5 minutes with… Nick Jones
Q: What is your role at DEF-UK, and what are your responsibilities?
A: I’m the Design Manager at DEF UK. I support the development of our incredible design team; ensuring we have the right tools, information and training to deliver our commitments to our clients.
Q: What inspired you to pursue the career you have today?
A: My career actually began in civil engineering, however during my apprenticeship I quickly realised it was electrical engineering and technology that were my real interests. The fire and security industry provided me with a different opportunity more akin to my desires, this was initially as a CAD engineer. I have since stayed in the industry as I have grown passionate about its purpose – to keep people and premises safe and secure.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your role at DEF?
A: There’s several aspects of my role that I enjoy; the people I get to work with every day, the ever-evolving challenges we face together, and the flexibility and support offered by the business to overcome these.
Q: What is working at DEF like?
A: Rewarding. The DEF culture is extremely supportive and inclusive, the work is interesting, and we have a great relationship with our clients. We are continuously challenged and encouraged to find and develop our own solutions.
Q: Describe DEF in 3 words.
A: Collaborative. Innovative. Progressive.
Q: In terms of successes, which accomplishments are you most proud of?
A: One of our clients nominated the DEF design team for a project award – ‘commitment to quality’. Unfortunately we didn’t come first, but this was still a huge win for us!
Q: When you are at work, how do you motivate yourself?
A: A lot of my work involves collaborating with colleagues and so I will frequently be on Teams calls or having chats in person. It’s often these discussions that inspire and motivate me, there is so much we can all learn from one another.
Q: What might someone be surprised to know about you?
A: I was once bitten by a dolphin!
Q: Do you have any pets?
A: I have a Staffy cross Sloughi called Tess, who loves to go on muddy walks through the local woods.
Q: What’s your favourite place in the world and why?
A: We visited Singapore on our honeymoon, and it exceeded all our expectations! The city is vibrant and clean and the people diverse and friendly.
There is so much to see and do and they even close a road each evening to serve satay skewers and beer!
Q: What are the best things in life?
A: Family and friends. I love spending time with my wife and daughter, going on days out and making great memories together.
I also have a close-knit friendship group who I often share many laughs and fun times with.
