Chris Yalden

I joined the AWP team back in April 2013, becoming the 10th member of staff. Since that time the business has continued to go from strength to strength and it’s great to be a part of the success story.

Now as a team of 30+ (and counting), we’re a long way from the rented office space where it all began, yet reassuringly the company's values remain at the heart of the business, which is a testament to us all.

I head up the Flood Risk and Drainage Team, comprising a mix of engineers, technical staff and apprentices. Together we undertake pre-planning, planning and reserved matters applications, focusing on drainage and flood risk, whilst also covering strategic highway design, external works packages and utilities appraisals across a broad range of sectors, with an overarching commitment to ensure the successful delivery of all schemes, for all clients.

I also lead AWP’s Investors in People working group, which has successfully delivered improvements to our working environment and operational performance.

Outside the challenges of work I’m kept on my toes by my family, with two sons and a daughter, and a lively Jack Russell. Thankfully, living inside the South Devon AONB helps to address the balance, with an abundance of beaches and estuaries to explore on foot, paddleboard or with my drone. I’m also a keen F1 fan and enjoy light exercise, technology and spending time with friends or family.