Gemma Davies
Business & Finance Director
From CAD Technician to Director: 25 Years of Dedication, Growth & Leadership
Gemma worked alongside her dad, Founder Phil Davies, for 22 years, not just building a successful business, but laying the groundwork for a collaborative, progressive team. Today, Davies Partnership operates as a successful Mechanical, Electrical, and Sustainability Building Services consultancy across three locations, with a team of exceptional people. A feat not possible without the compassionate leadership of our Business & Finance Director, Gemma.
Gemma has always demonstrated the strength of a true leader. Her naturally reserved nature, paired with a logical and analytical mind, gives her the ability to approach challenges with clarity and calm.
Beginning her career as an Accounts Assistant and ISO Internal Auditor for a local business, where she built a strong foundation in finance and quality systems, Gemma was never too far from the family business. Working behind the scenes, helping with admin and accounts, it wasn’t until another of the original directors, Mike Flanagan, recognised her potential and suggested she join as a CAD technician. Gemma progressed to the role of CAD Manager, then became instrumental in setting up the company’s Sustainability offering and gaining Low Carbon Consultant and Energy Assessor accreditation. After several years as part of the engineering team, she moved into the world of business and finance in 2014.
2000
WORKING WITH DAD
“One of the biggest honours of my life has been working alongside my dad. Founding the business in 1996, he took a leap of faith whilst raising a young family and paying a mortgage. His care, commitment, and belief in people still influences how we lead today. I’m incredibly proud to have worked with Phil the businessman and to be able to call him my dad. He saw confidence in me, when maybe I didn’t; he saw a future for me and made sure I was prepared for it. I was never just handed a job because of who I am, Dad made sure I earned it, continuing to learn with every step up the ladder. To work with him, support the growth of the business, and earn my place as a Director has been one of my greatest achievements.”
GEMMA’S
IMPACT
“Gemma’s role in the business evolved from undertaking CAD to an Environmental Technician, specialising in Part L compliance. This put the business at the forefront of consultants at the time, able to offer this essential specialist service for Building Regulation compliance. Perhaps an unlikely candidate to take over the administration and finance of the business; her adaptability, reliability and detailed approach was such that she was given the challenge. She grasped it with both hands and has gone on to not only improve existing systems but identify the need to develop new ones, and a key part of the success of the business as it developed. Now in her role as Business and Finance Director on the board, she has been recognised by other business leaders and her peers in the industry by being nominated for and winning several regional awards.”
Phil Davies, Davies Partnership Founder and Gemma’s Dad.
“How can you pick just one moment from a 25-year career that means the most? I suppose it’s not one particular moment, but the everyday wins and the profound respect we have for one another. A third of our team has been together for over 10 years, and knowing the culture and environment we’ve created is something I’m deeply proud of. It has been a privilege to witness our team, many promoted from within, rise through the ranks from Technical Support Technician to Sustainability Associate, from Electrical Design Engineer to Managing Director.”
“Our board were all promoted from engineering roles, giving us a broad understanding of every area of the business. We’ve built a culture that pulls together, even through the toughest times. During the pandemic, for example, we spoke every day and supported each other to make sure that we came out stronger on the other side. That kind of unity is rare and I’m so proud to be part of it.”
GEMMA DESIGNED THE VERY FIRST COMPANY LOGO ON PAINT! DO YOU KNOW HOW DIFFICULT THIS IS ON MICROSOFT PAINT!
LESSONS IN LEADERSHIP – WHAT I HAVE LEARNT
PUT PEOPLE FIRST
Whether it’s our team or our clients, treating people with honesty, care, and respect is fundamental.
ADAPT WITH PURPOSE
From launching our Sustainability Department in 2006 to navigating the pandemic, change has always been met with teamwork and thoughtful action.
STRONG FOUNDATIONS LEAD TO STRONG FUTURES
My early experience in finance, engineering, and sustainability has given me a unique and holistic view of the business.
LEAD BY LISTENING
As someone who’s naturally quiet, I’ve learned that listening well is a leadership strength.
STAY GROUNDED IN YOUR VALUES
Integrity, collaboration, and long-term thinking are at the core of everything we do.
THE GEMMA EFFECT
Gemma would profess that the most significant change in herself has been confidence.
“Not having a naturally confident or outgoing personality, I’ve had to remind myself that I am capable. Surrounding myself with a supportive team has made a real difference. From leading teams to being interviewed on video, things that once felt daunting now feel like part of the job. I’ve grown into someone who can lead with quiet confidence and stand tall in rooms where I once felt invisible.” This kind of raw honesty is what young people need to hear. You can do it. It is possible. And you don’t have to change who you are to do.
Rebecca is now in her seventh year with DP and has always worked closely with Gemma - so who better to offer a testament?
“Gemma has played a key role in helping me progress in my career. She has taught me many new skills and consistently offers guidance when needed. She is very patient and always takes the time to explain things in detail until I fully understand. Gemma clearly outlines next steps and sets achievable targets, which has helped me stay focused and continue developing. Her approachable nature makes it easy to ask for help and support whenever I need it.”
Rebecca Dolan, Business & HR Administrator | Davies Partnership.
WORDS TO LEAD BY
“Stay humble. Stay curious. Don’t be afraid to grow slowly, just make sure you’re growing. Surround yourself with people who lift others up, and be that person when you can. Also, never underestimate the power of a biscuit and a bit of singing in the office to turn a day around!”
Thanks For Reading
DAVIES PARTNERSHIP
ENERGISING ENVIRONMENTS
CHESTER | LIVERPOOL | CONWY