Who We Are

Geoff Parkinson – Director of Procurement

To date I have held a number of roles within the business ranging from Operations Manager, Mobilisations Manager, Director of Business Solutions and now Director of Procurement. My varied experiences have provided me with a unique and deep insight into the workings of our business.

I work hard to create stimulating working environments for our people. Environments which recognise the achievements of our people and help them to achieve the very best they can.

Judy Hegarty – Finance Director

Whilst working in finance I have had various jobs including setting up contractual models, implementing controls and processes to improve accuracy of information, auditing system reports with proactive management tools and setting up nationwide supply chain agreements ensuring that all expenditure adds value and innovation to our stakeholders.

I joined the Fortem board in September 2016 as Finance Director leading the finance department and I believe that the success of the team is driven by good communication both internally and externally, training and developing the team to maximize their potential and ensuring key controls are maintained within the business.

Fortem is a company that I am proud to work for as the people and culture within the business sets us apart from anyone else I have come across. I admire Fortem’s flare for change that aims to benefit the sector and our clients by empowering and investing in the people within the Fortem family.

Sonya Holmes – Director of HR

Mike Hart – Managing Director

In all the businesses I have led, my relentless focus on achieving exceptional quality, performance and service delivery resulted in working with a substantial number of customers on a long-term basis, which is key to having a successful business.

One example was where I was appointed Chief Operating Officer for Willmott Dixon Interiors in 2012, where I have overseen the company's growth in turnover from less than £50 million to nearly £200 million, with that company now listed as one of the top five most profitable fit-out contractors in the UK.

In 2020 I was appointed as Executive Chairman at Fortem, and in 2022 also took on the role of Managing Director. During my time so far with Fortem, I have been highly impressed with the calibre of our people and our unrelenting focus to provide a high-quality service to our customers. I’m hugely optimistic about our future at Fortem and with the solid foundations that exist within the business, that we will achieve our ambitious plans for growth over the next few years.

Katarina Fidler – Director of Operations (Midlands)

I have held several senior operational and strategic roles across construction and engineering delivering to private and public sector clients. Before joining Fortem, I worked with Centrica/British Gas developing and managing subcontractor delivery in gas/electrical home services.

My focus is developing cohesive teams with a joint purpose and commitment to excellent customer service. I have a passion for improving diversity in the construction sector and in 2015 I was recognised by BITC’s Opportunity Now Excellence in Practice Awards.

Since 2016, I have been a Trustee on the Board of The Haven Wolverhampton, an independent charity providing refuge and support services for women and children survivors of domestic violence. I also mentor for Business in the Community and the placement of the homeless into employment.

Steve Gayter – Director of Mobilisations

I first experienced Social Housing when I joined Fortem in February 2012 as Northern Operations Director, before moving into a business support role.

As Director of Mobilisations, I work with the procurement team to secure contracts and then mobilise them into our business. Alongside this I have two other key areas,

• Support - A team of experts who deliver national support to our business, including a Contact Centre and a National Team of trades and supervisors
• Quality – A team of highly trained individuals who ensure we retain our required certification and compliance across the business