During the state opening of parliament earlier this Summer, the government announced the creation of a new organisation called Skills England. This public body aims to bring together the government, training providers, businesses, and unions, and is described as a “partnership with employers at its heart”. As well setting out the governments plans for the year, the speech also confirmed a planned reform to the apprenticeship levy.

Before the election, the Labour party promised to establish Skills England as a means to identify skills and labour needs, promote training opportunities, and ensure that skills policy aligns with the broader needs of the economy. Keir Starmer has previously stated that it is intended to “oversee the English national skills effort of the coming decade, ensuring we have the skills we need for the challenges of the future, monitoring skills trends and approving the new training schemes the levy can be spent on.”

Aden Woodward, managing director at Woodward Group, said:

“Over Woodward Group’s 35 year history, we have remained passionate about training the next generation of mechanical and electrical engineering professionals through our active apprenticeship programme, and are proud of the many success stories that we have been a part of. Indeed, some of our senior management team members originally joined us as apprentices many moons ago.

“We firmly believe that apprenticeships play a crucial role in workforce development, and that they offer countless benefits for both individuals and the broader economy. Additional schemes and funding targeted at meeting the needs of budding apprentices, employers and training providers can only be a positive thing.”

Apprenticeships: what are the benefits?

1. Hands-on learning

Apprenticeships provide people with practical, on-the-job experience. Often more effective than theoretical learning alone, this hands-on style of training allows individuals to develop real-world skills and knowledge in a specific trade.

2. Skill development

Apprenticeships focus on developing specific skills required for a particular job or industry. This targeted training ensures that individuals gain the practical skills and knowledge needed to truly excel in their chosen field, which might not necessarily be able t.

3. Workplace integration

Apprenticeships allow individuals to integrate into the workforce gradually. They work alongside experienced professionals, gaining insights into the industry, company culture, and workplace expectations.

4. Earning while learning

Unlike traditional education pathways, apprenticeships offer individuals the opportunity to earn a wage while they learn. This financial support can help reduce the financial burden often associated with education and training.

5. Industry-relevant training

Apprenticeships are designed in collaboration with employers, ensuring that the training provided is directly relevant to the needs of the industry. This helps bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical workplace requirements. 

6. Reducing skills gaps

By focusing on specific skills needed in the workforce, apprenticeships contribute to reducing skills gaps in various industries. This is particularly important as technological advancements and changing business landscapes require workers to possess up-to-date and relevant skills.

Looking for an apprenticeship opportunity?

If you’re considering undertaking a mechanical or electrical engineering apprenticeship, we’d love to hear from you. Woodward Group is always open to new talent joining our team and adding value to our clients. If you’d like to be part of our growth, please send us your CV or give us a call on 01283 819379.

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In this article, Woodward Group identifies some of the signs that it might be time to upgrade your control panels.

Signs it’s time to upgrade

• Frequent breakdowns

If you’re constantly calling in technicians to fix your control panels, it’s generally a sign that they’re reaching the end of their lifecycle.

• Incompatibility with new systems

As your business grows, so do your technological needs. If your control panels aren’t compatible with newer systems, you’re likely missing out on productivity gains. Outdated control panels can also lead to unnecessary downtime and maintenance issues.

• Rising energy costs

Older panels are often less energy efficient. Upgrading can therefore optimise energy use, leading to lower utility bills for your business.

• Safety concerns

Newer control panels typically come with advanced safety features that protect both your equipment and your employees.

What should you consider when you upgrade your control panels?

When thinking about an upgrade, we’d recommend you start by assessing your current needs and future growth. A well-designed control panel should be scalable, allowing for easy integration of new technologies. At Woodward Group, we work closely with our clients to understand their unique requirements and provide tailored solutions that enhance both performance and reliability.

Investing in modern control panels is not just about keeping up with technology – it’s about future-proofing your business. Upgrades can lead to reduced downtime, lower energy costs, and improved safety, all of which contribute to a more efficient and profitable operation.

Don’t wait until it’s too late

At Woodward Group, we specialise in designing and installing state-of-the-art control panels that meet bespoke requirements. If you’re considering an upgrade or simply want to explore your options, we’re here to help.

In a fast-paced business environment, it’s easy to overlook the importance of control panels. However, timely upgrades can make a significant difference in your operation’s efficiency and safety. Don’t wait until issues arise – get in touch today to discuss how we can help you stay ahead of the curve.

To book your free consultation or to find out more about our Control & Process services, please call 01283 819379 or email us here.

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In this blog, Woodward Group discusses Fixed Wire Testing, its importance and the risks of not having regular inspections.

What is Fixed Wire Testing?

Fixed Wire Testing, also known as Periodic Inspection or Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), involves the inspection and testing of all electrical installations in a building to ensure you are safe and compliant with regulations.

A Fixed Wire Test must be conducted by a professional, qualified engineer to ensure full compliance. The engineer will visually check all relevant areas of the premises, such as mains panels, distribution boards, light fittings, electrical accessories and mechanical power supplies. All circuits, cabling and equipment will also be physically tested and readings recorded within the report.

Once the engineer is complete onsite an electrical installation conditioning report is submitted detailing non-compliance works and these will be broken down into categories of severity. C1 & C2 defects will result in an unsatisfactory certification whereas C3 defects shown non compliance but still a satisfactory certification.

Potential risks of not having regular inspections

As electrical installations deteriorate with age, regular testing and inspections are essential to detect and prevent electrical faults and hazards – and can have lifesaving results.

In additional to legal consequences, not getting your premises tested could result in an increased risk of accidents. An electrical fault could lead to potentially fatal accidents, as they can cause electrical fires, electric shocks or even explosions. Any individual within the building could be at risk if regular inspections have not occurred and electrics are not up to standard, along with equipment that could be damaged as well as the building itself.

Reputational damage can also occur if regular inspections have not taken place and there has been negative media coverage of an accident caused by non-compliance. Damage to a company’s reputation can take a long time to recover from and will ultimately lead to a loss of customers, revenue and credibility.

The risks of not getting a premises electrically tested are significant and greatly outweigh any benefits that may occur from cutting corners.

Legal requirements for businesses

Fixed Wire Testing is a legal requirement under BS7671:2018 and should be prioritised by all managers and owners of commercial premises with public access. Typically, these tests must be carried out every five years, however some more high-risk properties such as industrial units and spa hotels require three-yearly inspections or even one-yearly inspection for medical buildings, swimming pools etc.

Failure to conduct Fixed Wire Testing in accordance with BS7671 results in non-compliance with the Health & Safety at Work Act (often called the HSE Act) and Electricity at Work Regulations. Breaches of these regulations can result in fines or even imprisonment depending on the severity of the incident and the harm inflicted.

Carrying out Fixed Wire Testing not only demonstrates that you are compliant with numerous health and safety regulations but, of increasing importance, it ensures you are compliant with the requirements of most commercial insurers.

How we can help

Woodward Group’s Compliance division ensures our clients receive every inspection needed in order to carry out business operations in a safe environment. As an NICEIC approved contractor, with CHAS and Construction Line accreditations, every job we undertake is carried out in accordance with The Electricity at Work Regulations.

We provide a bespoke solution for every client, and we always strive to carry out testing with minimal disruption to your business operations.

If you have any further questions about Fixed Wire Testing or the services we offer at Woodward Group, please do not hesitate to get in touch today.

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Introducing Matt Brooks

Having started out as an electrical apprentice when he was 16, Matt worked for a local electrical company for over 10 years. He qualified in 2012, and began managing projects, chiefly specialising in BMS, for one of the industry leaders in this field. In 2014 Matt became a qualified supervisor, responsible for all NICEIC paperwork.

He joined Woodward group in February as the next step up in his career, with the goal of growing our Energy Solutions division even further and continuing to build on our strong reputation as being one of the best in the industry.

A ‘right first time’ approach

As senior supervisor, Matt’s role involves making sure all our engineers are working safely and in line with the site programmes, ensuring all materials are on site, and that work is being carried out to the highest standards, on time, in budget, and with a ‘right first time’ approach.

Friendly, calm under pressure, and with an excellent work ethic, Matt is detail-orientated – he sweats the small stuff, so our clients don’t have to – and likes to lead from the front. Away from work, he enjoys spending time with friends and family, walking his dog, and going to the gym.

Commenting on joining Woodward Group, Matt said: “After chatting to Aden and Matt, I felt really positive about the culture at Woodward Group. Their commitment to investing in their workforce is impressive, and seeing the incredible growth over the past few years made me eager to be part of their future.”

Aden Woodward, MD at Woodward Group, added: “We are thrilled to welcome Matt Brooks to our team. His extensive experience and dedication to the highest standards align perfectly with our culture of excellence and growth. Matt’s expertise in BMS, alongside his strong leadership qualities, will undoubtedly drive our Energy Solutions offering to new heights.”

Offering flexible, green solutions

Woodward Group’s Energy Solutions division builds energy efficient and environmentally friendly spaces for our clients, without compromising on aesthetics. From Building Management Systems (BMS) to Ground Source and Air Source Heat Pumps, our team can advise on a number of flexible green solutions tailored to your business.

To book your free consultation or find out more, please call 01283 819379 or email us on enquiries@woodwardgroup.net.

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What is EPLAN?

The EPLAN Platform is a software solution for designing, documenting and managing electrical-engineering automation projects.

From preplanning, electrical engineering, and fluid-power engineering, to the design of control and switchgear systems or wire harnesses, EPLAN provides us with the perfect tool for the job.

EPLAN integrates seamlessly with various engineering workflows, enabling a cohesive approach to project management and design at Woodward Group. This integration enhances collaboration among our different engineering disciplines, ensuring that every aspect of the project aligns with the overall objectives and standards.

What are its benefits?

As well as accelerating workflows, reducing errors and saving time, the EPLAN Platform has several key advantages. At a glance, it provides our Control & Process division with:

• Standardised project structure, symbols & labelling to relevant standards IEC 81346, EN 61355-1, ISO 1219-2, NFPA & Company Standards
• Detailed schematics, including part numbers, locations, and device settings
• Easy navigation, through hyperlinked cross-referencing
• Templates for project consistency
• Efficient turnaround of designs
• Bill of Materials produced
• Panel Layouts
• Critical spares
• Terminal schematics
• Equipment/Network overview schematics
• Electrical schematics, including conversion from paper copies to full EPLAN/AutoCAD drawings
• The ability to produce electrical drawings from equipment that currently has no drawings

EPLAN in action

Since the purchase of the software, our Controls Division Manager, Greg Haigh, has completed parts one and two of the eight-day, ‘Electric P8’ training course, and has also undertaken an EPLAN training course with a local design engineer. So far, he has completed two design projects using the software, as well as a project that involved converting old paper copy drawings to EPLAN.

By investing in EPLAN and ensuring our team is well-trained, Woodward Group is committed to maintaining the highest standards of engineering excellence. The integration of EPLAN into our workflow not only enhances our efficiency but also ensures that we can deliver high-quality, reliable solutions to our clients. This strategic investment aligns with our mission to stay at the forefront of technological advancements in the engineering field, providing unparalleled service and expertise.

What can businesses and individuals do?

Both businesses and individuals are being asked to help support net zero efforts and to play their part in reducing emissions. This could involve many different actions, such as:

• Installing a Building Management System – a BMS can analyse and monitor your energy use, control your assets and ultimately optimise the way energy is used in order to cut carbon emissions and lower business costs.
• Visiting the UK Business Climate Hub in order to find practical tools and resources to help them understand and reduce emissions.
• Installing energy efficient lighting.
• Switching to electric transport options and installing EV charging points in your business.
• Installing Ground Source and Air Source Heat Pumps – which take heat from the ground and air and use it to warm your home.

To book a free consultation or to learn more about our Control & Process services, please call 01283 819379 or email us: enquiries@woodwardgroup.net.

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Meet Steve Bullock

With a diverse professional background and a wealth of experience in the industry, Steve brings valuable expertise to his new role. Prior to joining Woodward Group, he served at Yee Group for 10 years, where he held positions ranging from installation engineer to project manager, honing his skills in fire and security management.

In his new role as Fire & Security Project Manager, he will be responsible for building and managing a team of engineers, implementing streamlined processes, and enhancing training programmes to ensure the delivery of high standards expected by Woodward Group. Additionally, he will be actively involved in client communications, providing tailored solutions to meet clients’ specific requirements.

Steve says: “Woodward Group has a strong reputation in the sector of reliability and delivering top quality services, whilst maintaining the highest standards in health and safety. The business actively takes on more challenging, large scale projects, which aligns perfectly with my personal career aspirations. I feel excited at the prospect of working on innovative projects for the company’s impressive client-base and look forward to building strong relationships with both clients and my new colleagues.”

Meet Grace Simpson

We’re also delighted to be expanding our office team with the appointment of Grace Simpson as Junior Office Administrator.

The general administrative duties undertaken by Grace help towards the day-to-day running of our offices. Some of her responsibilities include completing reports for all aspects of the group, whether that be an EICR of a domestic property or minor works to an existing installation, and assisting the Purchasing Manager with deliveries and providing purchase orders for employees. She also assists our Operations Manager to ensure that all works completed get processed through to accounts.

Grace says: “I have already been made to feel so welcome in the team, and I am really enjoying the variety that each day brings. Woodward Group’s family values were what initially attracted me to the role in the first place, and it’s clear that these values are at the core of everything they do. I feel very proud to have joined the team at such an exciting time for the business.”

Aden Woodward, MD at Woodward Group, said:

“We are thrilled to welcome Steve and Grace to the Woodward Group team. Steve’s extensive experience, attention to detail and dedication to maintaining the highest standards make him a valuable addition to our organisation, while Grace will play a pivotal part in ensuring operations run smoothly. The continued growth in our team reaffirms our commitment to providing top-tier talent and expertise to meet the evolving needs of our clients.”

At Woodward Group, we are always open to new talent joining our team and adding value to our clients. If you’d like to be part of our growth, please see our current vacancies or send us your CV.

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The Government’s Net Zero Strategy

The UK Government’s Net Zero Strategy sets out how the country will unlock £90 billion in investment to reach ‘net zero’ emissions by 2050. It outlines the support that will be provided to businesses and consumers in the transition to clean energy and green technology – including reducing the UK’s reliance on fossil fuels and switching to low carbon travel options like electric vehicles.

Are we on track for 2050?  

While the UK has been successful in the reduction of its carbon emissions, there is concern that it might miss future targets. There is, arguably, a lack of urgency in reducing emissions, with the majority of reductions from the last decade having been from the electricity supply sector alone. There needs to be significant progress in agriculture, land use, and waste areas in order to meet the targets set out in the Net Zero Strategy.

What progress has been made?

Despite concern that the UK might miss its net zero targets, a few areas of promising progress have been made, including:

• A three-quarter reduction in carbon emissions from electricity generation since 1990, caused by the growing popularity of renewable energy.
• Electric cars are slowly gaining popularity, accounting for 16.5% of new car sales in 2023. This is likely to increase with further public charging points continuing to be added.
• Meat consumption has fallen by 17% in the UK over the last decade, and environmental land management schemes mean farmers can apply for public money to support activities that benefit the environment.

What can businesses and individuals do?

Both businesses and individuals are being asked to help support net zero efforts and to play their part in reducing emissions. This could involve many different actions, such as:

• Installing a Building Management System – a BMS can analyse and monitor your energy use, control your assets and ultimately optimise the way energy is used in order to cut carbon emissions and lower business costs.
• Visiting the UK Business Climate Hub in order to find practical tools and resources to help them understand and reduce emissions.
• Installing energy efficient lighting.
• Switching to electric transport options and installing EV charging points in your business.
• Installing Ground Source and Air Source Heat Pumps – which take heat from the ground and air and use it to warm your home.

Practicing what we preach

At Woodward Group we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint while providing high-quality products and services. We maintain an Environmental Management System with due reference to the standard BS EN ISO 14001:2004 and strive for environmental best practice throughout our business activities. We have also installed roof mounted solar panels at our office, as well as EV chargers for staff and customer use.

Woodward Group also made the decision to switch our company vehicles to plug in hybrids, and we are in the process of moving to a fully paperless CRM system.

Read our environmental statement to learn more.

How Woodward Group can help

At Woodward Group we are committed to helping build energy efficient and environmentally friendly spaces without compromising on aesthetics. Our Energy Solutions team can advise on a number of flexible green solutions for your business, including energy efficient lighting, Building Management Systems, electric vehicle charging and more.

To book your free consultation or find out more about our Energy Solutions, please call 01283 819379 or email us on enquiries@woodwardgroup.net

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A fire risk assessment provides businesses with an insight into how protected any given property is, helping to ensure the safety of its occupants in the event of a fire. It also allows businesses to identify areas for improvements and take further steps to achieve an appropriate level of fire safety.

The Fire Safety Order 2005

Protecting your business against the threat of fires is required by law. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 or “the Fire Safety Order” came into force on 1 October 2006 and applies across England and Wales; it states that it is mandatory for business owners to carry out a detailed assessment identifying the risks and hazards in a commercial premises.

Who is the ‘Responsible Person’?

Under the Fire Safety Order, if you are responsible for the premises, you need to make sure that a Fire Risk Assessment has been completed.

You are the ‘responsible person’ for fire safety on site if you’re an employer, the owner, the landlord, an occupier, or anyone else with control of the premises (such as a facilities manager, building manager, managing agent or risk assessor).

Carrying out an assessment

The responsible person doesn’t necessarily have to carry the risk assessment out themselves, but they are still responsible, by law, for ensuring their premises meets the order. The assessment should include:

1. Identifying the fire hazards.
2. Identifying people at risk and paying particular attention to vulnerable people, for example the elderly, young children or those with disabilities.
3. Evaluating, removing or reducing any risks.
4. Recording findings, preparing an emergency plan and providing training.
5. Reviewing and updating the fire risk assessment regularly.

Why is a fire risk assessment so important?

Aside from the fact that it is the law, there are a whole host of reasons why a fire risk assessment is vital. Most importantly, having a well-considered, up to date fire safety policy could mean potentially saving lives. According to the government report of fire statistics, there were 286 fire-related fatalities last year; fire risk assessments can help to significantly lower this number.

They ultimately give you peace of mind that all of the risks have been identified and the area your business is operating in has been made a safer space because of it.

How we can help

If you do not have the expertise or time to do the fire risk assessment yourself, you need to appoint a ‘competent person’ to help.

As professional risk assessors, our fire safety experts can conduct a full assessment of your building, identifying any fire hazards and potential individuals at risk. We put in place robust processes to evaluate, remove or reduce the risks and then prepare an emergency plan and provide training on all aspects so that you are fully prepared in case of an emergency situation.

Through our ongoing support service, we’ll review and update the fire risk assessment regularly to ensure processes are continually in line with regulation standards.

To book your free consultation or find out more about our Fire Safety services, please call 01283 819379 or email us on enquiries@woodwardgroup.net

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This year, National Apprenticeship Week 2024 celebrates the #SkillsForLife that apprenticeships provide and aims to bring together everyone passionate about apprenticeships to celebrate the value, benefits and opportunities that they bring.

Having started out as an apprentice himself sixteen years ago, our site manager, Stuart Harrison, is now responsible for the training and development of a number of young apprentices at Woodward Group. In this interview, he shares an insight into his career, the skills for life he’s gained since starting out, and why he thinks Woodward Group is a great place to work for young apprentices.

Can you tell us a bit about your career and how you joined Woodward Group?

As soon as I left school I went straight into an electrical apprenticeship and haven’t really looked back since. The “skills for life” theme of National Apprenticeship Week 2024 couldn’t be more fitting, as apprenticeships really do equip you for a long career in your chosen profession through offering hands-on, real world training. If sixteen year old me could see myself now, I wouldn’t believe the progression I’ve made and how far I’ve grown in my career. It’s been a really rewarding journey so far.

Around six or seven years ago, Aden approached me to join the Woodward Group team as a supervisor, working on sites up and down the country and looking after apprentices on the team. Since then, through gaining valuable experience and training, I’ve moved up to the position that I’m in now as a site manager.

What does your role typically involve day-to-day?

A typical day for me basically involves making sure everyone is keeping busy! Each morning, I get to the office and go through a list of everyone’s names and what their tasks are for the day, and make sure everyone has the correct materials they need and understands what they’re doing, so that sites can run smoothly. I also have a 7.30am meeting every morning with other people on site to let everyone know where we are up to with works and what we’re doing that day.

On Fridays, I start preparing for the following week, for instance getting my labour board written up and prepping toolbox talks ready for the guys to sign on to the following week. When Monday comes around, I’ll have everybody’s timesheets to sign, and make sure they line up with the signing in sheets. I also spend time raising quotations and allocating labour to new jobs that come in.

How has Woodward Group supported your training and development?

Woodward Group supported me to undertake Site Supervision Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS) training, which has given me the skills and knowledge I need to supervise and keep the team safe on site, in compliance with Health and Safety standards.

More recently, I have completed Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) training, which is the next step up of the SSSTS qualification. This scheme delves into the financial aspects of managing sites, alongside some more advanced health, safety, welfare and environmental issues that can occur in the workplace.

Can you tell me a bit about Woodward Group’s apprenticeship scheme?

Because of the scale of the projects we undertake at Woodward Group, there are multiple different skills and jobs that apprentices can be working on. Owing to the size of the projects we work on, our apprentices learn a whole range of skills across a scope of mechanical, electrical and containment fit outs, from simple wiring to building complex frameworks. We make sure that every apprentice is always working with another person, so they are properly supported in their training.

At the moment, we’ve got some really talented apprentices coming through who are very good at what they do, which is great to see.

What makes Woodward Group a great place to work for young apprentices starting out in their career?

Woodward Group is a very well organised company. All team members, including apprentices are given a weekly rota that tells you everything you need to know, from where you’ll be based and who you’re working with, through to what van you need to be in at the start of the day. All of Woodward Group’s supervisors are very approachable and easy to talk to, and we also have a group message that allows anyone who has any issues to report back if needed.

I do a quarterly report for every apprentice I work with that shows how well they’re progressing and where they can continue to improve. That way they always have a regular bit of feedback coming in and can reflect on their own progress.

There are clear progression opportunities available within Woodward Group – you can work your way up from an apprentice right through to a site supervisor. In fact, many of Woodward Group’s Senior team started out as apprentices here.

The social side of the business is also a great attraction. We have a mid-year work do, and a Christmas do each year. Plus, we’re a close knit bunch, so more informally we’ll often meet up for a drink over the weekend.

Woodward Group is a family run business and it shows. Being supportive of one another is a value that’s woven throughout the business and reflected in all the team here, and is something we’re all proud of.

At Woodward Group, we are always open to new, talented apprentices joining our team and adding value to our clients. If you’d like to be part of our growth, please get in touch and send us your CV.

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Aden Woodward, managing director of Woodward Group, says: “We are thrilled to be signing off this year by strengthening our team with a new senior appointment, two promotions, a new addition to our accounts team, and three new apprentices.

“The expansion of the Woodward Group team underpins our continued commitment to organic growth. Our mission is to offer all our clients an extensive range of bespoke, high-quality services to meet their needs, and our team consistently delivers an outstanding level of commitment and dedication to this. Demand for our services continues to grow, and we expect to maintain this strong momentum into 2024.”

Greg Haigh joins the team

First up, we’re pleased to announce that Greg Haigh has been appointed as our Controls Division Manager. With over 16 years’ expertise in the sector, Greg has a wide range of electrical engineering and management experience. His career has taken him all over the world, including the USA, India, Mexico, South Africa and numerous countries across Europe, and he has worked with a wide range of equipment and systems, from 40+ years old piece of kit to brand new, state of the art technology.

As Controls Division Manger, Greg works across multiple electrical engineering controls projects, with his role ranging from overseeing design, drawings and FDS (functional design specifications), to conducting SAT/FATs (site/factory acceptance tests) and visiting customers on site.

Greg’s keen interest in machinery safety has led to him completing several courses in this area including: ‘TUV Rheinland Functional Safety for Machinery Technician’, ‘Pilz / City & Guilds – Application and Practical Use of Machinery Safety, Legislation and Standards’, and ‘Pilz – Safety Design, including ISO 13849-1 & Pascal’.

Commenting on his appointment, Greg said: “Joining Woodward Group marks an exciting new chapter in my career. I’m looking forward to supporting customers across a range of different industries with their challenging projects, and putting my experience to good use. The team at Woodward Group have already made me feel very welcome, and it’s a pleasure to be working with such down to earth, hardworking people.”

Two promotions for longstanding team members

James Gallimore began his career journey at Woodward Group over 16 years ago as an electrical apprentice when he was just 18 – and the rest is history!

Having progressed into a number of supervisory roles over the years, and demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities, we are delighted to have promoted James to Contracts Manager this year.

In this new role, James looks after the needs of a number of our valued clients, including Alstom Group, working with them on the day to day organisation of the site, including project planning and management, and generally makes sure operations are always running smoothly. He also ensures all projects are completed safely, within the agreed cost and on time. Find out more about James in our ‘Meet the Team’ series here.

Also promoted this year was our Electrical Site Manager, Stuart Harrison. Stuart started as an electrician with the Woodward Group team over 6 years ago, before progressing to a site supervisor, and now a site manager.

Highly qualified and vastly experienced, Stuart has worked across the UK & Europe completing various, complex projects for large scale companies. In his new role, he takes care of the financial side of projects, ensuring everything is in order alongside the scope of works provided. You can read more about Stuart in his ‘Meet the Team’ article here.

Welcoming our new accounts assistant, Helen Pearce

Woodward Group was delighted to welcome Helen Pearce to our team this year. Helen supports our Accounts Manager with carrying out daily account functions, including sales ledger, purchase ledger and credit control. From checking supplier invoices against PO’s to managing new enquiries, Helen’s scoping 25 years’ accounts experience means there’s nothing we can throw at her that she can’t handle. It’s a pleasure to have you on our team!

Welcoming three new apprentices

Callum Galer, Marcel Drzewicki and Edward Grice have recently started their four year apprenticeships with Woodward Group. Once complete, the trio will be awarded with a level 3 electrotechnical qualification, allowing them to develop the skills, knowledge and capabilities they need to install, maintain and repair electrical systems in industrial, commercial and domestic environments.

Woodward Group is passionate about training the next generation of electrical professionals. We can’t wait to see Callum, Marcel and Edward grow and progress in their careers.

Woodward Group is always open to new talent joining our team and adding value to our clients. If you’d like to be part of our growth, please check out our careers page for current vacancies or email us your CV.

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