Three staff are celebrating more than two decades of working at award-winning fit-out and refurbishment firm Pexhurst, based in Welham Green.
Mick Ward celebrates 25 years and John Ford and Alan Bridge 20 years.
Ward began his career as a self-employed carpenter before joining Pexhurst and progressing through the ranks to a senior site manager.
Ford joined Pexhurst as a trainee carpenter working for Ward and followed in his footsteps also becoming a site manager.
Whilst Bridge joined Pexhurst as a carpenter and is now senior contracts manager.
All three have noticed considerable changes in the construction industry over the past 20 years from the techniques used on-site to design methods and principles. But the greatest and most notable change has been the improvement in health and safety and professionalism in the industry.
“Greater health and safety regulation has meant that site personnel are much safer than they were even a few years ago. There will be continued improvements in this field and that can only be a positive thing for all involved in construction projects,” says Ward.
Training and development is also key to improving industry standards and encouraging young talent to seek roles in the construction and property sectors.
Pexhurst recognises the importance of this and has been taking steps over the past few years to ensure they have a steady flow of new young talent joining them.
The firm is currently looking to partner with a nearby college to provide school leavers with a job in the property industry and we are getting involved with XLP, a registered charity that works to create positive futures for young people.
Pexhurst has also invested in upskilling its workforce through NVQs and accredited courses run by the CIOB.
Commenting Martin Vella, Managing Director of Pexhurst, says: “I would like to congratulate Mick, John and Alan on reaching this key milestone. They are all well respected and well thought of by those who work with them and their achievements over the past two decades are outstanding. We wish them continued success at Pexhurst.”
“It is clear that the real estate and construction industry is far more professional now than it was 10-15 years ago. Many firms who were not able to move with the times have fallen by the wayside, whereas those who have evolved have survived and thrived.
“In this current period of uncertainty, businesses are reviewing their business strategies and tightening their purse strings as the industry tries to plan for leaving the EU. Again, those that have the desire and ability to adapt will survive.”
