After several years away, Aaron Lawes has returned to Plowman Craven with a fresh perspective, broader industry experience and an exciting new challenge. Originally joining the business in 2012 as a Surveyor before progressing to Senior Surveyor, Aaron is now back as a Project Manager, while also supporting the company’s sales function.
His return marks more than just a familiar face coming back through the door – it’s the next chapter in a career that has come full circle.
Taking a Different Path
Aaron left Plowman Craven in 2021 during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It was a strange time for everyone,” he explains. “I had some personal things going on, so I needed to take a step back and make a clean break.”
What was intended to be a short break soon evolved into a completely new direction. Faced with changing family circumstances and the arrival of his first child, Aaron decided to use his surveying expertise to establish himself as a self-employed subcontractor.
The move offered flexibility and the opportunity to work across a diverse range of projects, while managing his own clients, workload and business operations.
“It gave me the flexibility my family needed at the time and allowed me to continue doing what I knew best.”
Seeing the Industry from the Other Side
As an independent surveyor, Aaron eventually found himself working with Plowman Craven once again – this time as a subcontractor.
The experience gave him a unique perspective.
“When I worked here before, I was inside the business looking out. As a subcontractor, I was outside looking in. Seeing the company from both sides gave me a much broader understanding of how projects are delivered and how client relationships are managed.”
Running his own business also developed his commercial awareness and strengthened his understanding of client expectations, project delivery and the wider surveying industry.
However, after several years of working independently, Aaron began to miss something that had always been important to him.
“I really missed being part of a team. Working for yourself can become quite isolating. You don’t have people to bounce ideas off, share challenges with or celebrate successes alongside. After a while, I realised that’s what I enjoyed most.”
The Right Opportunity at the Right Time
As Aaron began thinking about the next stage of his career, Plowman Craven was expanding its project management capability.
A conversation with Jim led to discussions about where Aaron’s experience could add the greatest value.
“Our paths crossed at exactly the right time. I was looking for a new challenge beyond surveying, and Plowman Craven had an opportunity that suited my experience perfectly.”
Returning to the business felt like a natural fit. Many of the colleagues Aaron had worked alongside before were still part of the team, making the transition seamless.
“The core culture hasn’t changed. It’s one of the reasons coming back felt so easy. It genuinely feels like I’ve picked up where I left off, just in a different role.”
Building on Years of Experience
Having worked his way through the business from Surveyor to Senior Surveyor, Aaron believes his technical background gives him a real advantage as a Project Manager.
“I’ve done the work on site. I understand exactly what’s involved in delivering surveys because I’ve spent years doing them myself.”
“That practical experience means I understand the challenges our teams face and what clients need from us. It helps me make informed decisions and manage projects more effectively.”
Combined with the commercial experience gained while running his own business, Aaron believes he now brings an even broader skill set back to Plowman Craven than when he left.
Embracing Innovation
Returning after several years away has also highlighted just how much the business has evolved.
“The technology has moved on massively. The survey equipment is more advanced, our site teams have grown significantly and the range of services we’re delivering has expanded.”
Aaron is particularly excited by the increasing use of innovative digital solutions, including Plowman Craven’s Easl platform, which enables clients to access immersive virtual environments alongside traditional survey deliverables.
One of the first projects he’ll be managing involves multiple schools, with deliverables combining measured survey information and immersive virtual tours through Easl, providing clients with richer, more accessible digital assets.
“It’s exciting to be part of that evolution. The technology and services we’re offering today create so much more value for clients.”
Aaron with his team members out for his welcome lunch. L to R: Maria Spence, Project Manager, Aaron Lawes, Project Manager, Bekki Ellis, Senior Project Manager, William Hulme, Project Manager, Natalie Pledge, Duty of Care and Taha Azab, Project Coordinator.
Looking Ahead
For Aaron, returning isn’t about revisiting the past – it’s about building on everything he’s learned.
After reaching a point where he felt he’d achieved everything he wanted to as a surveyor, project management offers a fresh opportunity to continue developing professionally.
“I’m excited to learn new skills, take on new responsibilities and continue growing in a different direction.”
His journey demonstrates that careers aren’t always linear. Sometimes stepping away provides the experience and perspective needed to come back stronger.
With years of technical expertise, commercial insight and a genuine enthusiasm for collaboration, Aaron’s return is another example of the talented people helping shape Plowman Craven’s future.
Welcome back, Aaron.
