Plowman Craven is delighted to announce that Tom Avery has joined the company’s growing Inspection Team as Head of Commercial. This marks an exciting new chapter in his 10-year career with the business.
Celebrating a decade with Plowman Craven this August, Tom brings a wealth of experience gained across a range of roles within the company. He joined as a surveyor. Since then, he has progressed through positions including Project Manager, Operations Manager, Commercial Manager and most recently Head of Commercial for Digital Construction.
Tom’s move into the Inspection Team reflects both his passion for innovation and his desire to help drive growth in emerging sectors.
“Over the past few years, we’ve seen some really exciting opportunities develop within inspection services,” said Tom. “The growth of our UAS offering, combined with our expansion into sectors such as oil and gas, made this a natural and exciting move for me.”
Throughout his career, Tom has played an important role in the development and integration of drone technology within Plowman Craven’s surveying services. He has a strong background in geospatial data, UAV photogrammetry and large-scale infrastructure projects, particularly within the rail sector. Therefore, he brings valuable experience that will support the continued growth of the Inspection Team.
In his new role, Tom will focus on helping to expand the team’s presence across a range of industries. He will develop relationships with both existing and prospective clients. He will also showcase how innovative inspection technologies can deliver tangible benefits for customers.
His experience working within highly regulated industries has given him a strong understanding of compliance requirements, and he is keen to continue developing his expertise as the UAS sector evolves. Meanwhile, with new regulations and frameworks such as Specific Operations Risk Assessments (SORA) shaping the future of drone operations, Tom is looking forward to supporting clients as they navigate an increasingly sophisticated landscape.
Looking ahead, he sees significant opportunities within the oil and gas sector. He also sees opportunities in other industrial markets both in the UK and internationally.
“There’s huge potential for us to continue growing our inspection offering,” he said. “We’re already seeing opportunities emerge in new sectors, and it’s exciting to be part of a team that’s embracing innovation and looking at how technology can solve real-world challenges for clients.”
Technology will remain at the heart of the team’s offering. Platforms such as Easel will help clients manage assets, inspection data and project information through a single connected ecosystem.
When asked what attracted him most to the role, Tom highlighted the positive impact the Inspection Team has had on the business.
“The energy and fresh ideas within the team have been fantastic,” he said. “In particular, James Arnott, Managing Director, and Jonathan McDaid, Operations Manager, have brought a huge amount of industry knowledge, experience and fresh thinking to the business. They challenge the way we think and work, which is always a positive thing. I’m looking forward to continuing to learn from them and contributing to the team’s future success.”
Tom’s appointment further strengthens Plowman Craven’s Inspection Team as the company continues to invest in new technologies, new markets and new opportunities for growth. Furthermore, with his extensive industry experience and enthusiasm for innovation, he is well placed to help drive the next phase of the team’s development.
