Month: December 2025

The Westgrove Group is delighted to announce the appointment of Gary Feeley as our new Operations Director for our Technical Services arm. Gary brings extensive operational experience, a passion for enhancing service delivery, and a strong track record of building successful partner relationships.

Driving Operational Efficiency and Strengthening Partnerships

Gary has joined Westgrove with a clear mission: to improve operational solutions and strengthen relationships with our existing partners. His focus is on elevating the service experience across our Technical Services portfolio and ensuring that our partners benefit from consistent, transparent, and high‑quality support.

A Vision for Growth and Innovation

In his new role, Gary is responsible for a number of key areas, including:

• Enhancing partner satisfaction through improved communication and service delivery
• Introducing our new A.I. based systems to increase transparency and reporting

Looking ahead, Gary anticipates his role evolving in line with the growth of the Technical Services arm. As the team expands, he sees himself providing additional support to existing colleagues while cultivating new talent and helping shape the future direction of the team.

Delivering Impact from Day One

Since joining Westgrove, Gary has already made significant contributions. He has:

• Revamped the operational structure of the Help Desk
• Recalibrated response times and improved technician workflow systems for partners
• Enhanced technician capability by upskilling and introducing new training opportunities

These improvements are already helping to boost efficiency, strengthen service responsiveness, and support our commitment to delivering exceptional standards across all partnerships.

Beyond the Office

Outside of work, Gary enjoys spending quality time with his family and heading out for walks with Molly, the family dog. He’s also an avid Everton supporter — something he admits brings its own highs and lows!

Gary’s energy, experience, and forward‑thinking approach make him a fantastic addition to the Westgrove leadership team. We are thrilled to have him on board and look forward to the continued growth and innovation his expertise will bring to our Technical Services offering.

As we close out the quarter, we’re incredibly proud of the outstanding nominations received through our Recognition & Reward Awards. Across our business, colleagues have been celebrated for their compassion, professionalism, teamwork, quick thinking, dedication to learning, and commitment to delivering exceptional service.

This morning, we held our quarterly R&R Teams presentation with a huge 46 screens of colleagues and teams, hosted by Claire McKinley-Smith (CEO), Glenn Wilson (Managing Director), Ryan Curry (Operations Director), James Francis (Director of Security), and Mark Allison (Head of ESG). Your engagement and support are what make these moments so special.

These nominations highlight what truly sets Westgrove apart — remarkable people who go above and beyond every day. Whether supporting vulnerable individuals, responding confidently in challenging circumstances, maintaining exceptional standards, stepping up for one another, or demonstrating impressive personal and professional growth, our colleagues continue to embody the values that define us.

Site Manager of the Quarter

Sonny – Telford Centre: – Consistently supports colleagues with exceptional care and high standards.

Team of the Quarter

Castle Quay Housekeeping Team: Maintains outstanding cleanliness and consistently delivers excellent service.

Colleague of the Quarter

Keiran – Swan Centre: Shows strong professionalism and handled a recent challenging incident calmly and effectively.

Newcomer of the Quarter

Alfie – Houndshill: Rapidly growing in confidence and skill, becoming a valued team member.

Commitment to Learning

Ben – Telford: Demonstrates impressive growth, confidence, and proactive learning.

People Award

Dianne – Four Seasons: Exceeds expectations and has become essential far beyond her initial cover role.

ESG – Social Value of the Quarter

Telford Team: Collaborated effectively to deliver strong results and service improvements.

Robbie & Karl – Cwmbran: Volunteered their time and went above expectations on a community project.

Outstanding Act of the Quarter

Wellington Team: Responded quickly and compassionately to support an unwell child.

Majid – Queens Square: Acted promptly and professionally to assist a distressed individual.

Kevin – Markethall Shrewsbury: Responded swiftly to a theft report, helping identify the suspect.

Castle Quay Security Team: Managed a medical emergency with professionalism and care.

Mo – Queens Square: Demonstrated strong leadership and compassion while supporting a distressed person.

Service Excellence of the Quarter

Kingfisher Team: Delivered excellent service during the Centre Lights Switch-On event.

Sarah Scudder: Maintains a safe, clean service yard with dedication and attention to detail.

Arcades Security Team: Responded quickly and compassionately to assist an ill customer.

Mark Driscoll: Stepped in swiftly to coordinate shopfitting, keeping work on track.

Lindsey Spears: Provides reliable, wide-ranging support that positively impacts the team.

Lil Henderson & Jennifer Baker: Deliver accurate, timely payroll across multiple sites.

Paul Britton: Remains dedicated and supportive despite personal challenges.

At Westgrove, the R&R programme is more than recognition — it’s about shining a light on the incredible achievements happening across our sites, strengthening our culture of appreciation, and celebrating the people who make a real difference.

Our Founders built Westgrove on the principle that People Come First, and this value continues to guide everything we do. It’s at the heart of our success and the reason we celebrate these moments together.

Thank you to everyone who submitted nominations and to all our colleagues for the fantastic work you do. We are proud of every one of you and look forward to another quarter of excellence.

The Westgrove Group is delighted to announce the appointment of James Francis as Director of Security, joining the Executive Team to lead the strategic development of security solutions across the business.

What will James bring to Westgrove?

James has been brought in to focus on the strategic growth and development of our security solutions, ensuring colleagues and partners have the knowledge, skills, and information to deliver the best in class in security.

As the business continues to expand, James’ role is pivotal in building strong relationships across the security sector and reinforcing the key deliverables of the Westgrove brand.

“It’s a hugely exciting opportunity to join a people-centric organisation like Westgrove, which invests in its colleagues and particularly in security professionals across the business,” says James.

Key Aspects of The Role

James is leading the delivery of our comprehensive security strategy, providing clear areas of focus and development. With the UK security industry undergoing significant change, James will help Westgrove navigate this transition successfully.

He will also act as a bridge between Westgrove and the wider security industry, sharing insights and experiences to influence positive change.

“Ultimately, my role is about helping others – providing advice, guidance, and expertise to colleagues facing varied security challenges.” James adds.

Looking Ahead

In the short term, James will focus on the implementation of Martyn’s Law (Protect Duty), legislation he strongly supports.

“Coming from an events and arenas background, I’m a big advocate for Martyn’s Law. It places more responsibility on organisations to train and develop their colleagues to keep the public safe,” he explains.

Longer term, James will support Westgrove and its partners in embracing technology and AI within day-to-day security operations.

Early Achievements

Since joining, James has already made an impact by developing Westgrove’s security strategy, outlining a Martyn’s Law roadmap, and enhancing our security audit process.

A little about James

Outside of work, James is a keen football and cricket follower, having played both sports at a high level in his younger days – even sharing the pitch with a former England captain! These days, weekends are spent watching his son play football and enjoying family time.