Celebrating 25 Years at Summers-Inman
This month we celebrate an incredible milestone as Director, David Blakey, marks 25 years with Summers-Inman. Known for his straight-talking Yorkshire humour, steady leadership and deep sector knowledge, David reflects on his career, the changing construction landscape, and what keeps him motivated after a quarter of a century.
How did it all begin?
David’s route into the industry was refreshingly practical. Leaving school at 16, he studied a BTEC in Building Studies at York College, covering everything from quantity surveying to law. At 18, he began a degree at Newcastle Polytechnic (now Northumbria University) but, as he admits, “I discovered the delights of Brown Ale” and decided to learn on the job instead.
Returning to Yorkshire, he joined Wilfrid Sykes and Needham in 1987 as a trainee quantity surveyor, moved to Richard Cavadino & Associates five years later, and became an Associate Partner in 1997. When founder Richard retired, David joined Summers-Inman in 2000 as an Associate, was promoted to Associate Director in 2002 and became a Director in 2008.
“Nowadays, after 25 years at Summers-Inman, I’m employed as part of a bigger consulting team,” he says, referring to the firm’s recent acquisition by Bellrock Group.
What is your key area of expertise?
“My focus is mostly on residential, extra care and care home schemes and later living, though I’ve also worked on several higher education and leisure projects.”
How has the industry changed?
“Technology has made a massive difference – and mostly for the better,” he says. “BIM and other tools have transformed efficiency, but one big change I have noticed is the reluctance of many younger people to pick up the phone. You lose the relationship-building that comes from a proper conversation. Teams calls have their place, but nothing beats sitting across a table from someone – that’s how you build trust.”
What have you learned in 25 years?
“That I should have become a lawyer,” he grins. “But seriously, relationships are everything. You can’t shortcut experience – or experienced people.”
What are the biggest challenges today?
“It’s less about recruitment now and more about compliance,” he explains. “Since Grenfell, legislation has become incredibly complex – sometimes it feels like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. Rising costs, global unrest and fast-moving technology all keep us on our toes. Sustainability too – we all do our bit, but sometimes the outcomes don’t always seem to stack up. You have to ask whether we’re always tackling the right problems.”
What aspects of your role do you most enjoy?
“Collaboration,” he says without hesitation. “Working with other professional teams at the pre-tender or feasibility stage – that’s when the magic happens – when we look at more efficient ways of delivery. I find that both exciting and rewarding. Once a project’s on site, it’s usually straightforward. And I enjoy the networking side too.”
“Really positive,” says David. “Bellrock’s growth ambitions align perfectly with what we’ve been building at Summers-Inman throughout the years. Overnight, we’ve gained diversity through being able to offer additional services under one roof. With our regional strength and Bellrock’s southern base, it’s a perfect fit because Bellrock has become an organisation that can offer a national service – and there’s a clear career pathway for our people too. Clients benefit from a joined-up service, and employees gain stability and opportunity. The use of technology solutions is the golden thread that runs throughout the business.”
“Working with other professional teams at the pre-tender or feasibility stage – that’s when the magic happens…”
Outside of work
David’s an active cyclist and supporter of Prostate Cancer UK. “I’ve done a number of Grand Depart Classics but missed out on this year’s, but I’ll be back next year – it’s in Barcelona.” He’s also rediscovered his love of fly-fishing: “It’s great therapy after a busy week and plans are often formed whilst trying to outwit large brown trout in the Dales rivers.”
Looking back – what advice would you give your younger self?
“I’ve been lucky to have great mentors. My Uncle Alan – an accountant and Olympic swimming manager – always gave great advice, and my early bosses, Ralph Bradley and Richard Cavadino, taught me a simple message: ‘If you’re going to do something, do it well.’ That’s stayed with me throughout my career.”
Congratulations, David, on 25 remarkable years – and thank you for the steady hand and good humour you continue to bring to Summers-Inman and now Bellrock.
Inspired by David and want to experience Summers-Inman with a career of your own? See which jobs we have available here
