Mark Meyrick
Director & founder of the Company
Experience
Having worked for Beck & Pollitzer (B&P) for 17 years, Mark welcomed the opportunity to start his own business when he undertook a management buy-out of the control system division to form FirstClass Safety & Control Ltd (FCSC) in 2017.
Mark was instrumental in developing and creating the FCSC offer, working in a small team whilst at B&P, and he continues to bring forth and advance new operational ideas and solutions.
He brings a wealth of business and managerial experience with a very strong background in the Control and Safety System industry. Mark oversees all areas of the business and is a hands-on manager supporting the team whenever required, having a “can do” attitude to all. His Functional Safety Engineer (TUV Rheinland) qualification allows him to co-ordinate the business and assist customers with Safety System Design and Manufacture.
Mark enjoys travel with family and friends, plays golf when time permits, is a keen football fan and has an interest in watching most sports.
Sam Meyrick
Control Systems Engineer
Experience
Sam’s interest in engineering started at the young age of 15, with a part-time job modifying and checking over Technical Control Drawings for Beck & Pollitzer, during school holidays. He recently completed a 4-year Advanced Engineering Apprenticeship at FlaktWoods Ltd, an Air Movement company based in Colchester.
During his apprenticeship he gained knowledge within the Mechanical, Electrical and Aerodynamic sectors. He has successfully undertaken projects as a project engineer, including producing and implementing innovative designs into the HVAC Industry.
Sam is a driven and energetic young engineer, with a can-do attitude and a passion to explore and develop new methods and techniques within the Safety and Controls environment.
A keen petrolhead, Sam spends his time working on cars and seeing friends. He enjoys travelling globally with his partner and is a keen cyclist
Tony Blacker
Control Systems Design Engineer
Experience
Tony graduated from Wolverton Technical College in technical and design engineering and has worked in multiple industries for over thirty years. He brings to FirstClass experience in whole life design and execution of projects, covering hardware and software, with extensive experience as a programmer.
As well as this wealth of experience Tony has a practical, customer focused can do attitude towards problem solving and providing technical solutions. Always looking to innovate and provide the best possible service for the customer, Tony goes that extra mile in the pursuit of customer satisfaction.
Outside of work, he is a keen Scuba diver and enjoys visiting the warmer seas of the world to see the sea life. He also follows the England cricket team around the world and has a keen interest in current affairs. He loves nothing more than watching his two sons play cricket and express themselves.
Haroon Saeed
Control Systems Engineer
Experience
Haroon holds a degree in Electronics Engineering from a top ranked University and has developed a diverse range of capabilities in designing and implementing complex industrial control systems. A skilled Process Automation engineer, he has over a decade of experience in Industrial Automation with multiple system integrator companies across a range of industries including oil and gas, Chemical, Petro Chemical, FMCG, PMS, Pharmaceutical and Railways.
Throughout his career, Haroon has demonstrated his ability to develop innovative solutions that are tailored to the specific needs of his clients – delivering projects on time and within budget while maintaining the highest levels of quality and safety, whilst working effectively with cross-functional teams. He brings to FirstClass a passion for Control Systems and extensive knowledge of both the Hardware and Software involved in helping our clients stay ahead of the curve.
Haroon is a passionate sport enthusiast, with a deep love for various sports including cricket, snooker and chess. His love for sports remains a significant part of his life.
Waqas Habib
Control Systems Engineer
Experience
Waqas is a dedicated and seasoned Control System Engineer with a passion for solving complex problems in the world of automation and control. With 11+ years of experience in the field, he has honed his skills in designing, implementing, and optimizing control systems for a wide range of industries including Oil & Gas, FMCG, Chemical, Petrochemical and Railways.
Over the years, Waqas has gained proficiency in integrating automation solutions with existing systems, ensuring minimal downtime and a smooth transition to automated processes as well as becoming adept at identifying and resolving control system issues, improving system efficiency, and reducing operational costs.
He brings to FirstClass, a speciality in creating innovative and efficient control system solutions tailored to the unique needs of diverse industries. His designs optimize processes, enhance productivity, and ensure the safety and reliability of systems.
When not immersed in the world of control systems, Waqas is an avid computer gamer, just for entertainment purposes. He also enjoys playing a variety of sports, including badminton, table tennis, football. Whether on the field or the court, he appreciates the camaraderie and thrill of competition.
Paul Young
Control Systems Engineer
Experience
Paul started his engineering career with a time-served apprenticeship at Plessey obtaining a HND in electronic and electrical engineering. Training and experience in many areas enabled him to work in diverse roles including electronics design and PCB manufacturing, production control, product, technical support, and software engineering.
The last 20 years has seen him specialising in electrical control system design and drafting using Autocad Electrical and Eplan.
Outside of work, Paul enjoys making scale models and playing sports, including bowls (of which he is captain of local club and plays for Essex), golf and snooker but you’ll sometimes find him by the bankside on a Sunday trying to catch that elusive big fish!
Tim Mendoza
Apprentice Control Panel Wireperson
Experience
Previously completing a 3-year General Engineering course at Colchester Institute, Tim joins FirstClass as a Control Panel Wireperson Apprentice while he progresses into his next 3 years at Colchester Institute completing a Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering – Mechatronics Maintenance Technician.
While his experience in the engineering industry may be limited, his passion for continuous learning has been the driving force behind his journey so far. He is looking forward to expanding his skills within this role, not only does it align with his career aspirations but also presents an exciting opportunity to delve into the intricate world of electrical systems.
After completing this course, Tim hopes to progress on to the Level 4 in
Beyond the demands of his job and coursework, Tim finds enjoyment in playing video games, showcasing his interest in the ever-evolving landscape of technology as well as a passion for Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) cars.
Kirsty Light
Finance & Admin Executive
Experience
Kirsty brings to FirstClass 15 years’ experience across several engineering and customer focussed industries wearing different hats in a variety of roles. With a broad breadth of skills, from executive assistant to IT support, financial and data analyst to account manager, Kirsty is the go-to girl for anything office based.
With her enthusiasm for organising us all and a passion for excel and numbers, Kirsty combines her day-to-day finance and admin role with a focus on overall cost efficiency together the provision of quality management information – such as spearheading the paper-free initiative.
No fear of change here – keeping us all on our toes!
A wife, mother & keen performer – she belongs to an amateur dramatic company (where she met her husband). No doubt she will be practising her harmonies in the office when show time comes around!