The organisation king who oversees all project activity with a steely determination to deliver top results

Name: Conor Barwise

Role: Operations Director

Years with Guardtech: 15

Right then, Conor, why don’t you tell us a little bit about yourself!

Connor says: “I was born in Liverpool, raised in Derry, and I’d like to think I can be similar to the river Mersey or Foyle; often appear calm but both have a tidal flow and therefore can be a turbulent force of nature. I give my everything to any task whether in work or at home. If I’m not throwing myself into a project at work I’m tackling a DIY project or coming third in the world in Fantasy Premier League (used up all my Irish luck in that one…). I am blessed with a beautiful and loving family that keep me on my toes, but also offer the rare and much-needed moments of peace.”

What does your role as Operations Director entail?

Connor says: “I oversee all project activity, often taking a lead role in managing our more critical and complex projects. I am responsible for the management of our HR, H&S and Quality Systems. I will also sometimes be involved in early design and commercial stages as required.”

What do you love about your job?

Connor says: “The variety. No single day is ever the same and never mundane. The industries we work with, the challenges we face, the ever-increasing opportunities in an evolving world; it all adds to an interesting journey every time I open the laptop, answer the phone or get in car.”

What’s the most challenging thing about being an Operations Director?

Connor says: “Personally, I struggle with delegation and ‘letting go.’ I often hold on to ownership of many projects and tasks with the hope and intention that I can lead by example. However, I should often accept that it’s better to reassign certain tasks to enable others to maximise their potential.”

How would you describe Guardtech Cleanrooms to someone who knows nothing about the business?

Connor says: “A team of approachable, hardworking and flexible problem solvers. Guardtech has been, and always will be, client focused and go the extra mile to achieve a common goal.”

And finally… if you were a piece of laboratory furniture or equipment, what would you be – and why?

Connor says: “A balance table. I absorb the shocks and vibrations from projects and provide the stability and control the team needs to succeed.”

For more information on Guardtech’s Design & Build services, call 0330 113 0303, email [email protected] or visit www.guardtechcleanrooms.com

This article was written by Medilink Midlands Member, Guardtech Cleanrooms Ltd.

For more information on Medilink Midlands Membership, click here

Latest Opportunities

The Open University Mentoring Opportunity

Are you looking to get involved in some mentoring in the New Year? For 2026,…

Mental Health First Aid training offer for the Medilink Midlands network

What Red Umbrella offer With tailored delivery and expert integration, every Red Umbrella engagement is…

Office for Life Sciences Bulletin – 4 December 2025

The Office for Life Sciences (OLS) is a joint unit between the Department of Health…

Latest News

New pilot programme launches to address life sciences skills gap across Midlands and East of England

Medilink Midlands partners with the University of Warwick and Anglia Ruskin University to upskill future life…

IC26 is here, and it’s bigger than ever!

As part of our mission to support regional innovation, and with TBAT Innovation as a…

Join 3P innovation and ISPE UK Affiliate for the UK Pharmaceutical & MedTech Innovations event

Join 3P innovation and ISPE UK Affiliate as we bring together industry leaders, innovators, and…

Your innovation deserves recognition

The Medilink Midlands Awards are now open, celebrating outstanding innovation across the region’s medtech and life sciences sector.

With 10 categories to enter, now’s the time to showcase your achievements.
Extended Deadline Date: 16th January

Start your application today.

Almost There! Just Tell Us a Bit About You​

Almost There! Just Tell Us a Bit About You​

Almost There! Just Tell Us a Bit About You​

Almost There! Just Tell Us a Bit About You​

Almost There! Just Tell Us a Bit About You​

Almost There! Just Tell Us a Bit About You​

Almost There! Just Tell Us a Bit About You​

Almost There! Just Tell Us a Bit About You​

Almost There! Just Tell Us a Bit About You​

Almost There! Just Tell Us a Bit About You​

Almost There! Just Tell Us a Bit About You​