Richard Tester

Meet the Team: Richard Tester – Planner / Programmer

In this edition of our Team Insights series, we caught up with Richard Tester, Planner / Programmer, who joined Caxton Façades in 2024. With a career that began in the structural steel industry on skyscrapers across London, Richard has since managed projects across the rail, waste, water, and nuclear sectors. Now focused on planning – what he describes as the heart of every project -Richard shares how Caxton’s collaborative, motivated environment supports his role, professional growth and work/life balance.

What does your current role involve?

I’m involved in all live projects as well as tenders, providing planning and programme support across the board. My role focuses on analysing data across various platforms, collating real-time site information, and applying it to programmes that demonstrate the project lifecycle. The outputs are tailored for different audiences, whether it’s site teams, project managers, directors, or clients.

I plan works with the site managers from start to finish, beginning with the initial design concept and mapping out tasks for the entire project. Each week, I meet with site management and project managers to review progress, generate reports, and ensure everything stays on track. Reports for site managers are also shared with clients, while I work closely with project managers and directors to provide higher-level reporting.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

The interaction with the Caxton site teams. Everyone here is motivated, fun to work with, and shares the same work ethic. When I joined, I was clear that I wanted to work somewhere with the right team culture. I’ve been at companies where you’re just a name or a number, and I’m at a stage in my career where I want to spend my working life with good people. We spend more time together than with our families, so it matters. At Caxton, everyone listens, supports each other, and stays switched on. We’re all on the same page.

How would you describe the team culture at Caxton?

There’s a lot of positive energy within Caxton Group. Given the amount of time we all spend together, it’s great to be in an environment that helps us focus on what really matters. Stress feels like a thing of the past because we communicate openly, share challenges, and approach everything with a “can do” attitude. Work–life balance is also encouraged. Even after just a few weeks, I felt part of the team. If something needs addressing, we tackle it together. I go home without carrying stress with me.

How does Caxton support your growth and development?

Caxton are very open about the business and what it stands for. A big part of training and development here is understanding the individual. Our one-to-ones aren’t rigid – they’re more like balanced conversations where you talk about your role, and training and development naturally fit in. It feels supportive and personalised rather than box-ticking.

What do you see in the future for Caxton Façades?

Caxton Group is fast becoming a household name in its sector of the construction industry. With one eye on future developments and the other on strengthening client relationships, the message is clear: the goal is to be number one in the field.