Identity Consult – IC The Past – Chapter 2a: “The continuity of relationships is something I greatly value”
Shayne Swan is Head of Capital at QE Facilities and has been a client of Identity Consult’s for the past 20 years.
In this article, the latest instalment in our IC20 series and the first of two pieces this week from our longest standing clients, Shayne reflects on a 20‑year relationship – praising the consultancy’s consistency, people‑first culture and the “IC Standard” of professionalism – “the dependable friend who always turns up prepared, stays calm under pressure…”.
Shayne also highlights standout projects such as the University of Sunderland’s Anatomy Centre and Murray Health, the firm’s support for his move from education into healthcare, and long‑running relationships with colleagues across our business.
Reaching a 20-year anniversary is a remarkable achievement in any industry, but in construction consultancy, where projects, priorities and technology seem to evolve at lightning speed, it is particularly impressive. Congratulations to everyone at IC on two decades of success.
Having worked alongside IC for many years, I’ve come to think of them as the industry equivalent of that dependable friend who always turns up prepared, stays calm under pressure and somehow manages to make difficult situations look straightforward. While the rest of us occasionally get distracted by the latest crisis or industry buzzword, there always seems to be someone from IC quietly guiding the conversation back towards practical solutions and sensible outcomes.
One thing that has always stood out is the consistency of the business. As IC has grown, expanded into new regions and embraced innovations such as BIM and digital construction, it has never lost sight of the values that built its reputation in the first place. Integrity, professionalism and collaboration remain as evident today as they were twenty years ago.
I’ve often joked that there is an “IC Standard” that the rest of us are expected to keep up with. Early in my career, I regularly found myself wondering, “How would IC approach this?” It was occasionally frustrating because they had an annoying habit of raising the bar, but looking back, that influence undoubtedly helped shape my own professional development.
In fact, on the occasions when circumstances have required me to work with other consultancies, I have realised just how much that benchmark has become ingrained. Fair or unfair, I often find myself measuring others against the “IC Standard” – looking for the same professionalism, integrity, responsiveness and collaborative approach that I have come to expect over the years. Few manage to replicate it entirely, which perhaps says more about IC than it does about their competitors.
A large part of that experience has been the relationships built along the way. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working closely with Andrew, Simon, Mark, Andy, Layla, James and many others across the business. What has always struck me is that, despite IC’s growth and success, those relationships have remained genuine, supportive and built on mutual respect. In an industry where people often move on and partnerships can be short-lived, the continuity of those relationships is something I value greatly. They have been trusted colleagues, sounding boards and, on more than one occasion, the calm heads in the room when projects have become particularly challenging.
One of the real pleasures of working alongside IC for so long has been observing careers flourish. I have seen individuals join the business in junior roles, develop their expertise, grow in confidence and progress into leadership positions. In some cases, I have been fortunate enough to support and encourage that development along the way, whether through project collaborations, mentoring conversations or simply sharing experiences gained throughout my own career. Watching talented professionals grow into respected leaders has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my association with IC and is a testament to the culture the business has carefully nurtured over the last twenty years.
That support continues today as I make my own transition from the education sector into healthcare. Moving between sectors brings a new set of challenges, priorities and ways of thinking, but IC has been a constant source of encouragement throughout that journey. Whether through sharing expertise, providing insight into healthcare projects or simply offering practical advice, the team has helped make the transition both rewarding and enjoyable. It reflects the same commitment to developing people and building long-term relationships that has underpinned IC’s success for the past twenty years.
Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of watching IC’s journey has been seeing the people develop. Many of the faces who once sat quietly taking notes in meetings are now leading them. That progression speaks volumes about a company that invests in its people and develops talent from within. Great businesses are built by great people, and IC has clearly understood that from day one.
Their commitment to long-term relationships is equally impressive. In an industry often focused on the next project, IC has consistently prioritised trust, transparency and partnership. Clients know what they’ll get: honest advice, high standards and a team committed to doing the right thing rather than simply the easiest thing.
When I think of projects that capture what IC does best, personal developments such as the University of Sunderland’s Anatomy Centre and Murray Health stand out. Both demonstrate technical excellence, but more importantly, they reflect IC’s ability to keep people and purpose at the heart of delivery. Looking back, it’s perhaps fitting that projects focused on educating future healthcare professionals have become standout examples of our collaboration, particularly as my own career path has evolved from education into the health sector.
Twenty years on, IC remains a benchmark for the industry – proof that growth and success don’t require compromising values. More importantly, it remains a business built on people, relationships and a culture that brings out the best in those around it. If the first two decades are anything to go by, the future looks extremely bright.
Congratulations to Andrew, Simon, Mark, Andy, Layla, James and everyone across the wider IC team on this fantastic milestone. Here’s to the next twenty years of setting standards, developing talent, building lasting partnerships and, no doubt, continuing to raise the bar for the rest of us.