Spotlight on Incorporated Engineer: Michael Erskine
Going into his 34th year in the industry, Michael continues to thoroughly enjoy his work day in, day out.
“I have been extremely fortunate to have worked with incredible individuals and for some exceptional companies along the way who have allowed me to grow and who have trusted me.
“The key for me is being able to be who I am and the ability to deliver on what I do, and it is down to a handful of individuals who have mentored me through my career, no matter what age or what role I was in at the time.”
Since starting his career in 1991 with British Gas as a distribution apprentice, he moved up to work as a distribution craftsperson and then a supervisor. During this time, he found the direction he wanted to go in and chose to develop his skills and experience in a variety of roles within British Gas. In 2002, he moved over to Fulcrum Connections and then in 2007, took an asset management role with the Inexus Group.
The Inexus Group grew rapidly at the time Michael was there, adopting gas, electric, water, fibre and district heating networks throughout the UK. He led a team of multi asset management engineers and office support staff, managing the day-to-day operations of the business across all five offerings.
In 2013, Michael moved over to GTC where he held numerous roles as a regional construction manager, group SHEQ manager and optimisation manager. He then started work at ESP in 2020, gaining further experience as a head of asset operations and H&S lead before starting his own business in 2022.
The business supports compliance, business improvement and innovation, which rolls all of Michael’s past roles into one. In his current position as a Managing Director at UCAM Solutions, he supports other utility constructors and asset management businesses. Three days a week, he works for QEM Solutions Ltd, supporting the Islands Energy Group (IEG), based in Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man.
At UCAM, Michael is working on exciting innovations including a polyethylene pipe palm scraper and an electricity asset management tool where he has partnered with other organisations in the industry to produce them.
He notes working at UCAM as a standout moment in his career as he gets to try new things with support from colleagues. He said: “Now, leading UCAM, I am lucky to work for and with some very intelligent and generous individuals who create opportunities and support me and the business.”
Utilising IGEM membership to his advantage, Michael has used various pathways to meet new contacts and develop relationships. Commenting on the benefits membership has, he said: “IGEM has always been present and have always been available for me to consult and meet professional contacts and service providers through.
“This ‘community’ has proven to be priceless for not only my career but for the business I have worked for. Being an IGEM member and being part of the IGEM community is a pleasure and something to be proud of.”
As an Incorporated Engineer, Michael leads by example and commits to continuous improvement which he feels are key to holding the status.