How Mark Dolman was named Suffolk Director of the Year

The Stowmarket-based business, which Mark joined in 2014, is a leading UK supplier of portable accommodation and storage solutions, from shipping containers and cabins through to flatpack kiosks.

Since being appointed managing director in 2019, Mark has grown turnover from around £11m to a projected £23m this year.

He admits that his path to becoming an award-winning director has been “somewhat unconventional”.

“When I left school at 16, I couldn’t swim, but the only job available at the careers centre was for a lifeguard at a new leisure centre opening in my town,” he said. “I thought, ‘Why not? I need to earn some money, and how hard could it be?’

“On my first day, it become obvious to my new employers that I wouldn’t pass the lifeguard exam as they had to rescue me from the pool, but they liked me, and gave me one month to learn how to swim and pass the exam.

“I spent the next month learning what I had to do and made it my mission not to let them down. I was there for three years and met some wonderful people.”

Mark believes his will power comes from those who raised him.

“My parents are both very hard working, and I’m fortunate that I inherited that gene,” he said. “I guess the common themes throughout my career have been hard work, determination and having the drive to succeed.”

The Portable Space team at its new headquarters in Bacton, Suffolk (Image: portablespace.co.uk)

Suffice to say, these traits have stood Mark in good stead at Portable Space.

Initially joining the company as a hire manager, he progressed through the positions of commercial manager and commercial director, before founder and owner Mark Black gave him the opportunity to become managing director.

The judges of the Director of the Year award said Mark is “without a doubt” one of the reasons behind the growing success of Portable Success, adding that “people power” is at the heart of his leadership.

Mark believes it’s easy for people to “over-complicate” leadership.

“We now live and work in a world of influencers and podcasts, and I think there’s huge pressure and opinions on business leaders in relation to how they should lead.

“My approach could be deemed ‘old fashioned’, but I just treat everyone with the respect and care they deserve, regardless of who they are.

“I try and put myself in other people’s shoes as much as possible to give me a different perspective when making decisions or suggesting ideas.”

Mark Dolman and Emma Proctor-King (sponsor - Churchmanor Estates) (Image: Matthew Potter Photographer and Videographer)
Reflecting on the Director of the Year award, Mark said: “After the initial thrill of receiving the award, it’s very much business as usual for me on a personal and professional level.

“In terms of the business, the kudos of the title has already given us great exposure and has made for an interesting conversation starter!

“Our marketing team are particularly excited to continue with new angles and creative aspects of how we can integrate the award into our strategy and social campaigns.”

He toasted the award with the Portable Space team before a weekend of celebration with “the people who have been with me throughout, especially my wife Gemma and my wonderful children Millie and Josh, who were all very proud of me”.

“I had lots of messages and calls from people congratulating me, even some old teachers, which was really touching,” he added.

Mark is now focused on increasing Portable Space’s market share and becoming an industry leader.

“For me personally it’s about legacy and building something that others can be part of and proud of for many years to come,” he concluded.

For more information, visit portablespace.co.uk