Brian Moone

As the director and founder of Mace Business School, it was Brian Moone’s drive to find better solutions that inspired his vision. The Business School has offered industry-leading training opportunities since 2006, and while his passion for surfing may now be a thing of the past, both Brian and the Business School continue to ride a wave of success, helping people in the Mace supply chain to achieve professional recognition and unlock their true potential.

How did you get into what you do?

My construction journey really began way back in 1976, when I became an apprentice carpenter before then returning to technical college to gain further qualifications in 1983. I’ve always had an inquisitive mind as well as a habit of questioning “why”. Even as a chartered surveyor, I was frustrated by the current regulations in place, so I eventually took on the role of director at the Chartered Institute of Building to help influence industry standards. I became aware of Mace after being appointed as Director of Construction Best Practice, while also sitting on the board of Rethinking Construction and Constructing Excellence. And so, after several years in that role, I was then delighted to have an opportunity to join Mace, a company I really looked up to. I made the move from “preaching” best practice to actually delivering it at Mace.

How has your career progressed since joining Mace?

Although Mace liked what I had to offer, there wasn’t a specific role for me when I first joined, so I fulfilled various positions across Mace Construct and Consult. After becoming aware that Gareth Lewis (CEO for Construction) and Stephen Jeffery (Chief Technical Officer) had an idea to set up training for the supply chain, I convinced them both that I had the expertise for the role. In 2006, Mace Business School was born, and in 2012 my role expanded to include Director of Supply Chain Management.

What do you enjoy most about your current role at Mace?

I love the level of autonomy I’ve been given to build Mace Business School, allowing me to be creative and flexible, while supporting the priorities of the business. I’m very fortunate that there are so many talented experts across Mace that I now call friends, and who willingly give up their time to train and develop the supply chain. Mace is recognised for the loyalty that it shows to its supply chain, a loyalty that is returned many times over by the quality of service and delivery. The Business School membership is made up of the top 50 companies in that supply chain - many of whom have been members since the very start.

What has been your greatest achievement so far?

The Business School is definitely my greatest achievement and the legacy I want to leave behind at Mace. It’s a real honour to have helped people in the supply chain develop and see them achieve professional recognition - even taking on new roles as leaders in their business. However, I’m also very proud to have developed and created the Mace Master Bid List System, built to provide a data-driven solution to support project lead procurement.

What advice would you give to someone looking to get into what you do?

A growth mindset is the most important skill anyone can have. Openness to admit that you don’t know something and willingness to learn creates the greatest opportunities. Having a clear understanding of both business goals and your own personal ones are what provides clear direction. Be fair, foster true and lasting relationships and have fun while you’re doing it.

What might someone be surprised to know about you?

I owned a 1972 VW Camper for 25 years which I used to take my wife, four children, and our labrador on surfing holidays throughout the UK, France and Spain.

What are you passionate about outside of work?

Although I very rarely surf or snowboard anymore, I love being by the coast or in the mountains with my children and grandchildren, reliving it all again through their eyes.

If you hadn't got into this line of work, what do you think you might be doing?

When I left school I could’ve worked my way up and taken the reins of my dad’s successful precision sheet metal work business - but I really wanted to carve out a career for myself and like I said, I couldn’t be happier having been able to create a lasting legacy at Mace.