Eventslikethiscaptureourcultureandethosperfectlyandthesefeedintoourday-to-dayactivities Later inthiseditionwe’vealsofeaturedourvaluesandbehaviourshighlightinghowwecanallcontinuetoplaya roleinembracingthemandembodyingthemineverythingwedo.
Construction have completed and handed over the new Farington cricket grounds and pavilion to partners Lancashire Cricket Club and Lancashire County Council.
The new facility will become a women’s Centre of Excellence for the North West and will help Lancashire Cricket continue to bring through both mens and womens cricketers of the future.
John Hartnett, Managing Director, said: “Our completion of the new Farington cricket ground is a testament to the dedication, teamwork and resilience the team has shown throughout the project. This facility creates a lasting sporting legacy for Farington and the wider Lancashire cricket community.
“By combining professional grade facilities with community spaces, the project ensures the venue will serve elite cricket, grassroots participation and visitors for years to come. We are proud to have played a lead role in delivering a venue that reflects the quality and ambition of cricket in Lancashire and that sets a new benchmark for modern cricket.” Read more here.
Our Construction team have now completed the major project works at the new specialist college building for client, Seashell Trust.
The new £29m building delivers a modern learning environment that has been carefully designed to meet the needs of 16-25 year olds with complex disabilities and communication needs.
James Eager, Director, commented: “We are pleased to have completed the major works at this superb new college building. The specially equipped building is designed to enable staff and students to move about with the minimum of restriction.
“Our team has worked closely and very collaboratively with the client and team of subcontractors to ensure that the college will provide students and staff with a state-of-the-art facility that supports learning, independence and wellbeing” Read more here.
Contract win:
We’re working in collaboration with Torus to deliver a new extra care facility at Damfield Lane, Merseyside The team is delivering the design and build of the facility with works valued at £30m - start on site is due March 2026.
HartleyLocks,Liverpool
Our Construction team recently completed and handed over the new residential development on Lightbody Street for housing association client, Torus.
Made up of 185 apartments and ten townhouses, the new development has transformed the Grade II listed Stanley Flight Canal Locks and has been the catalyst for regeneration of the post-industrial dockland area.
Hartley Locks also saw the refurbishment of a row of railway arches for commercial use, which is anticipated to create employment opportunities.
See the final development in the video below...
it here.
As part of our commitment to learning and development, members of the Water team have attended an Enhancement to First Aid course.
The feedback from the course highlighted its success and importance for our teams that are working in remote environments
Colleagues learnt lifesaving techniques such as airway management, stopping and dressing catastrophic bleeds and the use of defibrillators
This course was designed with our Health and Safety team and delivered by John Morgan, who tailored the course to support our colleagues when there are risks of no signal and an inability to contact emergency services
Civil Engineering, alongside St Helens Borough Council and ECF, have reached a major milestone in the regeneration of Earlestown town centre.
The team began on site in January following completion of enabling works. The scheme will transform the historic Market Square into a flexible public space.
Paul Corner, Senior Project Manager, said: “Breaking the ground here at the Market Square marks the start of this key phase in the project. We are committed to delivering a high-quality transformation along with continuing to work closely with the community as we progress through the project stages.”
Read more here.
Designphasecommencesfor RiverDontravelbridge
Our Civil Engineering team is now in the design phase for the proposed steel bridge over the River Don. The new bridge will create a vital active travel link between the new housing development and the village of Oughtibridge. With the outline design complete and an initial cost estimate of £2.2m, the team is well positioned to move into detailed design, subject to approval.
The scheme also incorporates a new path connecting to the bridge Site investigations will be carried out to inform the design of the bridge foundations and associated temporary works Key considerations include securing multiple landowners’ permission, managing constraints posed by adjacent ancient woodland and establishing suitable access from the main road
LeedsCityLinks startsonsite
Civil Engineering have officially started on site at the £12 76m Leeds City Links scheme for Leeds City Council.
The flagship project will transform walking and cycling routes across Leeds city centre, improving connectivity, accessibility and sustainability.
Funded through the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement partnership with West Yorkshire Combined Authority, works span key northern and southern corridors, delivering wider pavements, segregated cycle tracks, new crossings, junction upgrades and enhanced green spaces Completion is scheduled for early 2027
Gavin Hulme, Managing Director, commented: “It’s great to start 2026 off with a new project for our client, Leeds City Council We are already working closely with Leeds on the Lawnswood Roundabout project and together these projects will bring safer and sustainable spaces to Leeds for all road users for years to come.”
Read more here.
Contract win:
Longworth Road Railway ViaductWe’re working in collaboration with United Utilities Water. The team will deliver the design and works on the Better Rivers Storm Storage Solution Project and pipework diversions to the existing combined sewer overflow at Longworth Road, Bolton With works valued at £75k, the team began work on site in February 2026
HattersleyTradePark developmentupdate
Our Maple Grove team is continuing to see Hattersley Trade Park progress well, with the 57,000 sq ft retail and employment development being due to complete in Summer 2026.
The site team is nearing completion of the cladding to the trade counter units, with the concrete slabs being poured at the end of February. The Aldi unit brickwork is also taking shape, ready for the cladding to start and the Costa unit’s roofing is now complete, allowing the substructure brickwork to start.
Maple Grove Developments have now commenced infrastructure works at the 19-acre Penrith 41 site.
The outline planning consent is already in place for 250,000 sq ft of industrial and logistics space to be developed.
Speaking about the development, James Scott, Managing Director, commented: “We have worked closely with the local authority to finalise the site’s infrastructure design and are pleased to be at a stage where we can commence these works and open up the access to the site”
Read more here
Our Maple Grove Developments team is planning their third joint venture scheme in Wales with Trebor Developments.
The proposed scheme is a 57,500 sq ft new industrial unit on Brocastle Business Park, occupying a prominent location close to the M4 motorway
Andrew Dewhurst, Director said: “We are pleased that the Welsh Government has confirmed there is appetite for the joint venture to progress with a deal that includes grant funding of up to £3 3m The scheme will be designed and constructed to achieve BREEAM Excellent standard and will be EPC A rated, making it as sustainable as possible”
Our planning application is due to be submitted in March 2026, with start on site expected in early 2027.
Castlewood is our first care home as part of Wrightcare and we are delighted to host a series of truly special intergenerational moments at Castlewood, bringing together residents, neighbours, members of our local community and pupils from Ribblesdale School Primary Provision.
Our first community coffee morning offered a relaxed space for games, conversation and cake, bringing generations together. We also welcomed pupils for reading visits, including a particularly special occasion when children sang Happy Birthday to a resident.
This sense of connection continued during a Valentine’s afternoon with pupils who enjoyed decorating cupcakes, crafting and chatting with residents. These intergenerational activities reduce loneliness, build confidence and empathy and create meaningful memories - showing the true value of community at Castlewood.
Building on the success of these events, we are looking forward to welcoming the school back for further activities in the near future, including celebrations for World Book Day and a fun Easter egg hunt
Thrive wellness suite
The wellness suite, Thrive, makes Castlewood a unique care home with access to innovative power assisted exercise equipment from Innerva, the UK’s leader in inclusive wellbeing technology.
Designed around our residents’ needs, the suite offers a safe, low impact and fully supported way to stay active, without pressure. It has quickly become a much loved daily activity, with residents enjoying regular sessions that support mobility, strength and confidence at their own pace. The wellness suite is a welcoming social space, encouraging routine, connection and wellbeing, helping residents feel empowered, engaged and supported every day
Hillside,Loveclough-openhouseweekend
We had a very successful open house weekend at Hillside in January. The team welcomed 19 groups of visitors, who had a keen interest in the homes for sale.
During that weekend we took a reservation on Plot 10 and also received strong interest in our Signature Move scheme.
The Signature Move scheme helps us get customers onto the market, with Applethwaite covering estate agent fees.
We also had a panel of solicitors and financial advisors on site to offer guidance and support to customers.
Residents Ross and Kate Brown said “We don’t feel like we are able to thank everyone enough Throughout the whole process everyone has supported us in achieving our dream home, going above and beyond with maximum effort and compassion True professionals every step of the way ”
Brookdale, Grimsargh
This site is proving hugely popular, with seven reservations and six early bird reservations; customers requesting first refusal on unreleased plots
The show home is set to launch in early March, with the team set to be hosting another open house weekend and Signature Move event.
MeadowView, Burnley
This is a 36 plot development of 3&4 bedroom homes. Since the Christmas break enquiries at the sales office have been flowing and we have seen one sale complete, 8 reservations and 2 early bird holds.
Lunesdale, Brookhouse
This is a 25 plot development of 2&3 bedroom bungalows The first plots were released for sale mid January, and although we don’t have a sales cabin on site yet and are based in a local estate agents, we have had strong interest from potential buyers.
Business FacilitiesManagementstrengthenstheir leadershipteam
Facilities Management have strengthened its Board with the appointments of Drew Hird as Technical Director and Roger Lancaster as Commercial Director, supporting its ‘Securing our Future Agenda’.
The changes are designed to enhance leadership capability as the business manages complex PFI and LIFT end-of-term requirements while driving sustainable growth
The integration of Building Consultancy into the division expands FM’s technical expertise across design, project management, asset strategy and netzero carbon support, while enhanced commercial oversight will strengthen risk management, performance and future work-winning opportunities
Ryan Pearce, Managing Director said “These appointments mark the start of an exciting phase for our business After many years of successfully managing long-term PFI and LIFT contracts, we are now entering a critical period of end-of-term planning balanced with product development and growth Our skilled and talented team, supported by our strengthened Board, will drive our ‘Securing our Future Agenda’ ensuring the right controls, support, skills and technical abilities are in place to deliver a fully rounded excellent service to our established and new clients ”
Read more here.
Upskillingforasaferworkforce
Our Facilities Managers are levelling up! The group has begun a comprehensive 12-week NEBOSH course, focusing on critical areas including risk assessment, fire safety, manual handling, COSHH and incident investigation
This training is crucial for strengthening our health and safety protocols in facilities management, aiming to reduce site incidents and ensure compliance with client and legal standards.
Ben Duxbury, Facilities Manager, said: “The course is giving us practical knowledge and confidence to identify risks early and take proactive steps to keep our sites safe.”
Financial close has been reached on a £2m investment at Accrington Acorn Primary Care Centre, funded by Community Health Partnerships.
The remodelling will deliver new x-ray rooms, improved reception and toilet facilities and an enhanced space for PWE Healthcare GP practice, creating a modern, accessible and more efficient environment for patients.
Delivered collaboratively by divisions across Eric Wright Facilities Management, Eric Wright Partnerships, One Partnership and Eric Wright Construction, the scheme follows a 2024 feasibility study and incorporates the recent relocation of the Minor Injuries Unit from Accrington Victoria Hospital.
Lesley McGregor, Partnerships Managing Director, said: “By working seamlessly across our integrated teams, we are delivering a high-quality, efficient and sustainable transformation that will enhance patient experience and support modern healthcare delivery This work directly aligns with, and supports, the Government’s Neighbourhood Health Hub agenda, helping to deliver more accessible, integrated care for local communities ”
Eric Wright Partnerships won the Public/Private Sector Collaboration in Healthcare Award at the OPPP awards, for the successful relocation project at Accrington Acorn PCC
This achievement highlights what true partnership looks like both externally with clients and internally across the Group working together with Eric Wright Facilities Management playing a key role in project delivery.
Our fleet team won small fleet category in the Electric Fleet Race Award, for leading the category, with 80 per cent of our fleet now fully electric, showcasing exceptional environmental stewardship and innovative fleet management strategies. Our fleet has been on a pretty impressive journey, as back in 2020 we operated only one electric vehicle.
Today, 99 per cent of our fleet is compliant with Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) standards, with 80 per cent being fully battery-electric This shift signifies substantial carbon savings and we are committed to our pledge to transition to a 100 per cent ULEV fleet by 2027
Business Awards
The Group also won the 2025 Work Experience and Industry Placement Skills Pledge Award celebrating our commitment to student development and the construction sector. Supporting young people to grow talent and develop skills and qualifications is a vital part of our business ethos.
Through the partnerships between the Group and the Eric Wright Learning Foundation, we support a vast array of students to thrive, gain valuable skills and experiences that not only benefit their own futures but also strengthen our business
Read more on this in the social value section
At the Insider North West Residential Property Awards, our Applethwaite Briarwood development was shortlisted for Small Housing Development of the Year The recognition in the shortlisting highlights not only the success of the Briarwood development, but also recognises the growth of the business and its continued commercial and community success of its bungalow developments, with Briarwood acting as a flagship example.
Congratulations to all of our teams and thank you for your continued hard work.
In the months to come, we are shortlisted against a number of prestigious awards programmes and categories.
Jeremy Hartley, Group CEO has been shortlisted in two categories at the North West Leadership Awards; Company Leader (101+ Employees) and Property Leader The awards celebrate people across organisations who are role models, demonstrate strong leadership alongside the positive impact that they have had across business and communities.
The nominations for Jeremy are a reflection of each and every employee across the Eric Wright Group and demonstrates the strength of us working together alongside the hard work and dedication of all employees. The awards ceremony is due to take place in early March.
In the 2026 Sunday Express Construction and Property Awards, across Group we have been shortlisted for five categories, demonstrating the breadth of talent and skills we have across Group. The shortlists are:
Property Developer of the Year: Maple Grove Developments
Property Deal of the Year: Amounderness House, Eric Wright Group (Maple Grove Developments/EWC)
Home Builder of the Year: Applethwaite
National Construction Business of the Year: Eric Wright Group/EWC
Best Property Marketing Award: Applethwaite
Best Property Marketing Award: Eric Wright Group
The awards ceremony takes place in late April Good luck to the teams and individuals shortlisted
As the awards season continues, we are also awaiting to hear from a number of entries made in further awards programmes and are continuing to enter our strongest teams and projects to further shine a light on the work that we all contribute to, making a difference to the communities in which we operate.
Business GroupwelcomeseighthcohorttotheWorld ofWorkExperienceprogramme
Following our latest World of Work Experience (Wowex) cohort, we have proudly surpassed the 100-student mark - welcoming 107 students to the Groups programme.
The programme is aimed at inspiring and educating participants about the variety of professional roles and disciplines within the industry, alongside completing several real-life, construction-based scenarios. We have gone on to offer three students apprenticeships, 10 students further work experience and 14 students T-Level placements within the various divisions of the Group.
Jake Thompson, student at Cardinal Newman College, said: "This week has been outstanding. I started the week knowing a little about the Group and the construction industry and have ended it with a whole new understanding. The programme really opened my eyes to the diverse roles that exist within the company and industry. I started the week looking at pursuing a career as a Project Manager but after spending this week learning about the different roles, I have had my eyes opened to becoming a Quantity Surveyor."
Catherine Ashcroft, Eric Wright Learning Foundation’s Education Coordinator, added: “This week we’ve welcomed a range of students from across Lancashire, and it’s been another successful week for the participants and group ambassadors who’ve taken part It’s our aim to progress as many young people as possible into pathways that continue to develop skills within industry roles, so we take great pride in the experience we deliver through our opportunities such as Wowex”
Harvey attended our October 2024 cohort and was offered a T-Level placement on our Maple Grove Development and Eric Wright Construction’s Amounderness House project. This 45-week placement is part of his Level 3 Design Surveying and Planning course.
Harvey said “My Wowex experience sharpened my problem-solving and presentation skills whilst giving me the opportunity to explore various team working tasks. The programme helped me realise that I wanted to do a Design Surveying and Planning course at college Since coming back for my T-Level placement, my knowledge of construction has excelled
“I’ve began learning new specialist software programmes such as Field View and I’ve been out on site with the team, and it’s been great to experience the industry for myself I will soon be shadowing multiple different disciplines on the job but I’m most excited to start working with the Senior Quantity Surveyor as my future ambition is to become a Quantity Surveyor”
Poppi Watson, a former Wowex student, is now an Apprentice Quantity Surveyor in Eric Wright Construction. She co-hosted the latest Wowex programme alongside Catherine Ashcroft, bringing forward and sharing all her experience and learning so far.
Poppi began her time with the Eric Wright Group when she attended the February 2024 Wowex cohort. She was introduced to the programme by Ian Duffy, one of our Senior Building Surveyors whilst she was doing work experience with her family construction business
After the programme, Poppi went on to do further work experience with Eric Wright Civil Engineering and took the opportunity to apply for the Quantity Surveyor apprenticeship with Eric Wright Construction – which she started in August 2025
Poppi said “Wowex exceeded my expectations, it was a welcomed change of pace and opportunity to build basic knowledge of the management side of the construction industry The experience included problem solving within real life construction scenarios and it was this experience that inspired my desire to become a Quantity Surveyor
“Since starting with Construction, my knowledge has gone from strength to strength and I have built a solid foundation in areas such as pre-construction, subcontract pre-start meetings and legals with training around subcontracting and the latest legislations.
“I have also been tasked with a range of QS activities including completing various takeoffs and subcontract agreements, as well as drafting valuations and subcontractor/client variations. I have developed a good understanding of how subcontractors are paid, analysing quantities, costs and values against the work that’s been completed.
“Following the completion of my Quantity Surveying degree, my ambition is to become an Assistant Quantity Surveyor and obtain my RICS qualification.”
EricWrightCharitableTrust
Deliveringmeaningfulimpactwithin communities
As employees of The Eric Wright Group, we are part of a unique structure where 100 per cent of the Group’s shareholding is owned by the Eric Wright Charitable Trust. The Trust was established by Eric in 1990, in the belief that the role of business in society is not to create wealth for the few but rather to help in building a strong community.
Our commercial activity is driven by creating profit for a purpose, meaning all profits generated are either reinvested into our growth or directed, by the Trust, to support charitable activities across our region. This unique partnership ensures that together we continually give back to the people and communities in which we operate.
The Eric Wright Charitable Trust recently launched its new 2026-2031 Charitable Giving Strategy, marking a significant milestone in its mission to deliver meaningful impact within the communities its funding supports.
The new strategy focuses on supporting young and older people For young people, the Trust will help their development and aspirations, complementing existing initiatives provided by The Water Park Lakeland Adventure Centre and The Eric Wright Learning Foundation For older people, the Trust will focus on enabling individuals to live well and stay connected in their communities
EricWrightCharitableTrust
gy, g Trust has refreshed its visual identity, including an updated logo. The new design symbolises the clarity and strength of its purpose while reflecting its enduring connection to the communities it serves.
We ask that staff update the Charitable Trust logo in documents, presentations or similar where you refer to the Eric Wright Charitable Trust, files are available on the Management System.
Fundingupdate
open funding in January. Grants between £10,000 and £20,000 per year over three years could be applied for, where the grants focus on charities and projects that support young people’s development.
For the first time, organisations were able to check their eligibility for the grants by using the Charitable Trust’s online eligibility checker, before reading guidance notes and making the application online.
Over 230 organisations used the online eligibility checker and the Trust is currently assessing applications before awarding funding The application deadline has now passed and we look forward to sharing the types of projects that will receive funding in the next update
Looking forward, the next round of funding will open in Autumn 2026 and the Trust will be funding charities and projects that support older people to live well
As the Trust delivers the Charitable Giving Strategy, we’ll provide regular updates within this newsletter sharing the meaningful impact delivered within the communitiesin which we operate.
SocialValue
VolunteeringinSalford
Our teams have been supporting a local Salford Foodbank close to our project works.
We have a number of projects currently ongoing in the Salford area across our Civil Engineering and Construction teams
As part of our commitment to social value in the Salford area, the teams have been spending time supporting the Salford Foodbank The foodbank is currently giving out over 300 parcels a week to feed more than 500 people across the city and the teams have been supporting by preparing parcels and inventory organisation
For the third consecutive year, colleagues from across the Group used their corporate volunteering day to support the planting of Christmas trees along the Fylde Coast.
The trees are strategically placed in front of existing dunes. As the wind blows, the branches of the trees trap sand, gradually creating new dunes.
RosemereCancerCharity‘WalkintheDark’
The Group are again sponsoring the Rosemere Cancer Charity ‘Walk in the Dark’ event.
The walk will take place on Saturday 25 April The walk is around 11 miles from Chorley Hospital to Royal Preston Hospital, with all fundraising going towards state-of-the-art equipment, research and training across Lancashire and South Cumbria for people affected by cancer As headline sponsor, we have been given 20 free places – if you would like to get involved, please email Scott Latta
People NationalApprenticeshipWeek
In February, we recognised National Apprentice Week through celebrating our apprentices and showcasing the apprenticeship opportunities available across Group.
We kicked off the week by introducing the Thrive App, a new employee wellbeing benefit designed to support mental health and help team members build skills for life. This clinically effective tool is available exclusively to our colleagues and reflects our ongoing commitment to personal and professional development.
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Watch it here
On Employer Tuesday, we highlighted our partnership with Preston College to showcase how students gain practical, hands-on experience on live site projects through apprenticeships
Hear from some of the students studying at Preston College, on an apprenticeship with us, about their experiences during their studies and working on site.
Apprentice Wednesday marked the launch of our 2026 Early Talent Cohort, with seven vacancies for ambitious graduates and school leavers We emphasised the opportunity to work on real projects, contribute new ideas and develop into future managers and leaders within the business
On Opportunity Thursday, we promoted pathways beyond traditional employment, highlighting programmes such as work experience, T-Levels, Year in Industry placements, apprenticeships, ongoing CPD and tailored support for Care Leavers.
Finally, on Celebration Friday, we recognised the contribution of our apprentices Each team member received a gift box from Well Boxes, with every purchase supporting local social value by donating a meal to someone in need This was a moment to thank our apprentices for their hard work, commitment and fresh ideas, which make a tangible difference to our teams and business
People OurValues
Integrity | Excellence | Respect | Innovation
Integrity Excellence
We are transparent, honest and accountable in everything we do and say. By fostering trust, we take ownership of our projects and decisions and being recognised as a trusted employer and partner for our colleagues, clients and the communities we serve Together, we make a genuine lasting impact
Behaviours in practice:
Be authentic: Say what you mean and mean what you say. Keep your promises and deliver for your clients and colleagues.
Be accountable: Take responsibility for the results of your work. Hold your hands up when things don’t go according to plan. But also take pride in, and celebrate your successes.
Belong: Be an active participant in a business that is an integral part of the community in which it works. Always seek to contribute positively to helping deliver on our wider social responsibility.
Respect
Respect is at the heart of the Group. We are professional, compassionate, inclusive and approachable, making it easy for anyone to collaborate with us. We listen, value every voice and ensure everyone feels heard. Our culture ensures everyone succeeds together.
Behaviours in practice:
Be inclusive: Offer everybody the same time, support and opportunity as you would expect for yourself Treat people equally without favouritism or discrimination.
Be empathetic: Take time to listen and value what somebody says, needs or feels, regardless of their title or role. Understand the views of others.
Be open: Give and receive constructive feedback. Be honest and open. Recognise individual strengths and achievements. Speak out if you see people being disrespectful or impolite.
We strive for excellence every single day. We foster partnership working to facilitate the achievement of goals. With our expertise, determination and attention to detail, we not only meet expectations but strive to exceed them.
Behaviours in practice:
Be the best you can: Give your all to every task you tackle, no half measures and be dependable But if you feel you need support, ask and we will listen We are committed to supporting our colleagues and partners
Be motivated: Look to make continuous improvements Take responsibility for your own personal development Set goals and do everything in your power to achieve them Deliver high quality outputs consistently
Be safe: Look after yourself and your colleagues and be there for them. Treat others as you would like to be treated. Make every effort to avoid harm and protect others. Safe people, safe place.
Innovation
Across our multi-disciplinary activities, we offer something different. We are creative, solve problems, offer solutions and adopt a “can do” attitude. We continually seek new ways to engage, improve and exceed expectations.
Behaviours in practice:
Be collaborative: Be generous with your time and knowledge, offer support to those who might need it and be open to those who have advice or suggestions for you Listen and learn
Be inspiring: Be positive and lead by example. Encourage and support others fostering a spirit of teamwork wherever possible to achieve greater things. Embrace innovation and explore fresh approaches to doing things in ways which improve our business and outcomes for clients.
Be bold: Your ideas are important and you will be heard. Speak up, be curious and embrace change.
People
BringingourValuestolife,together
Integrity | Excellence | Respect | Innovation
Our recent engagement and culture survey highlighted something important: people believe in our values, but we need to work harder to make sure they are embedded, understood and embraced consistently across our Group. Values only make a difference when they are displayed by us all in how we work, how we decide and how we treat each other.
We can each play a part in embedding our values without extra tasks or big gestures. Just small, intentional choices that build the culture we want.
How we’ll bring our Values to life
Bringing Values into everyday conversations
You’ll hear our Values more often, in team meetings, one to ones, project kick offs and debriefs. The more we use them, the more naturally they guide our thinking and behaviour.
Managers leading the way, but not carrying it alone
Managers help set the tone, give feedback and recognise great work through the lens of our Values. We’ll support them with the tools and training they need. But culture isn’t created by a few people, it’s shaped by all of us.
Celebrating Values in action
Great examples already exist across the organisation. We’ll shine a light on them, through broader communications with our people. When we celebrate the behaviours we want more of, they spread.
Embedding Values into how we work
You’ll see our Values reflected more clearly in recruitment, onboarding, performance conversations, development planning and project reviews When Values guide our processes, they become habits, not slogans
Making it meaningful for each business area
Every part of our organisation is different, and that’s a strength Each team will bring the Values to life in ways that feel natural and relevant to their work We’ll support them to translate the Values into everyday behaviours that make sense for their world
What you can do
Culture shifts when lots of people take small steps consistently You don’t need permission to start living the Values, and you don’t need to wait for someone else to go first You can:
Use the Values to guide decisions
Ask for and give feedback
Speak up when something doesn’t feel aligned
Support colleagues to live the Values confidently
Talk about them more
As a manager, lead the way and open the discussions
Moving forward
In the coming months, you’ll see more tools, conversations and opportunities to help embed our Values into everyday work. But the real shift happens in the day to day moments we each control. If you spot great examples of our Values in action, big or small, please share them via your comms champion, EWG Comms or People team.
As we recognise three colleagues, who each mark 35 years of commitment, we take a deep dive into two of their careers that have spanned from bricklaying and purchasing to boardrooms. Collectively, their stories share recurring themes of dedicated support, career growth, lasting relationships and a deep sense of belonging.
Early days: Building careers and our business
Sue McGuigan arrived as a young member of the Civil Engineering team, joining via the acquisition of Newell Construction. Mark Smith started bricklaying, with Eric Wright placing his first bricks at Johnson the Cleaners' Bootle – both began their journeys in 1991.
In those early years, the business structure was smaller and close-knit Sue recalls just a handful of divisions and colleagues knew each other by name She credits the guidance of her first manager, Alan Kidby, for her start, passing on advice she now adopts with new team members Mark recalls working with some of the Eric Wright management team who came from Brown &Jacksons when Eric started the business, Bernie Johnson, Jim Proverst, Bob Harrion to name a few, who Mark learned valuable experience from, as well as absorbing the high standards expected at Eric Wright
Career progression and opportunity
The chance to grow within the Group stands out in all their accounts. Sue advanced from ordering site materials to leading fleet operations, experiencing significant change. In 2000, she found herself covering an expanded role handling plant, consumables, fleet, mobile phones and more Eventually, her focus turned fully to fleet, a role she has held for 19 years
Mark followed a technical-to-managerial path After a couple of years bricklaying, he moved through Site Manager, Project Manager, Contracts Manager, and Senior Contracts Manager In 2012, he took charge of the Special Projects division and by 2015, became Director of Applethwaite In his current role, he oversees construction delivery, customer care, health and safety, social value and recruitment of key staff
They both cite managerial faith and guidance as crucial through each step Sue highlights how each of her managers trained and trusted her, especially at key transition points Mark singles out the steady support of Group leadership, as well as the latitude given to pursue new opportunities as the Group expanded into new sectors
Everyday work and memorable moments
What drives such long tenure? Day-to-day variety ranks highly. Sue handles everything from contract negotiations with manufacturers to helping colleagues pick their new company car. She enjoys being part of team achievements, celebrating four recent award wins.
Mark values the collaboration working closely with teams and subcontractors. A proud moment for him was leading the Bolton One project a £30m scheme, which at the time was the largest scheme the Construction business had undertaken for the NHS, University of Bolton, and Bolton Council, delivered on time and to a high standard, with significant profit margins The complexity of managing diverse client needs and a large team only reinforced the lesson that every individual plays a key part in collective success
Mark with Eric in 2011 at Blackburn Youth Zone during the foundation excavations.
People
Loyalty, balance, and belonging
Respect and autonomy are recurring themes managers trust staff to deliver, offer support without overreach, and reward performance. Both speak highly of open, respectful relationships with senior leaders. Sue reflects on the generosity and approachability of Directors and wishes her retiring line Director well, underlining the importance of mentors in her journey.
Both Sue and Mark note that their families have seen positive impact from the stability and rewards provided by long EWG careers.
Change and continuity
The business landscape has changed dramatically from a limited set of divisions to a multi-service operation spanning construction, civils, water, facilities management, residential housing, partnerships, property development and care Staff numbers have grown past 1,000 Both Sue and Mark recall how it used to be possible to know everyone personally but note that the Group works hard to retain a positive, “family” feel
Some elements remain constant though There are still opportunities for progression and many colleagues have had life-long careers here Long-term careers are both a strength and a challenge; Sue recognises the need for succession planning as experienced staff approach retirement, but she welcomes the “fresh blood” joining the ranks.
Lessons for the future
The employees offer advice rooted in experience:
“Do your job well and you will go a long way You will not be micromanaged if you show you are doing a good job”
“Remember the grass isn’t always greener Many staff return after finding that new places do not live up to expectations It’s not just wages that matter it’s the full package”
“Treat others as you would expect to be treated Respect builds trust and you may need someone to go the extra mile”
“Everyone’s role is integral Treat people well and it makes the difference when challenges arise”
Looking ahead
Both Sue and Mark see the coming years bringing more change and growth for the Group. As experienced staff retire, recruitment and development of new colleagues will be key. Yet both are confident that the core Values integrity, excellence, respect and innovation will endure, helping the next generation build their own long, rewarding careers at the Eric Wright Group.
Sue celebrating at a recent fleet awards win, alongside Steve Openshaw
In marking these three 35 year milestones, we celebrate not just the individuals, but everything they represent about the Eric Wright Group: careers built on respect, opportunity unlocked through mutual trust, and an evolving business with room for new faces and new stories still connected by the same Values
TimRackhambecomesnewMDofApplethwaite
Tim’s appointment aligns with Applethwaite’s strategy to build on recent successes and maintain momentum in the next phase of business growth.
Tim Rackham commented “I’m excited for the next phase at Applethwaite, we have bold ambitions and with the strong and talented leadership team and dedicated staff we have much to look forward to. I’m delighted to be able to build on our successes and put to work our growth ambitions”.
Tim joined Applethwaite just under three years ago Since then, he has played a key role in improving company operations across multiple areas The leadership team has grown, showing more cohesion and capability
Servicecelebrations
Congratulations and thank you to our colleagues who are celebrating service anniversaries.
5 Years Service
Dave West - Group Procurement Manager - EWG
Chris Mitchell - Senior Estimator - EWC
John Higgins - Approved Electrician - EWW
Ste White - Commercial Manager - EWW
Tony Girardi - General Foreman - EWCE
Matthew Tetlow - Mobile Site Supervisor - EWFM
Martin Green - Technical Compliance Manager - EWFM
