- What is your name and what is the name of your business?
My name is Paul Wetherfield and my business is Global Associates.
- What does the business do and who are your customers?
Global Associates is a UK-based building and energy management specialist. We help organisations optimise how their buildings perform, from reducing energy use and carbon emissions to smart building integration, advisory support, and ongoing service and monitoring. Our work combines engineering expertise with the latest technology to drive better efficiency, compliance and operational outcomes for our clients.
Our customers span commercial property owners, corporate estates and organisations with complex-built environments including pharma, offices, retail estates, data centres and industrial facilities. We work with both public and private sector clients who want practical, measurable results rather than just reports, helping them cut costs, meet environmental goals and manage building operations more intelligently.
- What’s the history of the business & what’s your role within the business?
Global Associates was founded in 1993 with a clear purpose: to help organisations improve how their buildings perform by combining deep engineering expertise with smart technology solutions. Over the past 30+ years the business has grown from a regional engineering specialist into one of the UK’s recognised providers of Building Energy Management Systems (BeMS), energy optimisation and smart building integration services.
From early work focused on energy reduction and building controls, global associates has continually evolved. In 2012 the company embraced digital and data-driven approaches, putting technology at the heart of its solutions.
Today, we help organisations reduce energy use, cut carbon emissions, improve operational performance and unlock actionable data from buildings of all shapes and sizes.
As Chief Executive, I’m responsible for setting the overall strategic direction of the business, shaping our culture and ensuring we deliver real world value to our customers. I lead a team of engineers, technologists and project specialists, and we work closely with clients and partners to solve complex building performance challenges, champion innovation and drive sustainable outcomes.
- How long have you had an office here at Freshmill and why were you looking for a space like this?
I’ve been part of the Freshmill community since 2019. Originally, I was on the first floor while the ground floor was still under construction. I had to leave in April 2020 due to COVID and worked from home for a while. I quickly realised that working from home didn’t provide the discipline or sense of purpose I needed, I struggled to separate work and home life, and it wasn’t working for me.
So, in November 2021, I reached back out to Zoe and moved back into a private office on the ground floor. Living in Burgess Hill, the travel to our head office in Sittingbourne was too much to manage daily, and I wanted a local space that allowed me to focus, run the business effectively, and still feel part of a wider professional community. Freshmill has been perfect for that, it provides structure, convenience and a real sense of connection.
- Why does Freshmill work well for you and your business?
Freshmill works well for me and the business because it strikes the perfect balance between professionalism and community. For me personally, having a dedicated office helps me separate work from home life, stay disciplined, and focus on growing the business.
For global associates, it’s a convenient, local base that makes client meetings and team catch-ups easy to organise, without the long commute to our head office in Sittingbourne. The environment is professional but friendly, which also makes it great for networking with other tenants and sharing ideas. Ultimately, it gives us the structure, flexibility and sense of connection that help both me and the business thrive.
- What is the most important lesson you have gained from your career so far?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that clarity of purpose and discipline are everything. It doesn’t matter how experienced or capable you are, without focus, structure and a clear sense of why you’re doing what you’re doing, progress stalls.
I’ve also learned the value of surrounding yourself with the right people, colleagues, mentors, clients and suppliers who challenge you, support you, and help you keep sight of both the big picture and the details that really matter. For me, this lesson underpins everything I do at global associates: how I lead the team, make decisions, and deliver real value to our clients.
- Where do you hope to be in 5 years time?
In five years, I’d like to be semi-retired, spending more time with my wife, my dog and on the golf course, enjoying the flexibility that comes with having built a strong business. At the same time, I want to remain actively involved in mentoring my longer-term successor and supporting the team I’ve nurtured over the years.
It’s important to me that global associates continues to grow, innovate, and deliver real value to our clients, even as I gradually step back from day-to-day operations. For me, the ideal scenario is a balance between personal time, giving back through guidance and leadership, and watching the business thrive under the next generation of leadership.
- What advice would you give your younger self just starting out?
I’d tell my younger self to focus on discipline and clarity of purpose from the very beginning. Skills and knowledge are important, but without focus and a structured approach to work and life, progress is slow and easily distracted.
I’d also emphasise the value of surrounding yourself with great people, mentors, colleagues, and peers who challenge you and support you and to listen as much as you talk. Building strong relationships and learning from others is just as important as technical expertise.
Finally, I’d remind myself to enjoy the journey. Career growth and business success matter, but so does balance, curiosity, and taking the time to reflect on what really drives you.
- What is your favourite quote/mantra?
“Tough times don’t last; tough people do.”
It’s a simple reminder that challenges are temporary, but resilience and determination carry you through. In business, leadership, and life, it’s about staying focused, adapting, and keeping going, even when things get difficult. That mindset has shaped how I lead global associates and navigate the ups and downs of running a growing business.
- If you could, who would you switch places with for the day, and why?
I’d probably switch places with a top professional golfer for the day, ideally on a major tournament weekend. To experience that level of focus, pressure and precision first-hand would be fascinating… and I wouldn’t complain about borrowing their swing for a few hours either!
