Meet the Experts: Chris Richardson

What is your background and how did you start working at SIRIS?

I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do after leaving school and originally went to college to study pre-uniform studies as I fancied being in the police force, possibly in the dog handling department. Unfortunately funding for the course was withdrawn in the second year so I started looking for a job.

My Dad, SIRIS founder Nick Richardson, offered me work at SIRIS helping out with flow measurement installations and servicing at sewage treatment works and in the industrial trade wastewater environment.

I took a break to spend six months in Spain but ended up returning to SIRIS and have been here ever since!

What does a typical day look like at SIRIS?

Every single day is different at SIRIS. Different decisions are required on each and every job or enquiry which comes in, which keeps you on your toes.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I love the satisfaction I get from seeing a project through from initial enquiry to completion, and of course its always nice to receive positive feedback.

What’s a favourite project you’ve worked on recently?

I really enjoyed working on a recent project at Cummins Engines, based in Darlington. This was quite a complex job, due to the limitations of the area the customer had available on site. We ended up getting fantastic feedback which was great.

What do you think are some of the biggest challenges or opportunities facing the industry at the moment?

Environmental pollution is becoming an increasingly bigger issue. This can be seen now throughout social media, televised documentaries and advertisements. The Environment Agency is making a big push for clearing up our rivers, and rightly so.

What do you get up to outside of SIRIS?

I’m a huge lover of outdoor pursuits. I took up fly fishing at the age of 12 and even got to represent England in 2016!