Luca Webb (second-left) with fellow Somerville TSL employees Emma Toner, Tia Dabare and Dayin Wijaya
Luca Webb
History (2019), Michael Bishop Foundation Thatcher Scholar
Five years ago, I was finishing up my degree at Somerville and watching as my friends eyed the Big Three or Magic Circle for their first jobs. I wanted to try something different, however, which is why I joined TSL, a construction group specialising in advanced manufacturing facilities, as their new Head of Communications.
I had done work experience with TSL the summer before, and been impressed by the flat hierarchy and entrepreneurial spirit of the business. These enabled me to attend senior meetings and lead on projects from day one.
The core idea behind TSL is to create advantage for businesses by applying sustainable, circular economy principles to facilities design. For example, a food production business park will integrate multiple food businesses so their complementary needs in
refrigeration and heating generate mutual savings. TSL can leverage the same advantage whether designing a new hyperscale data centre, major automotive project or advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing facility. Demand has grown exponentially. Since I joined in 2022, the business has gone from a turnover of £450m to well over £1bn, and a presence in more than 15 countries. The culture of opportunity is so special that I’ve even recommended TSL to other Somervillians, who are now forging their own careers here.
As for me, my recent highlights have included securing a ‘lead partner’ position for TSL at the International Investment Summit, and hosting the Minister of State for Food at our flagship sustainable food park in Derby. Finally, this March, I learned of my appointment as Director of Communications, making me the youngest board director in the group’s history. Continued on page 10