Regeneration firm named as the best
Apr 15 2009 by Sue Scott, Evening Gazette
FRANK Haslam Milan (FHM) North East has been crowned the region’s Large Employer of the Year.
The Wearside-based community regeneration specialist, which is involved in several housing schemes on Teesside, took the title at the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) North East’s Celebration of Learning and Skills Awards (CoLaS), held at a glittering ceremony in the Sage Gateshead.
Now in its fourth year, the CoLaS Awards highlight the sometimes overlooked achievements of individuals and employers who work for their own personal development or to improve the skills of others.
The Large Employer of the Year category is designed to recognise the achievements of large organisations with more than 250 employees who have taken a progressive and innovative approach to developing the skills of their workforce.
FHM North East, part of the Keepmoat Group, caught the judges’ eye because they were able to clearly evidence the impact of training on the achievement of the company’s goals and targets.
David Mellor, Managing Director of FHM North East, said: “We are delighted to receive this award and believe it is an important testimony to our commitment to enhancing the learning and skills of our employees.
“We want all of our staff to enjoy working for FHM, to take pride in their job and reach their full potential.
“To help achieve this, we have developed an open and supportive working culture, where staff can have regular training, flexible working conditions and the chance to influence what we do and how we do it.”
The Large Employer of the Year category was judged and sponsored by Investors in People North East.
Rob Macleod, Managing Director of Investors in People NE, said: “The nomination was very detailed and proved to us that they have a comprehensive workforce development plan. FHM proved that they are able to evaluate the benefits of investing in their workforce.
“From apprenticeships to MBAs and everything in between, their commitment to training and development is paying dividends not only to the company but also to the staff who are encouraged to progress up the career ladder to become the leaders of tomorrow.”
With a wide range of organisations in the North-east employing over 250 people, which cover everything from local authorities, health services and manufacturing companies through to financial institutions, retail chains and construction companies, large employers provide 34% of all jobs in the region.
FHM North East employs over 400 people and works with social housing providers across the region.
The company specialises in three areas of work, refurbishing social rented housing, regenerating communities and providing retirement and extra care housing. It modernises around 8,000 homes a year, supports community initiatives, provides jobs and training for local people and develops the latest in extra care facilities for the elderly.
