Speakman Contractors: Championing apprenticeships since 2009

Partnership is part of Speakman Contractors' makeup.

Supporting businesses across the North West with a complete range of building services, the Burnley-based business deeply understands the value of investing in people and building successful relationships.
And this doesn’t just go for customers.

The company has been a passionate champion of apprenticeships for more than 13 years, seeing over 50 apprentices come through its doors since 2009.

Joint managing director Chris Speakman said: “We’re not just investing in the person - we have a responsibility for their lives, families, and lifestyles. We take that commitment seriously, whether individuals rise through the ranks or go and set up on their own.”

In a full circle moment, several former apprentices-turned-business owners have gone on to join Speakman Contractors’ supply chain.

Chris added: “We see the positives in that. It allows us to build a flexible supply chain made up of people who understand how we work. We trust they have the skill set we need and the standards we expect for our customers because they’ve come from our own talent pool.”

Speakman Contractors covers the entire spectrum of integrated services, from design and installation of electrical and lighting systems to building repairs and maintenance.

Local and national businesses rely on Speakman to function at full capacity and maintain peak productivity, from manufacturing, commercial, leisure and retail.

Chris said: “For many businesses, the main concern is keeping their plant and machinery up and running so they stay operational. Taking care of the general building maintenance is where we fit in.

“You carry on being busy at what you’re best at, and we’ll look after your buildings to make sure you keep delivering those services to your customers.”

Speakman Contractors also works in partnership with Burnley College, sitting on an advisory board to model how construction is taught to young people and shape the industry’s future success.

Chris added: “New technology emerges all the time, so we offer our insight, expertise, and training, as well as supplying test equipment for students to develop industry skills and knowledge.

“It’s all part of our culture as a business - investing in people, nurturing skills, and strengthening our local economy by helping to promote and develop talent.

FROM APPRENTICE TO JOINT MANAGING DIRECTOR

Joint managing director Chris Speakman is a keen ambassador for apprenticeships after joining the industry via this route at the age of 15, before founding the family business.

28 years later, he works alongside brother Andrew and sister-in-law Emma at the helm of the company, understanding first-hand the power of people.

He said: “I went on that same journey our apprentices go through, so I understand the whole process from start to finish.

“Apprenticeships are a key driver of our growth - they embody our ethos as a business.”

www.speakmancontractors.co.uk