Neil Clifford Spotlight

Neil Clifford Spotlight

Neil Clifford heads up Business Development for Plant Installations at Radius Group and has worked for us for over 7 and a half years. Neil opened the Plant Installation Division at Radius and brought with him a great team of lifting experts and a wealth of long-standing clients. Neil splits his work and leisure time between the UK and Spain – we’re not jealous really!

What career path did you take to get to where you are now?
I started out as a specialist installer moving computers and other hi-tech equipment around the UK & Europe, including the delivery of the Vodafone network to radio base stations. This covered the UK, in fields, up hills and mountains, across lochs, blocks of flats and office buildings! I then opened a depot in Manchester and continued rolling out the installation of telecoms equipment for Nokia, O2, TMUK & Three. Following this I managed the specialist installation of telecoms equipment on various projects, which led to works within the rail infrastructure.

What does your daily routine look like?
Emails, commercial issues, sales, visiting clients.

My primary focus is plant installation and equipment handling. I work closely with our clients and contracts managers to deliver complex and innovative logistics, mostly in the Civils & Rail sectors including London Underground, Crossrail etc. We manage our client’s equipment from warehousing to installation, to the final point of use. Our specialties include power (substations) ventilation, comms & signalling equipment, and other M&E equipment. Most of the work is at a sub-surface level, and over the years, we have encountered lots of very challenging projects. That has resulted in our teams having a wealth of knowledge and experience, and always finding the most effective and economic way to carry out a lift.

How have you grown professionally whilst working at Radius?
I’ve probably matured more. I’m still as professional as always. I’ve learned a lot more about cranes and lifting!

What are the best parts of your job?
Winning work and then delivering it. There’s nothing like chasing a project for five years and then watching it successfully complete.

What motivates you at work?
Rewards & being part of a team.

What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I enjoy visiting Zoos!

Perfect party guests – you can have four (dead or alive)!
Bruce Springsteen, Ozzy Osbourne, The late Queen Elizabeth, Boris Johnson

What’s the best concert you’ve been to?
Velvet Revolver were booked to open the Hard Rock Live in New Orleans in 2005. Unfortunately, Hurricane Katrina came along and wiped-out New Orleans, so Velvet Revolver came over to Orlando for a charity gig. They played the Hard Rock live which is a really small intimate venue. Brian Johnson & Slash were also in town, and they joined the gig, ripping through Guns n Roses and AC / DC tunes.

What’s your favourite holiday destination?
I loved doing Florida when I was younger. I now prefer the Maldives, the Caribbean, and Spain.

What’s the best book you’ve read recently?
Walt Disney – The Triumph of the American Imagination.

What’s something you’re proud of?
My 2 daughters

What’s your favourite film?
Snatch

Do you have any hidden talents or hobbies?
Building intricate spreadsheets for vacations

If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be?
I could have tried harder at school. And I would have married my 2nd wife before I married the 1st!

What’s one thing you’re really good at?
Programming and scheduling

Have you ever met anyone famous?
Yes, a few Rugby players.

What’s a skill you’d like to improve on?
Keeping my wife happy

If you could have a career in anything, what would it be?
Logistics for either Formula1 or a company like Edwin Shirley Trucking

How would your friends describe you?
A miserable bastard lol

Do you play any sports?
I enjoy swimming when I get the chance and I play golf badly

Which historical figure would you most like to meet?
Churchill

What three items would you take with you to a deserted island?
My Wife, BBQ, food & drink

What’s your idea of a perfect day?
A walk with my wife around the resort we live on in Spain, preferably chasing a little white ball with a stick.