Ben Drayton Takes the Helm: A Journey from Construction to Managing Director at Think Access Ltd

In the ever-evolving landscape of business, #thinkaccess is thrilled to announce the appointment of Ben Drayton as its new Managing Director. Ben’s journey to this esteemed position is a story of determination, adaptability, and a deep passion for growth. Join us in welcoming Ben as he leads Think Access Ltd into a new era of success and innovation.

Firstly, however, before we talk about Ben and look to the future, it wouldn’t be right and proper to not firstly recognise the achievements (and the shoes Ben needs to fill!), of the outgoing MD, Mick Grimbleby.

Forming just before the pandemic, it was a slow start from 2019 through to 2022, seeing approximately £1.5m turnover per year. Fast forward to 2023 Think Access Ltd saw a huge growth in turnover to reach £7.5m with an on-target turnover for the group of £10m+

Its with this growth, and the need for Mick to assist other group companies in their growth plans in 2024, that the difficult decision was made for him to step down as the MD of Think Access Ltd and commit fully to his role as the CEO of Think Access Group Ltd.

Now, on to Ben, and the future of our Scunthorpe Branch, Think Access Ltd 

Ben Drayton’s journey to the helm of #thinkaccess is a remarkable testament to his resilience and commitment to personal and professional growth. Originating from a domestic construction background, Ben’s foray into the world of rope access happened accidentally.

Faced with a sudden layoff from his previous role, Ben seized the opportunity to contribute to a confined space entry team, viewing it as a means to quickly re-enter the workforce. Despite the unfamiliarity of the task at hand, Ben’s pragmatic mindset prevailed — recognising that, in tough times, “money is money.” This initial exposure ignited a genuine eagerness in him to explore the possibilities within rope access.

Moving from Level 1 to Level 3 within just five years marked a swift progression, highlighting Ben’s dedication and the industry’s potential for professional development. Ben’s ascent continued as he moved from a hands-on role into supervision, overseeing and running small jobs before progressing to manage large-scale projects, including one of our largest to date, Manchester Airports T2 Construction Project.

A pivotal moment in his career came when he transitioned into management as the Contracts Manager for #thinkaccess. This shift from the ‘tools’ to management initially posed challenges, but Ben’s resilience and adaptability allowed him to overcome the hurdles and excel in his new role. As Ben reflects on his journey, he acknowledges the initial struggles of adjusting to a management role. However, over time, he not only adapted but excelled, leading him to his current position as the Managing Director of Think Access Ltd.

Ben’s story is a testament to the growth and potential within the rope access industry, and his leadership promises to propel Think Access Ltd to new heights of success. With Ben Drayton at the helm, Think Access Ltd is poised for a future marked by innovation, inclusivity, and continued success. Ben’s unique journey serves as an inspiration within the company, embodying the spirit of #thinkaccess commitment to growth and accessibility. Join us in welcoming Ben as we embark on this exciting new chapter together.