Getting to know – Jamie Baldridge
Our Director of Park Services, Jamie Baldridge, has been part of the Quorum team for over 13 years and this month in our ‘Getting to Know’ series, we have been chatting to Jamie about his role and his life outside of the workplace.
Please tell us about the role you play within the Quorum team.
My role involves supporting occupiers and their staff by ensuring the safe, functional and efficient running of our multi-let buildings and the wider estate. This involves budgeting, project management as well as ensuring the smooth running of operations such as cleaning, security, grounds/landscaping and maintenance.
What roles did you have prior to joining the Quorum team?
I began my career as a maintenance engineer in the Royal Navy (although truth be told I actually started work spinning the waltzer at Metroland whilst I waited for my joining update! That was a mental 7 months!).
After leaving the Royal Nay I held a number of maintenance/service roles before I moved into facilities management.
When did you start working at Quorum?
I remember it well – 22nd February 2010. I was grateful to be offered the role as I’d been made redundant by Findus in the previous year (do you remember the fire?) whilst on a temporary contract with Carillion.
I was initially brought in to manage Q4, with a view to taking on the remainder of the Park. Thanks to a brilliant team around me, we started managing the remainder of the Park by July the same year.
What do you enjoy most about your role at Quorum?
It has to be the diversity of the role. There have definitely been some challenges over the years from floods to fires and everything in between!
What makes Quorum a special place to work?
The atmosphere around the place. The occupiers are great and really buy into the ethos of the Park.
Our on site team are fantastic too. I’m sure if you asked anyone, nothing is ever a problem.
What will be keeping you busy in the coming months?
Although its only July we are already preparing for winter. Now is the time to start reviewing our gritting and snow clearance requirements. It’s also the time of year for fire and health and safety audits. Whilst they are completed by external auditors, they are are very time consuming, but necessary.
What has been your most memorable day whilst working at Quorum?
Saying goodbye to Bill Brown, our longstanding security guard, who retired earlier this year. Bill had worked on site for close to 20 years and had been a massive support to me. Bill was always willing to go that extra mile and was always on hand as a first responder to any issues or concerns. This made my day to day role so much easier. The remainder of the team have really taken up the mantel and continue to provide a service in much the same way as Bill.
Tell us something about Quorum that we may not know?
During the design phase of the Park, Q12 was meant to be a few metres to the left. A decision was made to go back to planners so that the building could be lined up with the main avenue. I’m sure you’ll agree that it was a good decision.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.
My real name is Benjamin. Jamie came about thanks to my older brother when we were very young.
What keeps you busy when you are not working at Quorum?
Our family home. It’s been a 2-year project to date. We gutted the house back to bare brick including rebuilding all internal walls. We have installed central heating for the first time since the house was built in 1895. We recently added a 2-storey extension made from salvaged bricks to match the existing.
What was the last book you read?
Fantastic Mr Fox. I found the book I had when I was a child and couldn’t help but read it!
Name your top 3 movies of all time
Remember the Titans – The idea behind the movie is quite moving and the music is awesome too.
Man on Fire – I remember watching this in the mess square while serving in the Royal Navy. I don’t think I’ll ever see so many grown men cry to a movie again.
The Great Escape – I’m pretty sure I don’t need to justify this one. Imagine if this was made today with all those names in one movie?
