30 Years with MMD Group: From Junior Draughtsperson to Operations Director for MMD Design & Consultancy

David Waring, Operations Director for MMD Design & Consultancy

Why did you decide to join the company?

I joined MMD in January 1995 at the age of 18. At the time, I was partway through my Mechanical Engineering studies (which I later completed through night classes) when I came across an advertisement in the local newspaper for a ‘Junior Draughtsperson.’ My passion for technical drawing during school, alongside my love for football, made this opportunity incredibly exciting. I was thrilled to be offered the job at MMD Design & Consultancy. Before this, during my final year at secondary school, I had gained hands-on experience through a weekend job at Silk Engineering in Derby.

What achievements are you most proud of since joining the company?

Looking back, it’s challenging to pinpoint a single project or event as my proudest moment because I’ve had the opportunity to contribute to so many areas of the business. Personally, I take pride in knowing that my achievements have been the result of hard work, dedication, and a commitment to every task, big or small. Reflecting on my time as the Beijing MMD Director and now as Operations Director for MMD Design & Consultancy in the UK, I feel a sense of accomplishment in the positive contributions I’ve made to the company’s growth and success.

How has your role evolved over the years?

I started my journey at MMD in the drawing office, where part of my apprenticeship included hands-on time in the workshop and assisting with the creation of IOM (installation, operation and maintenance) manuals. Over time, I became a fully-fledged draughtsperson and later took on the role of Assistant Manager for two years.

From there, I transitioned to the projects department, working on UK Projects before embarking on a 13-year relationship with MMD’s business in China. This role allowed me to gain invaluable experience through frequent visits to China and East Asia. Speaking from experience, I don’t think you can underestimate how valuable this career progress is for gaining detailed knowledge of the industry, the company and our products. In 2016, I moved into my current role as Operations Director at MMD Design & Consultancy Ltd. Each phase of my career has brought unique challenges and opportunities for growth, and I continue to find the work fresh, engaging and fulfilling.

What have you learned about yourself during this journey?

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the value of collaboration. Reaching collective success often depends on listening to your colleagues, being open to advice and working as a team. At the same time, I’ve discovered that you’re often capable of more than you initially realise, and embracing both collaboration and confidence in your abilities can lead to meaningful achievements.

What advice would you give to someone just starting their career in the company?

Get involved, ask questions, listen and make the most of your experience here. Enjoy the work you do, and as a guiding principle, let common sense lead your decisions. Take pride in every task you take on, especially when no one is watching. A piece of advice from the late Chairman Alan Potts has always resonated with me: “I put ‘Developments’ in the company name to remind you all not to stand still.” It’s a powerful reminder to keep learning and moving forward.

What are your goals and aspirations going forward with the company?

I’ve had an incredibly rewarding 30 years with MMD, and the time has flown by. It’s been a privilege to work with talented individuals not only in the UK and China but across the wider Group as well. While every career has its ups and downs, I’m grateful that I’ve always looked forward to coming into work, and that’s a testament to the positive environment at MMD.

Looking ahead, my goal is to continue contributing to the company’s success and helping to pave the way for future generations. I hope my efforts help ensure that new and future colleagues enjoy a similarly fulfilling and productive career at MMD. I see it as part of my responsibility to leave MMD Design & Consultancy in a stronger position than when I joined, and I believe we’re well on our way to achieving that.