By: Rav Dhanjal, Director

Over the past few months, I’ve had the opportunity to reflect on my journey at DFC and what has stood out to me so far. Having spent many years in the industry, joining a new organisation is always a considered step, but what has made this experience different is the people and the shared sense of purpose. It’s been a rewarding period building something new in Birmingham, working alongside a supportive team, and contributing to a business that takes pride in what it does and how it does it.

Why I joined DFC

There were a few reasons behind my decision to join DFC, one is because of the people, two because of its reputation, three because DFC deliver quality.

Throughout my career, I’ve found that it’s the individuals you work with, rather than the organisation itself that shape your experience. Values, trust and a shared sense of purpose matter most to me.

DFC stood out for its reputation for quality but more importantly, it felt like a place where I could belong and contribute.

What I’ve been focusing on over the past year

Over the past year, much of my focus has been on establishing and growing the Birmingham team. That has included building the right foundations through my 30 years of experience in this industry, bringing people together, shaping how we work and creating a team that reflects the values of DFC.

Alongside this, I’ve been keen to broaden the range of work we take on. That has meant exploring new sectors, collaborating with engineers from different backgrounds, and supporting opportunities beyond the UK. It’s been about adding variety and depth to what we do, while maintaining the quality that DFC is known for.

How the Birmingham office has developed

The Birmingham office has grown steadily over the past year. What started as a small presence is now a team of four, soon will be five, with plans to continue building in a measured way.

For me, growth has never been about numbers alone. It’s about bringing in the right people those who fit the culture, share our values, and want to contribute to something long term. Getting that balance right has been a key focus as the team has developed.

What’s stood out to me

What has stood out most to me is the culture at DFC. There is a genuine focus on learning and on doing things properly, rather than taking the easy route. People understand where the boundaries are and are willing to stand by what is right, particularly when it comes to safety.

There is also a strong sense of responsibility, not just to our clients, but to each other and to the wider public. That mindset has been clear from the outset and is something I value highly.

My role at DFC

My role at DFC focuses on ensuring the quality of the work we deliver, while also supporting the growth of the business through new opportunities, clients and collaborations across the industry. I’m also responsible for leading on people matters and health and safety within the business, with a particular focus on building an inclusive and supportive team environment where individuals can develop and contribute in their own way.

At the same time, I still see myself first and foremost as a fire engineer, someone who loves a challenge and solving problems. I’m keen to use my experience to help shape how we continue to develop as a practice, not just in the work we deliver, but in how we support and grow the people within the business.

Advice for those considering joining DFC

If you’re considering a new challenge and trying to find somewhere new, I would always say look at the people first. For me, that has always mattered more than the organisation itself. You spend a lot of time at work, so it’s important that the people you work with share similar values and a sense of purpose.

From my experience so far, DFC is a place that genuinely cares about its people, its clients and the quality of what it delivers. There’s a strong sense of pride in the work, but also an understanding that balance matters. That combination is not something you find everywhere. Look for a place where you can contribute, be challenged and continue to grow. If that’s what you’re after, then DFC is certainly worth considering.

I’ve worked in many organisations but DFC truly cares about its people, the work we do, supporting a healthy work-life balance and taking pride in what we deliver and what we stand for.