In a move to bolster the company's project management capabilities, Carman Contracting has appointed Gary Swaby to the team. Gary, who has more than three decades of experience in the electrical and construction industries, brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of success to his new role.

Beginning with an electrical apprenticeship at The London Electrical Board in his late teens, Gary honed his skills before moving to photocopier repairs, first with RICOH and then Canon, where he progressed from engineer to supervisor, responsible for a team of engineers.

After 15 years at Canon, Gary established his own successful electrical business, initially working on residential projects before expanding into commercial contracts for SWA Electrical Engineering Ltd. As the business grew, Gary joined forces with a fellow mechanical engineer to form an M&E company, which was eventually bought by Higgins Construction, where Gary worked until last year.

Gary had previously worked with Carman Contracting’s Operations Manager, John Graham, on a luxury house project in 2021. When the need for a project manager arose, John immediately recommended him for the role. Gary joined Carman Contracting in January and oversees various projects, including the LV (low voltage) panel upgrade at Southwark Crown Court and new offices at Dorset Orthopaedic for main contractor, Jade Aiden. This extensive project is nearing completion and has involved a full electrical fit-out, including lighting, fire alarm systems, access control, CCTV, solar panels and electric vehicle (EV) charges.

Gary's responsibilities as project manager are varied and ever-changing, and include construction phase planning, project RAMS and scheduling, overseeing on-site teams and ensuring projects follow the design specifications.

"This is a great company. Everyone is willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done," said Gary. "I enjoy my role, it's challenging - juggling different sites and making sure our projects run smoothly. As I settle into the company, I hope to develop our processes so we can manage our projects more efficiently and become even more successful."

Operations Manager, John Graham, said: “Gary’s extensive experience and outstanding track record make him an invaluable addition to our team. We are confident that his expertise and dedication will enable us to deliver outstanding project results.”