I’m doing now is my biggest achievement. I started at Clearway in manufacturing, which I did for five years, before I got the opportunity to become a service engineer, where I used to do site visits for CDW.

I then moved onto commercial projects before becoming technical manager, so I have risen through the ranks to get to where I am today.

GT: What changes have you seen in that time (good or bad)?

NT: I’ve seen it all! One of the positive changes has been around regulations. When I first started the industry didn’t have as many regulations and the trade had a bit of a bad reputation due to non-professionals.

The regulations nowadays have made it very hard for those people to be part of the trade and I think we’ll see that continue over the next few years. And for somebody like me and CDW, we will benefit enormously from that.

GT: Where would you like to be in five years’ time?

NT: Doing what I’m doing now! I think the new merger (with CDW and Clearway Doors and Windows) makes us stronger as a manufacturer as it will help streamline operations and bring new products in, we’ll have all products under one roof, and we’ll be combining the knowledge of both companies.

Being part of the new dedicated technical team of three and working alongside my colleagues excites me as I’ll be learning everyday from them and vice versa.

GT: What are your interests outside of the industry?

NT: I like woodwork and anything to do with joinery. I’ve got a garage at home which is my little workshop and when I’ve got time I’ll go and make a cabinet or whatever the wife can think of!

I’ve been into astronomy for the past 10 years and I get the scope out if it’s a good day and I’ve got a couple of stars. I like National Trusts and history and do plenty of walking too.

GT: What do you like most about working at CDW Systems?

NT: It’s fantastic when you get to go and see a customer and they are satisfied with the product and service you’ve provided. I also like the team ethic here, and introducing and working with new products, and the R&D side of that, which goes towards customer satisfaction.

I’m sure there’s something I’m not keen on in my role, but I never come to work thinking ‘oh no, I’ve got to do this today,’ which is why I know I’m at the best place for me.