Sewell to create 50 new jobs

Sewell Facilities Management has announced it’s to create 50 new jobs as a result of business growth.

The company, which is part of Sewell Group, currently employs 73 people to look after facilities for health, education and commercial organisations across Hull and North Yorkshire has been successful in winning 10 new contracts over recent months and will invest heavily in recruitment and staff development as a result.

The new contracts range from full facilities management and compliance, to cleaning and caretaking services, all supported by the business’ in-house 24/7 helpdesk.

Martin Stead, Managing Director of Sewell Facilities Management said:

“Business is going well and having secured these new service contracts with new partners, we need to keep our service levels just as high and continue to give our customers peace of mind that their estates are well cared for.”

“Our service is only as good as our people on the front line delivering it, so we’re investing heavily on training and development to ensure the new team members understand our customers and their expectations and equally, our business culture.”

The new recruits will undergo a ‘business boot camp’ style induction, with their first six weeks primarily spent getting to know their customers’ facilities and other team members. The Best Companies to Work For business is expected to exceed 4000 hours of training and team building in 2014.

The business is also continuing to train and develop longer serving members of staff to support their personal and professional development.

Rachael Graham, Cleaning Manager at Sewell FM, has recently completed a L2 Team Leading NVQ, which is helping her develop as a leader in the business. She said:

“The cleaning team is set to grow from 40 to 60 staff over the coming months. We always put new recruits through a robust induction process, but in this instance it made sense for me to strengthen my skills in leadership and management.”

“Sewell invested in my personal development and I feel much more equipped to support staff and develop a productive and efficient team.”

Celebrating its 20th year in business, Sewell FM has grown organically over the last two decades and, of late, the business’ services have been sought by new customers across the region. Sewell looks after 55 buildings in Hull and York.

Linda Burrows, Head Teacher from Endike Primary School, North Hull said:

“As a teacher you need to be able to concentrate on providing the best learning and development experience for the children, with the peace of mind that you’re in a safe, clean, fit for purpose environment.

“The professional services that support the effective running of our school are vital, they allow the teaching staff to concentrate on what they do best. Sewell built the new Endike Primary School in 2012 and have looked after the building and grounds ever since; we’ve been really pleased with the support.”

City Health Care Partnerships CIC appointed Sewell as their Facilities Management partner in 2013. Gill Bovill, Head of Business Contracts said:

“We’re an organisation that’s growing and our services are evolving to meet the changing landscape of the health sector, so it’s always good to know that we have an accountable, professional partner looking after our facilities, leaving us to concentrate on services and care for local people.”

Sewell looks after a range of facilities for CHCP, including support centres and office spaces.

Gill continued:

“I can just pick up the phone, or email someone and you get a professional and efficient service. We work with the same people who know our buildings; it creates consistency and builds relationships. It’s always good to work in partnership with other local organisations who care about communities.”

Caroline Hancy, Head Teacher from Dunnington Primary School, York said:

“We’ve been working with Sewell for just short of a year and I’ve noticed a big change in staff morale within the cleaning team, with individuals feeling valued and supported. It’s a partnership between Sewell and Dunnington.”