Page 6 - INDEX Winter 2024

NEIL BURDE S S — CE O

GET TO KNOW YOUR COMMISSIONING

SPECIALISTS ASSOCIATION (CSA) CEO:

NEIL BURDESS

From humble beginnings to leading the CSA…

Some of you reading this will know me well but for others this is my inspiring journey in the commissioning
industry. I fondly recall my early days, at first I was a shy young lad who didn’t overly achieve in school
but given an opportunity by one of the great commissioning grandfathers “Brian Townsend” and starting
as an apprentice commissioning engineer with End Systems Ltd at just 16 years old was one of the best
things to ever happen, working with a great team of experienced commissioning engineers has helped me
develop to where I am now, this philosophy of learning from my peers has stuck with me today and I am
a strong believer that if you are keen and eager learn the intricacies of commissioning systems with the
correct training any of us can make a great commissioning engineer/Manager.

Now nearly 48, I still look back on the hard work it took working through the CSA grading exams and recall
a time when there were no CSA distance learning courses, and all training was hands on, on-the-job again
emphasising the value of practical experience. Still to this day I take pride in mentoring young engineers,
sharing my journey, and encouraging them to pursue their goals.

My career has seen me work across Europe, with notable projects including a testing lab at Colgate Palmolive
in Poland and a data centre in Sweden which brought it’s own challenges of working in a different country,
adapting to new environments, and learning from international colleagues. I often get asked what is my
most memorable project which is a very tough question, as there has been that many I often forget until I
walk or drive past and say “Oh I worked on that”, some include a Mormon temple, Anfield and Old Trafford
stadiums, secret tunnels in Manchester city centre but the one that stands out the most for me was a
large healthcare project in Yorkshire at Pinderfields & Pontefract hospital where a CxM named Alan Bell of
Haden Young (Now Balfour Beatty) took me under his wing to mentor me into the world of commissioning
management, again emphasising the value of practical experience and learning from your peers.

I have moved around a little within the industry, with stints at Suttons and Commtech. However, it was my
nine-year tenure at Banyards that truly defined my career. There, I developed the northern office, specialising
in commissioning management and leading a team from initially 1 commissioning manager with a small
client pool to a team of 12 commissioning managers with some of the biggest clients in the UK.

I have also been a dedicated member of the CSA, I began volunteering on the assessment panel committee
around 10 years ago, then Northern committee chairman leading to my appointment as Chairman of the
CSA for three years. In September 2024, I took on the role of CEO, bringing my vision and expertise to
the forefront of the association and the importance of giving back to the community that helped shape
my career.

Outside of my professional life I love dogs, have a little French Bulldog called Obi who keeps me on my
toes, I also have a passion for all things Motorsports and racing. I compete in 10th scale electric off-road RC
car racing at a competitive level and enjoy SIM racing as well. These hobbies reflect my love for precision,
strategy, and competition, traits that have undoubtedly contributed to my success in the commissioning
industry. I often joke about how racing helps me unwind and keeps my mind sharp for the challenges of
the role, hard work, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

I wish everyone a happy Christmas and here’s to a successful and impactful 2025.

Neil Burdess – CEO