Speakman Contractors: Championing apprenticeships since 2009

Speakman

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

Enjoyed this? Read more from Lancashire Business View

Latest news

1

Roundhouse secures approval for new £15m office and industrial scheme in Preston Momentum

Roundhouse secures approval for new £15m office and industrial scheme in Preston

25 Jul 2025

2

Homebuilder's high-performing sales advisers clinch awards Ben Garland and Julia Lorente

Homebuilder's high-performing sales advisers clinch awards

24 Jul 2025

3

Work is set to start on Multiversity project Multiversity Blackpool

Work is set to start on Multiversity project

24 Jul 2025

4

BAE Systems welcomes MOU between Republic of Turkiye and UK for purchase of Typhoon aircraft Typhoon production Warton

BAE Systems welcomes MOU between Republic of Turkiye and UK for purchase of Typhoon aircraft

23 Jul 2025

5

Assystem to double UK jobs to deliver Sizewell C EDF Assystem

Assystem to double UK jobs to deliver Sizewell C

22 Jul 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025
BEC 315 X 315 Px
Networking
25 Sep 2025

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025

Blackpool Football Club, Blackpool, FY1 6HX

08:30 - 13:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

Preston Tech Connection: Buzz Word Bingo. Challenging Todays's Buzzwords In Tech
July PTC banner long updated.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
29 Jul 2025 - 29 Jul 2025

Preston Tech Connection: Buzz Word Bingo. Challenging Todays's Buzzwords In Tech

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 19:30

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: July
Longer July Banner.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
31 Jul 2025 - 31 Jul 2025

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: July

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – August 14th
Navy--Event Tile.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
14 Aug 2025 - 14 Aug 2025

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – August 14th

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 12:00

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Header (24).png.png
LBV Hub Networking
21 Aug 2025 - 21 Aug 2025

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Mytton Fold, Langho, BB6 8AB

11:30 - 14:15

Morecambe Bay Walk
Walk.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Awards
30 Aug 2025 - 30 Aug 2025

Morecambe Bay Walk

Arnside, CARNFORTH, LA5

09:30 - 14:00

Longridge Soap Box Derby
Screenshot 2025-06-10 090035.png.png
LBV Hub Fundraisers
14 Sep 2025 - 14 Sep 2025

Longridge Soap Box Derby

Berry Lane, Longridge, PR3 3WH

10:00 - 16:30

Cumbria Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-880461633-4862066883-1-original.20241022-110415.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Exhibitions
19 Sep 2025 - 19 Sep 2025

Cumbria Business Expo 2025

Carlisle Racecourse, Carlisle, CA2 4TS

09:00 - 15:00

Help to grow management course
Help to grow - barriers to growth.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
26 Sep 2025 - 16 Dec 2025

Help to grow management course

Preston Campus , Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 15:00

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women
thumbnail_Emma Weston Illustration WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
22 Oct 2025 - 18 Mar 2026

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:30 - 15:30

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV 123 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin