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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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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The National Three Peaks Challenge involves climbing the three highest peaks of England (Scafell Pike), Scotland (Ben Nevis) and Wales (Snowden) and the team have chosen this challenge with the aim of raising £5,000 for Diabetes UK as several of the team members or someone in their family are living with the condition.

The team

The ‘Woodward Group Peaky Climbers’ consists of ten members from across the Woodward Group divisions – Matt Lowther, Ben Watkiss, Ethan Mellor,  James Gallimore, Lewis Mason, Mike Woolley, Sam Allsobrook, Stuart Harrison, Thomas Debar and Aden Woodward.

They have a strict training schedule ahead to ensure they are in the best shape to complete the challenge, which began with a rather foggy climb of Snowden. The team will each complete two 4-5km hikes per week with a 20km hike every other weekend – the next big hike is taking place in Ashbourne with a practice climb on Scafell Pike scheduled for 26^th March.

Support the Woodward Group Peaky Climbers

To show your support of the Woodward Group Peaky Climbers and help them reach their £5,000 target for Diabetes UK, please visit the Just Giving page (link below) and pledge whatever you can – every bit helps and will keep the team motivated. You can also keep up to date with the team’s training progress here where they’ll be posting regular updates from their hikes.

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/woodwardgroup-peakyclimbers

About Diabetes UK

Diabetes UK is leading the fight against the UK’s biggest and growing health crisis. Their aim is to prevent Type 2 diabetes, campaign for and support everyone affected by diabetes, and fund research that will one day lead to a cure. Their vision is a world where diabetes can do no harm.

For more information, visit https://www.diabetes.org.uk/

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With over 35 years of experience in electrical contracting, working across a diverse range of sectors including healthcare, education, pharmaceutical, commercial, and industrial, a career with Woodward Group is both enjoyable and rewarding. We currently have Nationwide opportunities available.

Key responsibilities:

• Surveying sites, undertaking small works and verification quotations
• Drafting electrical installation plans and technical diagrams
• Installing, maintaining, modifying, and repairing all electrical systems within a food hygiene site
• Ensuring that electrical systems adhere to the national electrical safety standards and regulations
• Supervising ongoing electrical system installations and providing technical expertise to installation teams, managing our improvers and sub-contractors where needed
• Using blueprints, wiring diagrams and manufacturer’s installation manuals to complete projects
• Completing work orders and recording materials that are used on the job
• Identifying electrical problems and repairing them
• Liaising with company’s management to ensure a smooth-running site
• Conducting general electrical systems maintenance and troubleshooting electrical issues with testing equipment

Experience/skills required:

• NVQ Level 3
• City & Guilds 2391 – Test and Inspection
• Experience in a similar role
• Full clean driving license
• Willing to undergo a DBS full disclosure
• Experience of managing commercial sites, people and sub-contractors would be beneficial

Benefits:

• Salary: £43,600 per annum
• 23 days holiday entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Company pension
• Opportunity for career development
• Company van
• Ongoing training

Schedule:

This is a full-time, permanent position

• 50 hours per week, Monday – Friday, paid from door to door
• Overtime available

How to apply:

If you would like to apply for the position of Approved Electrician and be part of our ambitious and growing team at Woodward Group, please send your CV to enquiries@woodwardgroup.net.

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As a key member of the team you will be involved in all aspects of technical operations and play a vital part in the smooth delivery of our services.

Working alongside a team of highly committed professionals, we are looking for someone who will embrace our ethos and strengthen our team. Our culture focuses on optimal performance, integrity, teamwork and a commitment to excellence in everything we do.

Key Responsibilities:

• Carrying out electrical inspections and tests for our large roster of valuable clients
• Delivering detailed and accurate technical reports within the scope of projects
• Playing an active role in implementing continuous improvement measures
• Resolving technical and non-technical obstructions within a working project in a timely manner
• Promoting efficient working practices, adapting to meet goals and objectives within a team

Experience/skills required:

• Proven experience in thermography and the inspection and testing of emergency lighting systems
• Experience with varying vintages and types of electrical systems and equipment
• City & Guilds 2391 (or equivalent) qualified with inspection and testing experience
• Comprehensive understanding of modern test equipment for all uses, BS7671 (as amended 2018), modern technical terminology, and standards
• In-depth working knowledge of risk assessments and safe working practices
• Excellent communication and organisational skills, especially with client paperwork / documentation
• Good problem-solving abilities and a keen eye for detail
• Ability to adapt to various environments and clients’ needs
• Willingness to learn and develop skills with the support of in-house and external training
• Well versed with Microsoft Office applications and mobile device technology
• Knowledge of the electrical engineering industry would be preferred, but not essential
• Experience with fault finding on electrical systems and of ISO standards & implementation, would be preferred, but not essential

Benefits:

• Salary: £36,000 – £40,000 per annum, depending on experience
• Company vehicle
• 23 days annual holiday entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Company pension
• Equipment, tools and uniform provided in full
• Full, comprehensive training
• On-site parking

Schedule:

This is a full-time, permanent position

• 50 hours per week – paid from door to door
• Overtime available

How to apply:

If you would like to apply for the position of Electrical Inspection and Testing Engineer and be part of our ambitious and growing team at Woodward Group, please send your CV to enquiries@woodwardgroup.net.

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The Government’s commitment to ending the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2030 has prompted further investment into electric vehicle charging schemes to accelerate electric vehicle uptake and make EV charging points more easily accessible.

Part of this investment is to encourage businesses, including SMEs, to get on board and play an active role in the drive towards a zero carbon-emissions future. Installing EV charging points at places of work will provide an added boost to employees as they return to the office and support them in making the switch to electric vehicles.

The Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) grant

The Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) is a government initiative that provides support towards the up-front costs of the purchase and installation of electric vehicle charge points. The voucher-based scheme reduces the cost of a new workplace charging station (single socket) by 75%. This is capped at £350 per socket, up to a maximum of 40 charge points across all sites for each applicant.

Any business with off-street parking can apply for the grant, but they must use an OLEV-approved installer and OLEV-approved products.

Applying for the scheme is straightforward – applications are made through the government’s online application portal. If eligibility checks are successful, you will be issued with a unique identification voucher code via email, which can then be given to an OLEV-authorised WCS installer like Woodward Group.

Why install EV charging points at your workplace now?

2030 may seem like a long way off, but it’ll be upon us before we know it. The electric car market is growing rapidly and with it the demand for more convenient and accessible charging. Installing EV charging points at your business premises will make it easier for employees to make the switch to electric sooner rather than later if they have the peace of mind that they’ll be able to charge their vehicle while they work. And with the Workplace Charging Scheme, it makes sense to start your EV charging project now while you can take advantage of the grants available.

Additional benefits of installing EV charging points at your business premises include:

• Employee benefit/perk
• Reduce running costs of company vehicles/fleets
• Client/visitor convenience
• Improve your green credentials
• No tax to pay on electric charging

How Woodward Group can help

Woodward Group is an OLEV-approved EV charging point installer. We provide a complete cost-effective supply and installation service through our partnership with a leading supplier of high quality, smart EV charging points.

Our experts can advise on the most suitable EV charging solution for your business. We suggest that we conduct a site survey before any applications are made for the Workplace Charging Scheme to give you an understanding of what can be installed at your site. We will talk you through the different charging options and can also help with home charging installations for you and your staff.

To discuss your EV charging project or if you have any queries about the Workplace Charging Scheme, please call us on 01283 819 379 or complete our contact form here and a member of our team will be in touch.

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