Ellie Wise

Can you tell us a little about your journey to Vercity?

I went to University in Coventry where I studied a HNC in Building then progressed to a Degree at Westminster University in Building Surveying.

My first role after graduation was with Fulcrum, the UK SPV arm of French investment company Meridiam. I started as a Facilities Contract Administrator, which gave me a great insight into the PFI/PPP world, then spent the next three and a half years as an Assistant Operations Manager. My initial role when I moved to HCP (now Vercity) was as Operations Manager at Capital Hospitals working across the Bart’s and Royal London hospitals.

I had the opportunity to transfer across to the Commercial team and was there for a few years before taking a role externally as a General Manager, to broaden my experience outside of Vercity. This included managing six projects; two hospitals, a portfolio of police and schools, and two build to rent schemes directly with the lender/funder. I have now been back at Vercity for just over a year and work within the FM team as a Commercial Manager.

How has your experience evolved throughout your time in the workplace?

As my knowledge has grown, the approach to the way I tackle challenges has changed, needing to reach out for the input from senior staff much less frequently. I am more confident on where to look in a contract to find the solution and in offering professional opinions, having experienced disputes, adjudications and judicial decisions.

Also, understanding risk, knowing which parties should be notified of such, and how best to communicate it. Explaining the risk, providing possible solutions and recommendations.

What has been your experience at Vercity?

A diverse one, having worked on a project and within consultancy. Having been an Operations Manager and then supporting General Managers you develop pockets of community. Each project is a community and when we come in to undertake a defined piece of work, all are welcoming. There are teams within the Consultancy, but still one friendly overall team. There is a feeling of integration.

What do you enjoy outside of work?

I am a qualified nail technician, I do my own along with friends and family. I enjoy the creative side of it and you will always see me with my nails done. After buying my current house which has a large garden, I have really taken to Gardening. I also enjoy spending time with my eight nieces and nephews, the newest is only a week old. I relax by watching crime documentaries, and have an unhealthy obsession with tiktoks about cats, having two of my own.

What life achievement are you most proud of?

Buying my home, as it is the type of property that I’ve always wanted. It’s in the right location, close to family, with a good size garden, and within a peaceful neighbourhood with lovely neighbours. Plus it offers the opportunity for me to put my own stamp on it.