As the web site comments in the About Us section and in various other aspects of text, arguably the key philosophy driving the success of the group is the quest to retain staff within the group. The company operates against a core set of values, placing people at the forefront of all business decisions. At the recent conference, all staff …
Record Long Service
Margaret Owens, the cleaner from Shawston Tube, the group tube distribution centre, retired recently after a staggering 35-years service to the company which is a record within the group! Margaret can be seen here receiving some flowers and gifts from Rob Davenport, Group Managing Director. Shawston Tube has been trading since the 1960’s and Margaret has seen three generations of owner. …
New Shawston Depot Opening in Birmingham
Following Shawston successful strategy to continually reinvest profit and resources into the expansion of the group, a new depot is being opened in Wednesbury, West Midlands. The new branch will carry the full range of product for both mechanical services and fire sprinkler contractors. The 10,000 square foot unit has two overhead cranes and a large yard making the site …
Company Wedding
Shawston in-house builder and property manager, Sam Batey, married his long-term partner Jenny Holding at a wonderful civil ceremony in the stunning Manchester Town Hall. Sam has been working for Shawston for over 13-years, punctuated by a tour to Iraq with the army. He finally managed to persuade Jenny to become his wife, and as you can see from the …
Shawston planning full employee share ownership
Ever since the management buy-in dating back to 2001, there has been a gradual increase in the level of Shawston management share ownership. The Shawston philosophy is one of teamwork and building a world class team capable of providing outstanding customer service. Currently, there are over ten separate shareholders but control of the company still remains with the original buy-in shareholders. …
Silver Fox reaches 60!
Some of the directors helped Paul Beardow, aka “silver fox” celebrate his 60th birthday in style recently. Paul requested a low key affair, so 9-holes of golf (which he won!) in the early evening was followed by a long dinner at Earle restaurant in Hale, Cheshire. Paul can be seen here with his celebration cake! Paul has been with the …
Manchester 10k Road Race
The local charity “we love Manchester” aims to improve the lives and life chances of Manchester People. The 10k road race started from Manchester City’s football ground. A team of four from Shawston entered the event, pictured here from left to right: Daniel Forrester (Group IT Manager); Rob Davenport (Managing Director); Amanda Dyer (Group HR); James Collins (Financial Controller). Pre-race …
The MD Forum Meeting with High Wycombe drivers
As part of the Shawston internal communication plan, I pledged to hold a series of Q&A meetings with EVERY employee in the business. At the Shawston annual conference I emphasised the need to continue to communicate more effectively as a company, not least due to the stunning growth rates Shawston are enjoying. Shawston have no hierarchy or status, and our people are …
Shawston Now Have a Trade Counter
Shawston are pleased to announce the opening of our Trade Counter in High Wycombe. Expanded product ranges now in stock, including: Steel Tube Victaulic Grooved Products Malleable Iron Fittings Copper Tube up to 108mm Copper Fittings up to 54mm in solder, compression and end feed Oventrop Valves Sanha Press Fit System Weld Fittings and Flanges FSC Wood Insulation Blocks manufactured …
Shawston Inaugural Conference a Huge Success!
Shawston’s first ever annual conference took place in May 2014 in the city where it all started nearly 50 years ago…Manchester. The famed Manchester weather didn’t disappoint, it rained hard all day, but the warm smiles and enthusiasm of the delegates brightened the grey sky. It was fitting to host the conference in Manchester, but to also celebrate the many …