New recruits takes Sewell to record numbers

Sewell Group has grown to more than 400 staff following the biggest recruitment intake the company has ever seen.

A record 30 people were recruited to the business in August alone, including 25 in estates and a further five in Sewell on the go.

It comes after 10 new apprentices and trainees were taken on  across Facilities Management, Construction and other professional services.

The intake is the result of new partnerships in new regions as Sewell Group begins a new generation of projects.

Becky Oughtibridge, Head of People at Sewell Group, said: “About 10 years ago, we had about 200 staff.

“As a group, this summer is the first time we have officially rolled over the 400 mark, which is incredible.

“Sewell is committed to ensuring it has the most professional, highly-skilled and personable staff across the whole business, and we feel this recruitment high is a very positive reflection on the company.”

Sewell Group takes on up to 10 apprentices and trainees every two to three years, training them to the highest level in their respective industries and trades.

The growing team comes on the back of major projects being carried out by Sewell Group across the region.

This includes a £30 million accommodation development at the University of Hull, which will provide high quality housing for 560 students, as well as the refurbishment of the Sheila Silver Library at Leeds Beckett University, phased consolidations and improvements across Leeds City College’s Hunslet Road campus, and the refurbishment and reconfiguration of the School of Fine Arts at the University of Leeds.

Facilities Management partnerships with primary schools in Hull and York, ensuring teachers can concentrate on education while leaving the rest to Sewell Group, are also continuing to go from strength to strength.

Craig Hancock, 31, from the East Riding, who is a management trainee in Facilities Management, said: “It’s working out really well and I’m enjoying it.

“It’s good to work for a company where you feel valued and which has a very good standing within the local community.

“I’m happy working in Facilities Management with the intention of becoming a Facilities Manager, where the possibilities are endless.”

Josh Donnelly, Development Manager at Sewell Group, has recently joined the company and is primarily developing its offering in Leeds.

He said creating long lasting partnerships with clients is something Sewell Group does very well.

“I think one of Sewell’s greatest traits is that we always strive do the right thing for our clients and projects, rather than just concentrating on the short term gain,” said Josh.

“The focus on relationships and the bigger picture sets us apart from our competitors and allows us to deliver a superior product.”

Becky said Sewell Group works hard to support local employment and provide sustainable and long-term positions for those learning on the job, as well as through a day per week at college.

She said: “The team is growing and, in terms of the trainee side of the staff, we can offer 10 people solid and great opportunities every few years, rather than 20 watered down versions.

“They have in depth inductions in the respective industries and our aim is to be a home for talent, having the most talented people being part of our company.

“We want to develop the next level of tradesmen, managers and skilled people, and we take on apprentices with a view to them having long term careers.”