Meet Louisa Clarke, one of our veterans

Churchill Group is sponsoring a free facilities management careers event for those who are transitioning from military to civilian life, as well as for veterans seeking a new challenge – Ex-Military – A Journey Into FM.

The event, on March 10, is being hosted by ThisWeekinFM at Old Trafford, in Manchester, and aims to promote the huge number of opportunities for service leavers and veterans within FM sector and reveal why it is such a good fit for them.

One veteran to make the move into FM is Louisa Clarke, our managing director of operations.

Louisa spent ten years in the Royal Air Force as a movements controller, a logistics trade which involves the movement of people and freight worldwide by air, sea, road and rail supporting military services.

She said: ‘Those were extraordinary years, where I was lucky enough to travel the world and work with some incredible people. I was extremely proud to have been awarded the Commander in Chief’s Commendation in 2004, for outstanding professionalism, sterling effort and devotion to duty.

‘Having decided to ground myself, I wanted to find an alternative career. I was looking for a role with operational challenges, where no two days were the same and something with a focus on people and the environment – cue facilities management.

‘In March 2011, I joined Churchill Group and now in my tenth year with Churchill, I’m extremely proud to have been part of the groups successful journey to date.

‘I have been promoted numerous times, working my way up the ladder from contract manager to managing director of operations, proving successful transition from the forces to civilian roles is achievable.

‘Alongside my day job, I am an active volunteer on the IWFM Women In Facilities Management Committee, acting as an advocate for women in leadership.

‘I also fly the flag for the Armed Forces community and support mental health awareness.’

‘Military training is focused on preparedness and the ability to cope with change, and it is regularly called upon when working on an FM contract.

‘The work is challenging, making it a great fit for who people who thrive in high pressure situations. It is also rewarding with plenty of opportunities for a person to test their capabilities and further their career.’

Meet Mark Ray, another of our veterans