New roles are sealed

39-year-old, Mark, from Kenton, Newcastle, brings a wealth of experience in lean manufacturing, commercial engineering and metal work manufacturing.

Mark said: “Having been at my former workplace for 21 years it was a big decision for me to leave. However, having worked as a commercial manager for 10 years and covered all areas of metal work manufacturing I was ready for a fresh challenge.

“I had heard a lot of good things about Hodgson Sayers and its recent award wins but it was the website which pulled me in. It came over as a very good employer and as a progressive business. I noted the role it has taken to help the community which demonstrated that it was a responsible employer and this is something I would be keen to get involved in.

“In my role as metal work manager I will work closely with the senior management team to introduce new products, lean manufacturing processes and the opportunity to utilise my Six Sigma Black Belt, a set of techniques and tools for process improvement.”

Stephen Lumsdon, 47, commercial manager at Hodgson Sayers, said: “I was aware that the company had grown in recent years because I live in the East Durham area. I am also a trained quantity surveyor and from that perspective also I kept hearing about the company.

“Hodgson Sayers appealed to me because it has a top-class reputation. I wanted a fresh challenge and I am really enjoying the varied workload. Alongside the managing director we are reviewing processes, workloads of the staff and identifying ways to make sure everything is running as efficiently as possible.

“I am also looking forward to developing new business opportunities, being responsible for the financial management of projects, and helping to create tender opportunities to win new business as well as negotiating and handling new and existing client contracts.”

Managing Director at Hodgson Sayers, John Sayers, said: “Stephen and Mark are great additions to the team, each bringing a wealth of knowledge within their subject areas. They have bedded in well and we are looking forward to seeing the fruits of their labour in the months ahead.”

Hodgson Sayers operates in the construction sector offering specialist skills in roofing, building works, fencing and metalwork fabrication.

2015 was an outstanding year for the company having won three national awards. The first being the SME award at the Constructing Excellence Awards in London. This was followed by UK Business of the Year and the People Development Award at the British Chambers of Commerce Awards.

Social value is at the heart of the business and, as such, it has formed a committee which meets each month to canvas opinion, explore potential initiatives and plan events in conjunction with stakeholders.