Celebrating 10 Years at SDG!

March 2026 marked an important milestone at SDG as our Lead Engineer, Alex Christopher, celebrated 10 years with the company.

Alex joined SDG in 2016 as a trainee engineer at just 21 years old. After previously working in the renewable energy sector installing solar panels, he began developing his career in the installation, maintenance and servicing of industrial doors and commercial doors.

Over the past decade Alex has grown with the business, becoming a key member of our engineering team and helping deliver reliable industrial and commercial door solutions for clients across the UK.

A Decade of Experience and Expertise in Industrial and Commercial Doors

To mark the occasion, we spoke with Alex about his journey, how the door industry has evolved, and what the future holds.

What do you remember most about your first day at SDG back in 2016?
I remember my first day vividly. I was very nervous at first, but I was introduced to the whole team and was made to feel welcome straight away. I worked with Jason Lill on my first day and we installed a steel set door at East Transportation in Immingham. Jason let me tackle the installation myself to see “what I was made of,” I guess. I learned a lot from that first day and it made me excited to learn more.

You joined us a trainee engineer at 21. What attracted you to the role at the time?

The wide variety of work that SDG carries out really attracted me to the role. With my previous wiring experience from working in the renewable energy sector, I was interested in developing that knowledge further, particularly with electric doors and gates. I’ve always been very hands-on from a young age, helping my dad with different jobs, so I knew this type of work would suit me well.

Before joining SDG you worked installing solar panels. How did that experience help you when you moved into engineering?

Working in the solar industry taught me a lot about problem solving and planning jobs effectively. I also gained valuable experience with wiring and job management. I was able to bring those skills with me when I joined SDG and develop them further. It definitely made the first few months of learning much easier and gave me the confidence to challenge myself and take on new tasks.

How has your role evolved over the last 10 years at SDG?

I originally started as a Trainee Engineer, working under the supervision of more experienced and skilled engineers. From there I progressed into a Senior Engineer role, running my own jobs and helping to train less experienced engineers. I then moved into the Lead Engineer role, which involves a mix of office-based work and hands-on engineering. It’s a role I really enjoy, as it allows me to be involved in more aspects of the business while continuing to develop my career.

Looking back over the last decade, what project or achievement are you most proud of?

The scale of the projects I’ve completed over the past decade has increased massively. From carrying out my first repair to now installing everything the company offers, I’ve taken great pride in all of it.

One standout project has to be the full London Fire Brigade appliance bay door upgrades. These projects were incredibly labour intensive and required working to a very high standard while also being extremely time efficient, as there was a lot of pressure to keep each job on schedule.

I’m also very proud of being able to help new employees learn the trade and support them as they develop their skills. Being able to pass on what I’ve learned over the years is something I really value.

How has the industry changed since you started in 2016?

I would say the biggest change has been the range of different assets we now install. When I first started, we were mainly installing standard manual doors, roller shutters and automatic doors. Now we’re installing a much wider variety of systems, including different styles of gates, Helix sectional doors and barriers. It definitely keeps the job interesting, as no two days are the same and there is always something new to learn.

Another big change in the industry is the efficiency and quality of the products we install. Technology is constantly improving, and that progress is definitely reflected in the systems used in our industry today.

What skills helped you progress from trainee to Lead Engineer?

I think being able to learn from others and listen to advice has been key in helping me progress. Having strong wiring knowledge and a solid mechanical background also gave me the best chance to develop my position.

Working in the office one day a week has helped me understand many of the behind-the-scenes processes in the company. To be a Lead Engineer, you need to act as a positive link between the engineering team and office staff, helping to maximise the company’s overall output.

What advice would you give someone joining SDG today as a trainee engineer?

It’s never too late to learn new skills or try a new career. Every position in the company is important, and being a trainee engineer is just as valuable as being a Senior Engineer, Lead Engineer, or Account Coordinator. Every role plays a part in keeping the company running at its best.

Recently, we had two 18-year-olds join the company with no previous experience in this industry. After just seven months, the skills they’ve developed are impressive and they’re now a real asset on any job and an important part of the team.

If you’ve just left school or are thinking about your next step, I would highly recommend stepping into this career. Not having past experience is not a reason not to try, it’s all about being willing to learn and get stuck in.

What makes the SDG team special to you?

The family atmosphere at SDG is what makes it really special. The company works hard to make every employee feel like an important part of the team. Company family days and Christmas parties are always enjoyable, and a lot of effort goes into making sure everyone has a great time.

On the engineering side, everyone works together to share advice and support each other. Whether it’s helping on-site or answering questions over the phone, the team is always ready to assist anyone struggling with a particular job. That sense of collaboration makes being part of the SDG team very rewarding.

Outside of work, you’re passionate about motocross racing. How did you get into the sport?

I’ve been into bikes for as long as I can remember, but I didn’t start competing until I was 18. After passing my road bike test at 17, I got a new road bike, but just a month later I had a serious accident. I ended up in hospital for six weeks with two badly broken legs, multiple surgeries, and six months off work.

My parents knew bikes were a huge part of my life, but they didn’t want me riding on the roads again. So, they bought me a van to transport a motocross bike instead. My dad said, “At least you’re all going the same way around, unlike the roads.” To some, this might have seemed crazy, but to him, also a lifelong bike enthusiast, it made sense. He didn’t want to take bikes out of my life completely.

From there, I started competing in local events and eventually progressed to top British national events. Motocross has been a big part of my life ever since.

SDG sponsors your racing bike – what does that support mean to you?

Having SDG sponsor me is something I really appreciate. I take great pride in having the company logos on my bike and racing clothing , it really reflects the company’s family feel. It’s a great form of support outside of work and shows that SDG genuinely cares about its employees, both on and off the job.

What are you most excited about for the future of SDG and your role in the years ahead?

I’m excited to continue developing my skills and becoming a more well-rounded engineer and person. I’m also looking forward to seeing how our younger engineers progress in their careers and supporting them as they grow.

Over time, my role will involve more office-based work, so I’m excited to learn the skills needed to make that transition smoothly. It’s been great to see how the company has evolved over the past decade, and I’m really looking forward to seeing what SDG will look like in the next ten years.