Earlier this week, we shared our new Founders Video, showcasing Trident’s Founders: Trevor Dowd, Roger Watts and Matt Clare alongside Scott Young, reflecting on Trident’s journey from 1998 to today.
We sat down with Trevor, Roger, and Scott to dive deeper into their experiences, the changes over the years and what they are up to today.
Reflection on a legacy
For our Founders, their proudest achievements go far beyond successful projects. It’s about the people they have met, the relationships built and creating a business that genuinely supports both its clients and team.
Trevor begins by reflecting on the vision they set in 1998. “The fact we’ve a proven track record of successful projects, and that many of our clients have stayed with us for decades, shows we achieved and still maintain our original vision: to build a building surveying practice that prioritised a quality service”
On a personal note, Trevor adds that after 27 years working together at Trident, plus many more beforehand, he is proud that he can still call Matt, Roger and Scott not only colleagues but friends, “and we’ve never fallen out!”
Scott reflects that simply: “still being here 23 years after first joining says everything. There have been some absolutely amazing highs and some challenging situations too along the way, but we took action and Trident is still very much here today, wiser and stronger as a business”
The core pride for Scott lies in the company’s ethos: “I genuinely believe that at all times we always tried to put our people first. They were the first and last consideration in any major decision”
His home office embodies this: “I am bound to have a soft spot for Glasgow” he laughs “but I genuinely think we have a great team of people here.”
For Roger, Trident has truly been his whole life. Known among the team for the surveyor who truly loves surveying, he has navigated the business successfully for more than 25 years of “huge ups and downs. Various market crashes, a pandemic, and years of hard graft”.
What he is most proud of is the support Trident has given to others “I think of all the families who we have supported over the years. I think of the young women and men who have qualified under our wings. Hopefully, the bit we got right was never holding anyone back and giving them the ability to see their own full potential.”
A Trident Encore – Continued Commitment
With the transition to an Employee Ownership Trust and a new leadership team in place, all the founders remain proud members of #TeamTrident.
Trevor now works as a consultant passing on decades worth of experience as well as supports a major long-term client. “I’m a non-executive adviser to the Leadership Team and a Trustee for our EOT too.” he explains.
Scott’s role has also evolved. Now our Head of Business Development, he says: “I’m no longer part of the leadership team, but I actively support Ross McDermott and Colin Wilson as head of Scotland and Glasgow respectively. I recently began working with Alexandra Price, Hannah Tottie and Daniel Roe to drive business development, alongside enhancing our marketing profile.”
For Roger, Employee Ownership protects the business’s identity and future.
“The legacy that Trevor, Matt, Scott and I created goes on. A new team has taken the helm, but the name and traditions remain. That allows me to focus on delivering great service without the day-to-day worry of running the business.” He continues to work and has also recently become Senior Warden of the Surveyors Livery Company.
Life beyond Trident
Following their successful journey with Trident, the founders are now enjoying time for family, hobbies, and new adventures.
Trevor says: “My spare time is spent with my wife, family and grandchildren. I’m enjoying travelling, cooking, dining out, playing golf and badminton, and attending as many rugby matches as I can”
Scott also loves watching the Rugby ‘a lot’ he admits. With his youngest child Ashton starting university this year, “my taxi duties are now non-existent,” he laughs. Weekends are often spent outdoors: “Taking Wilfred, our beloved 10-year-old pooch, up hills or along a beach is my other great passion. I love our dog!”
Roger is thriving in his role with the Surveyors Livery Company.
“In October 2026, subject to election, I’ll become Master of the Chartered Surveyors Livery Company. In 2027 the Livery celebrates its 50th year. It’s a charitable organisation supporting students, schools, the arts and military affiliates. Fellowship, links with the City of London and education are its cornerstones. It’s going to be a busy year.”
Lasting memories
With more than 25 years of stories, choosing favourite moments is no easy task.
For Trevor, the standout memory is Trident’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic:
“Everyone pulled together so we could continue to provide a quality service while keeping the business financially afloat. That proved we had built a solid team with great people who work for each other.”
Scott echoes this sense of gratitude:
“There have been challenging times, but they wouldn’t even account for 1%. The other 99% has been fantastic. I’ve always loved the individuality of every instruction and the people you meet along the way—many of whom have become friends.”
Roger’s memories are wide-ranging and often colourful: Being used as target practice in Whitehall, exploring haunted basements, climbing in, on and under iconic London buildings, and even crashing his first company car within the first three feet of driving it.
But one memory stands above the rest: “On my birthday, at one of our client events, Tower Bridge was raised for me—twice. I was pretty smug about that”
Here’s to the journey so far, and to the many new chapters still to come for #TeamTrident. To get in touch with Trevor, Scott or Roger please email: trevor.dowd@tridentbc.com , scott.young@tridentbc.com and roger.watts@tridentbc.com