Born to shipyard workers in Paisley, Renfrewshire, my family has deep roots in Clyde shipbuilding, which meant I had little chance of soft, clean hands. My journey in the engineering field began with an engineering course at Bromley College, leading to an apprenticeship. I was disheartened when a classmate secured the first placement at a large machine shop in Sidcup. However, little did I know that this would ultimately guide me to Maxim Way in Crayford, where I embarked on an apprenticeship that shaped my career as an engineer. The creation of a Maxim demanded generations of skill, as Crayford historically played a significant role in the British armory. I was fortunate to learn from these skilled men, most of whom were taught by their fathers, passing down knowledge from father to son over the years. I still recall working alongside these craftsmen in Crayford, including on the first proper aviation Gatling gun at Vickers on the way to Dartford—an experience reminiscent of Fred Dibnah-style legends. One remarkable machinist, Bill, who has since passed away, worked tirelessly on printing presses running at full speed during his retirement, utilizing the same skill set that had once crafted a Gatling gun. The training I received in metalworking and precision truly prepared me as an engineer. The projects in Crayford were unlike anything else, and I remain eternally grateful to those men; after mastering fine limit sheet metalwork, steelwork and fabrication seemed relatively easy. For years, I wandered through south London workshops and industries, absorbing as much knowledge as possible, fueled by an enduring passion for metal fabrication. My experiences include coded steelwork on skyscrapers, kitchen stainless worktops, bespoke refrigeration, and steel erection on the Olympic stadium. I now offer all my experience to you—let's get you that metalwork solution! In truth, I still consider myself an apprentice, continually seeking new challenges because the learning process with metal never truly ends. This is part of my engineer biography, a testament to my journey and dedication to the craft.