Wayne Clemens – 25 years

Wayne celebrates 25 years at one depot – thanks to job variety!

Wayne Clemens is celebrating 25 years working at the same drainage depot, and says he has stayed put because he has never had a dull moment.

He is the Regional Manager of Lanes Group’s Plymouth Depot, where he is responsible for managing 15 drainage engineers and four support staff.

Wayne started working in the operation in November 1991 when it was owned and run by another drainage company, which Lanes Group bought in 2008.

He puts his longevity down the variety of the job, and the responsibility he has been given over the years to make a difference to the business.

He said: “No one day is every the same in the drainage industry. So, you can work one company for a long time, and there is always something new to get to grips with.

“With Lanes Group, the company has such huge capabilities with the skills and equipment at its disposal that there are always interesting challenges around the corner.”

Wayne was taken on to work on a contract to clean submarine tanks at Devonport Dockyard. The contract was due to last four months. But, thanks to his drive, Wayne was appointed as the supervisor for the contract, which then lasted four years!

He worked his way up to become the manager of the business. Then, when Lanes Group took over, he was appointed as the depot Operations Manager. He was promoted to Regional Manager earlier this year.

Wayne said: “We have an excellent team at Plymouth now, and we’re all working hard to develop the business. One area we’re looking at is more defence work, so my contribution is going full circle.”

Lanes is committed to supporting career development. Wayne’s Operations Manager, Lee Hubber, had been a drainage engineer, as had been the depot’s Area Development Manager, Grant Cooper.

They are supported by administration staff Shevaun Stevens and Rhiannon Sowden.

With two jet vac tankers, two CCTV drainage survey vehicles, two excavation trucks and three van pack drain jetting vehicles, they are working hard to deliver drainage survey, drain unblocking and drain repair services to customers across Devon and Cornwall.

Wayne says: “Our approach is to treat our customers and colleagues and friends, who we want to help every step of the way. Pride in our service is important to us. It’s one thing that’s kept me coming to work for a quarter of a century!”