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Leadership Perspective: Alan Clinton on Mercury’s evolution as Europe’s leader in data centre construction
The changes in the way we work and operate has brought with it a whole new set of global transformations, both for industries and individuals alike. Remote working and learning has accelerated the need for rapid access to information. This has highlighted the vital role the Data Centre industry provides in ensuring businesses can function and flourish, but also just how much it supports and enriches the daily lives of people too. Alan Clinton, MD of Mercury’s Data Centre & Building Services Division (DCBS), has been involved right from its inception. Alan’s expertise and ability to identify key opportunities has found him at the helm of a multi-million euro business division.
The middle child in the family, Alan was at a loss regarding what to do when he finished his Leaving Cert. “You could say I was a rebel without a cause,” he laughs. “Two of my brothers were studying accounting at college but I didn’t feel this path was right for me.” His father stepped in and helped him to secure an apprenticeship with a local electrical firm. “I went to work straight away, learning my trade as an electrician. With three years under my belt, I wanted more.” This hunger to succeed saw Alan join a large engineering firm where he got a taste for meatier projects.
It was around 2007, just as Mercury was embarking on its first Data Centre project in London, when Alan jumped on board. “When I decided to move to Mercury it was a big risk. I had a secure position with a highly reputable firm. But moving was the best decision I ever made. That’s when the big opportunities really started to unfold.”
Alan feels hugely privileged to have been part of Mercury’s journey to becoming Europe’s leading data centre provider. “I was there right from the start, so you could say I’ve grown up with them! Data Centre Construction was very different back then,” Alan points out. “IT was considerably less sophisticated with most relying on 2D drawings. Many processes and procedures were manual, and the majority of decisions were made on-site. It’s a very different environment now. There are a lot more stakeholders involved in the process. Because of this, investors want to see the project visualised in minute detail before even one sod gets turned over. That’s why leading-edge technology is so important. At Mercury, we have a wide range of BIM tools at our disposal to show clients a precise digital representation of the project across its lifecycle, from planning and design to construction and operations. These solutions enable more efficient design and construction processes that ultimately support the growth of our clients.”
Throughout his 16 years with Mercury, Alan has seen the company thrive on the highs and weather the lows. “The construction industry has witnessed particularly challenging times over the last 15 years. One thing we’ve always prided ourselves on is a determination never to give up which has been a key factor in our success”
It’s a bit like snooker,” Alan muses. “While many companies get caught up in the day-to-day of delivering a project, we always try to stay at least seven shots ahead. We are constantly looking for ways to future proof our business and we’re not afraid of change. My division is a case in point. In the early days of Data Centre construction, there were very few experts to call on for advice. We had to develop that specialised knowledge and expertise ourselves. We now have our own internal tax department, legal department, literally a full suite of experts on hand to ensure that all aspects of compliance are achieved and maintained. Our drive to always be at the forefront of change has allowed us to deliver over 700MWs worth of data centres in just the last five years.”
When asked about his role as MD, Alan is very candid. “It’s challenging and exhilarating in equal measures. It’s funny, but it doesn’t feel like a massively seismic jump for me. Instead, it’s as though all the positions I’ve held in Mercury has led up to this. There is a culture of professional development within the company which makes career progression a smoother, more seamless process.”
This thirst for knowledge has been a real personal driver for Alan. “I’ve been given so many opportunities and sound advice. The senior management team has guided me to take the path that’s right for me as an individual.” This path saw Alan embark on a leadership programme with renowned business school, INSEAD, in Singapore. “My eyes were opened. I found myself learning alongside some of the world’s top executives and realised that they had the same issues and problems as me. The programme was a game changer. It taught me how to manage people more effectively. We have over 250 direct staff, plus subcontractors in excess of 500 on any given project. I’ve learned to manage situations from a leadership perspective, focus on what really matters and not sweat the small stuff.”
Alan believes that what he has experienced through his journey has given a holistic perspective that few in construction are lucky to get. “You obtain a better understanding of the project from conception to delivery. In a way it’s similar to the evolution that Mercury underwent, advancing from a subcontractor to a main contractor. We understand the job better which is of massive benefit to our clients.”
So, what does Alan see in terms of the future? “There’s no doubt the construction industry is changing,” he says. “Clients require projects delivered faster than ever, there is a shortage of skilled labour, and a whole new generation of talent that’s seeking a better work/life balance. Modern methods of construction are definitely helping to shift the dynamic. Modular construction, where more work is being carried out off-site, is creating a more favourable work environment. This, in turn, should encourage more diversity and inclusion in the workforce. I’m excited for the future. It’s a tough industry but we’re well-equipped to succeed and deliver our clients’ visions.”
DATA CENTRES – COLOCATION
Mercury is Europe’s most experienced Colocation Data Centre service provider. We go beyond to meet the challenges of the ever-growing market, always delivering to our clients’ requirements and commitments. Over the last 20 years as a leading general contractor, our highly skilled international teams have successfully delivered data centres across 14 countries for some of the world’s largest data centre companies. We design, build, plan, construct, and commission data centres using the highest levels of safety, quality, and delivery and manage the maintenance of facilities post-construction. Our cutting-edge construction methods mean we consistently deliver highly complex and specialised turnkey services on time, every time.
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