When the Olympic flame passed through Crewe on May 31, it was held aloft by Andy Fewtrell FCIOB, one of the 8,000 individuals selected to participate in the torch relay because of their personal achievements.
Fewtrell was nominated for the honour – he doesn’t know by whom – for his charity works. But he has also tried to use the occasion to shine a light on the industry he represents.
“Often in construction, we kind of feel left out. But it’s sensible to blow our own trumpet, I think it’s good for the industry. After all, we built the darn stuff [for the Olympics]. But every time they talk about the construction, it’s Seb Coe or a government minister who’s on the TV.”
Fewtrell is well known locally both for the company he runs, Up and Under Group, and its charitable foundation, which is funded out of the company’s income as well as fund-raising events and donations. The charity works with local youth organisations to fund activities for young people.
On the day, Fewtrell was one of 20 torch-bearers who travelled along the route together. “I listened to all of their personal stories, and I’m thinking ‘these guys are amazing – and I’m only me!’ But there were 8000 people out there all thinking exactly the same.”
Since the event, Fewtrell and two members of staff have taken the torch into 21 local schools as well as community events, and calculate that around 4000 children have held it. “It’s been belted into walls and danged into fences – why would you keep it in a box?” he asks. Meeting young people, his message is “find something you like doing, do it well and you’ll be good at it.”
Up and Under’s name is linked to its specialism in access techniques, including abseiling. But the company also undertakes maintenance contracts and has a growing fit-out division.
Fewtrell also offers CPD events for members of the CIOB, ICE and RICS, selecting a different topic each year, setting aside three weeks a year to “put something back” into the institutions.
