Why I am proud to support BESA campaign #NoWrongPath, Mark Buchan MD, RIFM

It’s that time of year where teenagers nervously open their results – and many young people will believe that their future is hinged on their success.

Mark Buchan, Managing Director of leading facilities management firm Richard Irvin FM, is proudly supporting the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) campaign #NoWrongPath, in support of young people having an equal chance of accessing their chosen profession, based on merit not results.

Mark left school at 16 with five O-Levels during a time where there were few opportunities in his local city of Aberdeen. Keen to learn a trade and earn his own way, Mark started on a YTS multi-skilling course followed by a HVAC Controls Electrician apprentice role. Mark subsequently completed a varied apprenticeship and progressed within the world of engineering.

With a natural wish to see people succeed and a flare for problem-solving, Mark focused his skills on business transformation working with a number of blue-chip organisations. Mark now leads Richard Irvin FM, a business responsible for maintaining and repairing 9,000 commercial properties and 56,000 properties nationwide.

“I’m proud of my background and the decisions I’ve made, including choosing to leave school at 16 and not going to university. No one can give out personal careers’ advice – however we can ensure that young people are given fair opportunities. Exam results do not define you.”

Mark is passionate about encouraging the next generation entering the profession. The firm already has many trainees and apprentices currently on programmes and will continue to recruit in the coming years.