Three previous BM Trada employees have rejoined the business over the last year. Most recently, Dr Andrew Pitman returned to the business as principal technical consultant in August. This followed the rehiring of Dr Keerthi Ranasinghe and Ben Sharples last year, both of whom were previously longstanding members of the timber division. BM Trada provides independent certification, inspection, training and technical services.
Andrew spent six years in alternative roles, including for a startup manufacturer of resin-modified wood and working for a construction engineering company. He said: “I’m thrilled to return to BM Trada, particularly as my colleagues imparted so much of their expertise during my previous tenure.
“Over the next 12 months, I’m looking forward to applying my experience of investigating performance of timbers in service. I’m also keen to build on my knowledge of timber coatings while supporting industry peers through timber training.”
Keerthi worked for BM Trada from 2008 to 2017 as an in-house structural timber engineering expert. When he left the business to take up a role in academia – as senior lecturer and programme director for the University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s civil engineering programme – he remained a member of BM Trada’s advisory committee, continuing to consult and write on behalf of the timber team. Keerthi is now principal engineer – structural timber.
He said: “The variety of the projects that BM Trada’s timber experts are asked to engage in makes this a fascinating place to work for a curious mind. I look forward to applying my teaching within a professional setting, helping suppliers and manufacturers to develop their understanding of the essential requirements relevant to their products.”
Having left BM Trada in 2019 after six and a half years as a timber technical consultant, Ben also returned last year. Ben is now the commercial lead for BM Trada’s timber services division.
“Having worked for several years in the construction industry, I was completely new to timber technology when I first joined BM Trada,” Ben explained. “I cannot thank my supportive team enough for their part in my professional development.
“It’s been a pleasure to rejoin and work alongside this team of timber experts. We have a long-term focus on optimising the services that we offer as well as developing and growing in other areas that tie in with the level of expertise that we have.”
