Ian Fernandes-Johnson shares his work highlights

It’s been over four years since Ian Fernandes-Johnson joined IDH as managing director. Today we caught up with Ian to see how he’s doing and what has changed since he started.

What are your highlights since you started at Independent Design House – what are you most proud of?

I have a few really. We are now working for so many new customers and have managed to grow all our teams and departments across the business. I also have a few personal highlights with regards to some of the staff who have risen to the challenges we face every day, and I can see how much they have developed as people and engineers. That’s very rewarding.

What’s your favourite part of the job?

Helping customers and staff – I enjoy problem solving, be that a technical issue, or just helping a customer who is in a tight spot. We are a fast-paced business and I enjoy getting things done – so the satisfaction of helping to deliver is a great feeling.

What has changed the most since you first started?

Everything and nothing really, but I’d say the pure volume of work we now deliver monthly has changed the most, so I have had to take a step back and let our staff do their thing without my input, as the business needs to be effective, without bottle necks.

What are the main challenges you face as managing director?

Anyone who runs an SME will know that it is the constant demands on their time that are the main challenges – there is always something to deal with and prioritisation of tasks is the key. You just can’t do it all… so I am very lucky to work with some really great staff.

What keeps you motivated?

Honestly, it’s having my future very much in my hands. I love the freedom to help shape the direction, but also, honestly, driving success is always on my mind, propelling me forward.

How do you ensure your team stays motivated?

You would have to ask them personally! But from my point of view, I just want them all to develop, be happy, and be engaged in some interesting and complex engineering projects. I think it’s important for them to constantly be learning and growing.

You’ve already expanded a lot since you started – what’s in IDH’s future plans? Any plans to expand further – new locations, new departments?

Absolutely – watch this space as there are some very exciting plans coming very soon.

Thank you Ian, here’s to many more brilliant years to come at the helm of Independent Design House!