Wellington Place is more than just bricks and mortar, it’s a thriving community powered by people. This series of interviews aims to highlight some of the people of Wellington Place, share their inspirational stories and find out why Wellington Place is much more than just a place to work…
Interview with Scott Daniels, Deputy Security Manager at CBRE, Wellington Place
After he left the army in 2013, Scott struggled to know what to do with his career. He became a Support Officer for Wellington Place in 2014 and gradually worked his way up the ranks, from securing a permanent weekend job in 1 Wellington Place to becoming Deputy Security Manager.
Tell us a little bit about what you do…
As Deputy Security Manager, I have varied responsibilities. I assist with any needs the security team may have, and help to guide where needed, along with overseeing training of new and current staff members.
I write guidelines on what to do in the building e.g. fire guides or how to use the fire panel. I go out of my way to learn each building from top to bottom, which helps with training and advances my knowledge of the site.
I also work closely with the Wellington Place occupiers and CBRE, assisting them where needed. I even train employees onsite from various companies who volunteer to be fire wardens/marshals.
It really is a wide-ranging role, but I love it!
What’s your greatest achievement to date?
My greatest achievement to date, except from my four fantastic kids and marrying the love of my life, was having the honour to serve Queen and Country.
I joined the army in September 2008 and spent 26 weeks training at ITC Catterick as an infantryman. I then passed out in March 2009 and joined the 1st Battalion of the Yorkshire Regiment in Munster, Germany – where I spent four and a half years living and training.
I was placed in Support Company, which at the time was unusual because it was the most senior company in the battalion, but my Commanding Officer at the time (LT Colonel Price), wanted new freshly trained men in the company, and I was lucky enough to be chosen to be placed there.
I was placed as Gun’s platoon and trained on multiple heavy machine guns such as the HMG (Heavy Machine Gun or 50 Cal for short), along with my favourite weapon system the GMP (General Purpose Machine Gun) which are both awesome weapon systems! I learnt to fire them off a tripod and attached to armoured vehicles, which was fun to learn.
I got to travel around the world during my time in the Army – from Germany to Afghanistan!
I served in Afghanistan in October 2011 and was placed in an outpost in the Lashkaragh province overseeing a motorway being built, as it was an important trade link from nearby cities and towns nicknamed route Morpheus working alongside the Afghan National Police (ANP). Being able to assist the local Afghan population, keeping them safe while they work, was a huge achievement!
Tell us something interesting about yourself that others at Wellington Place may not know?
In 2014, I ended up applying for the Channel 4 game show, Deal or No Deal, and managed to get on the show.
It was filmed in Bristol, and I was invited down, alongside my girlfriend to stay in a four-star hotel. We were there for a total of 8 days and filmed 3-4 shows a day. I went home at the weekend and then came back the following week to do the same again.
They filmed the shows in what they called the “Dream Factory”, as you would always hear contestant’s dreams should they win the big money.
I starred on the Valentine’s Special, and I managed to win £26,017! It turns out, I only had £250 in my box. When this was announced, I got down on one knee and proposed to my now wife. I had spoken to Noel Edmonds behind the scenes (who is an amazing person) and I told him that if I won big, I’d propose – he thought it was a great idea. Luckily, she said yes!
I met some fantastic people on Deal or No Deal – some even came to my wedding. To top it all off, the winnings appeared in my bank account on Christmas Day!
What is your favourite thing about working at Wellington Place and why?
My favourite thing about Wellington Place is how welcoming it is.
I left Wellington Place for 8 months and realised the grass definitely isn’t greener on the other side! Along with missing the people I worked with, I realised I was also missing the place – that’s what brought me back!
The best time is in the winter when it’s cold outside and you can see the wind blowing the trees and you’re in a nice warm building. The site looks so beautiful with all the lights around the lifting tower and water feature. It’s really cosy, like being wrapped up in a warm winter blanket!
Which community events do you take part in at Wellington Place and why?
I try to get involved in as many events as I possibly can – I’m due to start the running club on a Friday. I’m really looking forward to it as I love running, it was a huge part of my life during my time in the Army. It helps you to destress and you can come back to work with a clearer mind – it’s also the perfect way to finish the week off.
What three words sum up Wellington Place to you?
Beautiful – The development is clean and tidy. This is mainly due to the groundsman and contractors who go out of their way to keep it like it is.
Welcoming – The variety of people who work around the site are so friendly.
Variety – There is so much to do onsite. There’s a great mix of bars and restaurants, I always recommend them if asked.
Thanks to Scott for taking part in this interview. If you would like to tell your story or wish to nominate someone to take part in the People of Wellington Place series please email info@wellingtonplace.co.uk
