Bolton business helps its staff carve out a long and successful career

Yahoo

12 hours ago

Seven employees have notched up a total of 160 years of service between at a Bolton-based business which prides itself at ensuring it lays strong foundations for its staff development.
Six of he seven at Seddon are celebrating 20 years' service and one achieving an extraordinary 40-year milestone.
The milestone are said to be even more cause for celebration, as Seddon say the construction industry is under increasing pressure to attract and retain young talent.
The firm says its long-service anniversaries reflect a long-term proof of concept that early investment, through apprenticeships, mentoring and structured career development, creates sustained, rewarding careers and builds resilient businesses.
'Investing in young people isn't just about recruitment, it's about creating the conditions for a long-term career journey,' said Nicola Hodkinson, owner and director at Seddon.
'At Seddon, we directly employ our people because we believe in standing by them, not just at the start, but every step of the way. Whether someone joins us as an apprentice, a graduate, or in a trade role, our job is to nurture their growth, give them structure and support, and help them build something lasting. We're proud to show what that looks like in practice and why it's vital to the future of our industry.'
Peter Jackson with Vanessa Barlow
The long-serving team members being recognised this year are:
• Vanessa Barlow - social value manager began work at Seddon in 1985 as a junior PA.
• Pete McKinley - commercial director, began work at Seddon in 2005 as quantity surveyor
• Peter Jackson - managing director of Seddon Housing Partnerships & Seddon Engineering Services, began work at Seddon in 2005 as operations director
• Karl Barraclough - Head of energy commercial services began work at Seddon in 2005 as an apprentice plumber.
• Lee Makin - Operations manager, began work at Seddon in 2005 as an apprentice bricklayer
• Matthew Cook - Company secretary and finance director began work at Seddon in 2005 as an accountant
• Hector Lindo – began work at Seddon in 2005
Owners Jamie and Jonathan Seddon and Nicola Hodkinson celebrate with Vaness Barlow
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Social value manager, Vanessa said: 'At Seddon, it's the people who truly make the difference. Our culture is built on a supportive team environment where lasting relationships and trust form the foundation for personal and professional growth. For anyone starting in construction, my advice is to find joy in both the work you do and the place where you do it; that's key to a happy and fulfilling career. For employers looking to reduce staff turnover, remember that people are your greatest asset.'
(Image: Seddon)
Reflecting on 20 years at the company, Matthew Cook, company secretary and finance director, said: 'What's inspired me most to build a long-term career here is the satisfaction I get from feeling valued and trusted, being challenged, and working alongside people who share similar values and outlooks on life. It's about being treated with respect and having confidence in the strength and stability of the business. From my perspective, Seddon's culture comes down to personal relationships - working with and for good people who treat you as you'd expect, all backed by a company that's built on a solid foundation.'
(Image: Anthony Parr) Matthew Cook
Seddon says it approach proves that early investment pays off.
Since 1937, more than 4,000 apprentices have started their construction careers with the company, and Seddon proudly maintains an apprentice retention rate of 93 per cent. Through its apprenticeships, mentoring, and clear development pathways, including progression into leadership roles, Seddon continues to show how businesses can turn first jobs into lifelong careers.