Page 5 - INDEX Summer 2024

C S A BREAKING C S A BREAKING

NEW S NEW S C ONTINUED . . .

THE C O MMIS SIONING SPE CIALIS T S As well as leading projects such as the Manchester Now, I embark on a new adventure with the
Engineering Campus Development (MECD), Christie Commissioning Specialists Association, an
AS SOCIA TION WEL C O ME S NEIL BURDE S S Proton Beam and Manchester Town Hall, Neil has grown organisation I have chaired for the past three years
our team and service offering in the North which has
and sat on various committees for the past nine.
seen us have two office moves in the time he has been My passion for commissioning excellence drives me
The Commissioning Specialists Association (CSA) has Banyards Statement: with us. forward, and together with the other members of
made great strides in making the construction industry It is with mixed emotions that we bid farewell staff and the many CSA Members who volunteer so
more fully aware of the importance of the commissioning to Neil Burdess, our longstanding Associate Head of much of their time, we aim to enhance CSA’s training
function in achieving first class buildings. We are, Commissioning in the North. Neil is moving on from courses, elevate technical commissioning practices, and
however, very clear that there is still much to do. After Banyards to dedicate himself fully to his new role as provide comprehensive industry guidance.
careful consideration, we came to the conclusion that Chief Executive Officer at the CSA, following on from his
we needed to increase our staffing levels to cope with 3-year chairmanship.
both current and future development projects as well
as the day-to-day minutiae of running the association.
It was decided that the first step would be to employ a
senior person who could coordinate the efforts of our
various committees to ensure that their work supported
the overall aims of the CSA in the best way possible.

Following a robust recruitment process, we are
thrilled to welcome Neil Burdess as our new Chief
Executive Officer. Neil’s extensive experience and
deep understanding of the commissioning industry,
coupled with his proven leadership skills, make him a
tremendous asset to our team.

Having chaired the CSA for the past three years, Neil’s
vision and dedication have already left a significant
mark. We look forward to his contributions as we
continue to advance our mission of promoting
excellence in commissioning. Neil’s expertise will be Neil has built long standing relationships for us and
instrumental in enhancing our training programs, Neil has been an invaluable asset to our team over leaves us with the team in a very strong position in
elevating technical practices, and guiding the industry the 11 years he’s been with us, delivering numerous terms of experienced personnel as well as current and
towards a more innovative and efficient future. prominent and technically challenging projects as forthcoming work over the years to come.
well as developing and growing our Northern
Please join us in welcoming Neil to his new role Commissioning Management team to what it is now. Please join us in wishing Neil the very best in his new
at the CSA. We are excited about the future and His leadership has not only driven our projects to role. His journey ahead is sure to be as remarkable as
the positive impact Neil will undoubtedly have success but has also inspired our people to reach new his time with us has been.”
on our organisation and the wider commissioning heights. Under Neil’s guidance, our team has thrived,
community. demonstrating technical competence, efficiency and Neil Burdess’s Journey with Banyards and the CSA
effectiveness. Reflecting on this remarkable journey Neil said: “Our
Keith Barker said: team in the North of England has achieved great things,
“Neil has had a very positive effect on the CSA in his While we will miss Neil’s presence and contributions at working with some of the best clients on the most
previous roles on our committees and particularly in Banyards, we are excited to see him further his impact prestigious projects. None of this would have been
the last three years as Chair. Having decided to expand in the commissioning field through his work at the CSA. possible without the incredible support and guidance
the staff to cope with the ever-increasing level of our We are confident that he will continue to lead with the of Nick Till, Dave Cocksedge, and the wider Banyards
activities, we were delighted when he threw his hat same passion and dedication that have characterised team over these past 11 years.
in the ring. We could not pass up the opportunity to his tenure with us.
harness that creativity, positivity and enthusiasm and A heartfelt thank you to my amazing team: your
look forward to his input in bringing our exciting plans Dave Cocksedge said: commitment, expertise, and dedication have made Exciting plans lie ahead! I am fully behind the vision
for the future to fruition. “It has been a pleasure to work with you Neil and us an award-winning force. I cherish the memories of a digital future for the CSA, leveraging technology
I would like to take this opportunity to personally of collecting our first CSA award for the Proton Beam to advance our field with a framework that allows us
There is no doubt that Neil’s loss will be a blow to thank you for all your dedication, hard work, drive and ‘Project of the Year’ and seeing Tom Dunn and Tony to optimise and innovate. As I bid farewell to Banyards
Banyards, who have been long-time supporters of the commitment. You have been a fantastic member of our Craig honoured as Commissioning Managers of the and embrace this new chapter, I look forward to
CSA. However, we are grateful to see that they have Senior Leadership team, and your contribution has Year. As I move on, I am confident that Banyards contributing further to the wider commissioning
adopted a positive stance and taken the view that what been immense. Our Northern team will go from strength will continue to thrive and set new standards in industry and working with more of you in this
is good for the CSA will ultimately be good for them.” to strength as a result of the foundation you have built. commissioning excellence. evolving sector.”

Neil Burdess – Associate Head of Commissioning Banyards, CSA Chief Executive Officer Neil Burdess – Associate Head of Commissioning Banyards, CSA Chief Executive Officer