Founder and CEO, Dave Park started his career as an apprentice carpenter and joiner.

Dave completed his four year apprenticeship in the carpentry and joinery trade (City & Guilds Craft and City & Guilds Advanced Craft, both passed with credit) serving the first two & a half years with Eden & Clements of Haunch of Venison Yard, London W1. He then arranged himself a football-type free transfer via the apprenticeship board to Hammond & Miles of South Woodford, London E18 and started running small projects as a foreman progressing too much larger Berni Inn type total refurbishment as foreman.

From there he progressed to office supervisor based work, which varied from major West End supermarket refurbishments, to top quality Porcelain outlets in Baker Street etc. as well as many high end residential properties.

Since starting Cumberland in 1977, Dave has worked on all types of refurbishments including major structural alterations and managed all size of electrical and mechanical sub-contractors working with us. He has developed skills as a business man, which has seen the company negotiate four major UK recessions.

Now in his  4th decade at the helm, Dave has always dedicated time to giving back to the industry. As a huge believer in the importance of apprenticeship training, Dave is committed to the recruitment and development of apprentices.

Industry Roles

• Former chairman of the Retail Trust London Ball Committee and continuing committee member for over ten years.
• Lectures and advises design students at the London Metropolitan University. Dave has mentored numerous students and assisted in finding work placements with his vast network of industry contacts.
• Former President of the NAS, during which he oversaw and implemented standard terms and conditions which are now used widely throughout the industry.
• Assisted in creating second and third year NVQ’s for woodworking apprentices.