Category: Company News

At Westgrove Group, we’re driven to do things differently.

Businesses talk a lot about ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance), but here, it’s a key focus and means so much more than just three words. From wormeries and vegetable gardens to volunteering and colleague recognition, we take a look at our unique ESG strategy and some of the seemingly small actions that add up to a bigger picture.

A People-Oriented Approach

Westgrove Group is people-oriented; our colleagues are at the centre of everything we do and our ESG strategy is no different. Our work starts with talking to people, listening, raising awareness of what is possible and empowering our colleagues to take action. 

Our ESG commitments run through all levels of the organisation, led by our Head of ESG, Mark Allison. He was appointed 16 months ago with a clear brief to formalise and build on the work which was already taking place, and to drive our ESG work forward.

Since then, with Mark’s expertise, previous experience and work he has already put into speaking to people across the business, we’ve created a strategy which is ambitious and people focused. This strategy, created from the thoughts and ideas of our colleagues, will inform our work in ESG for the next five years.

Environmental impact

We are committed to achieving net-zero by 2040 and we are on track to meet this goal, with business-wide targets for reductions in waste, electricity and CO2 emissions.

As we grow as a business and take on new sites, we will look to continually assess and implement changes, working directly with our colleagues across the UK to empower them to take action which works for their specific site – there is no one-size-fits all approach.

At some sites, wildlife corridors have been created, at others we have rooftop gardens. Our colleagues have also created vegetable gardens in collaboration with local schools and peaceful outdoor spaces for our colleagues to sit and benefit from fresh air, contributing to their wellbeing. In our Head Office, we have even recently installed a wormery which contributes to our waste reduction efforts!

Mark Allison, Head of ESG says:

“I’ve found that people are really interested in getting involved in environmental projects. Often, the barrier has been that they don’t know what they are able to do. By having these meetings and conversations, we can focus on the biodiversity of each site and what we can do to improve and support it.”

Social Value

As part of our ESG strategy, all site managers have received specific social value training to ensure they understand it and how they and their team can contribute. From supporting local employment, charities and communities, training and development opportunities and of course our Reward and Recognition programme which has specific ESG categories for Environmental and Social Value initiatives, the aim is for everyone to feel involved in ESG in their own way.

To further our social value efforts, we also have a volunteering programme in place which encourages our colleagues to take up local opportunities. This removes some of the barriers that previously existed and makes it easier for us to contribute and volunteer.

Governance

Our focus when it comes to governance is on being transparent and ethical. ESG and HR work closely together to ensure policies are in place, are updated regularly and everyone is kept up to date with changing policies and legislation.

It is this close communication, alongside robust reporting mechanisms, that ensures transparency at every stage.

A focus on the future

According to Mark, what makes Westgrove’s ESG commitments different to other businesses is that for Westgrove, ESG is not simply a ‘tick-box’ exercise, it’s a long-term business plan. He continues:

“Everyone has been very proactive with regards to ESG. Everyone, from the Executive team to the Business Managers and colleagues on the ground, is open and listens to ideas. Together, we have developed a strategy that is right for the business, where we are going and the goals we want to achieve. Our goals are on track, transparent, realistic and achievable.”

We’re pleased to announce that Harriet Oldfield has joined The Westgrove Group in the role of HR Director.

Harriet’s appointment forms part of a wider strategic plan to strengthen the leadership team at Westgrove. Her role will be key in building on the HR foundations that are already in place and driving forward the people strategy in line with Westgrove’s values and our plans for the future as we continue to grow, expand and innovate.

Harriet brings with her a wealth of experience gained in a career which has always focused on HR. She has worked across a broad range of sectors, including retail, media, finance and logistics. So, whilst facilities management might be a return to an industry Harriet is familiar with, the key role overseeing people, culture and colleague engagement is familiar territory.

Since joining earlier this year, she has already been busy getting to know the business and understanding our culture, priorities and challenges.

We caught up with Harriet to find out more.

“It was the challenge!” she said when asked what drew her to a role at The Westgrove Group. “Having the opportunity to develop a forward-thinking people strategy that puts our colleagues at the forefront of our business decisions. Westgrove is growing, it’s exciting and a fast-paced environment. There is work to be done to take the HR function to the next level, and I’m looking forward to working closely with all my colleagues to deliver on this and planning for the future.   

Great work is already taking place to engage colleagues across the business, genuinely recognising them and making them feel valued which is so important. The Reward and Recognition Awards are a fantastic example of this. Additionally, the significance placed on ESG is another point of difference. Some businesses quote values but it is clear that here, those values are real, tangible and can be seen in action.”

Harriet added, “I have already been made to feel incredibly welcome, and the culture has exceeded my expectations. There is a lot of work to be done and whilst so much is already in place, it’s now about being more strategic and proactive.”

Her plan will now involve creating and implementing an enhanced people strategy; one that will make a real impact, with clear business outcomes to show what Westgrove is aiming for with our colleagues – one that feels like a growing force and makes a difference.

Outside work, Harriet is an avid theatre goer. She’s also a musician, playing both the cello and piano and studying music at university before embarking on her HR career. When she isn’t at work or the theatre, Harriet enjoys keeping fit and is a keen walker.

As we venture further into 2025, Westgrove is embarking on an exciting new chapter in our journey. Over the past 18 months, we’ve been laying the groundwork for a transformative expansion plan, resulting in significant developments across various facets of our business. These changes include:

Strengthened leadership team

We’ve made pivotal senior leadership appointments to guide us into this new era. Glenn Wilson has joined as Group Managing Director, and Claire McKinley-Smith has been promoted to Group CEO, bringing a wealth of experience and vision to their roles.

Additionally, we’ve bolstered our executive board with strategic appointments, including Harriet Oldfield, HR Director, Ryan Curry, Operations Director, and we are currently recruiting for the position of Director of Security. These key senior hires will enhance our dynamic leadership and drive innovation across the organisation.

Revamped headquarters

Our head office has undergone a comprehensive refurbishment, creating a contemporary and inspiring workspace. Highlights include:

• A state-of-the-art boardroom equipped with cutting-edge technology
• Redesigned meeting and breakout areas
• Open-plan office spaces that cater to the preferences of our colleagues in a post-pandemic world.

To complement these physical upgrades, we’ve also integrated Smart Building AI technology, optimising heating and air conditioning systems for improved efficiency. The result? A brighter, more collaborative environment that fosters creativity and productivity.

Investment in technical services

We continue to invest heavily in our recently established Westgrove Technical Services Ltd, specialising in planned and reactive maintenance. This division is experiencing significant growth through referral-driven demand, supported by advanced systems and enhanced field management infrastructure.

Focus on ESG leadership

Sustainability and social responsibility remain at the heart of our mission. With the appointment of Mark Allison as our in-house Head of ESG, we’re driving forward our Environmental, Social, and Governance strategy. This commitment ensures that we stay ahead of industry standards while fostering a positive impact on our communities and the environment.

A new look for a new era

In line with our growth and transformation, we’re proud to reveal a new and refreshed Westgrove brand. This new visual identity reflects our innovative, forward-thinking ethos, while representing the dynamism and optimism of the “New Westgrove” as we move boldly into the future.

To deliver Westgrove’s refreshed brand, as well as an enhanced communication and marketing strategy, we have partnered with leading marketing agency, Entyce Creative. As a certified B Corp agency, Entyce shares Westgrove’s values and culture, as well as our vision for the future.

Through our partnership, we’ll deliver regular updates to our colleagues, partners, and prospective partners. This collaboration will ensure that our story, values, and progress are effectively shared with all stakeholders.

Co-Founders and Group Chairmen, Steve Fives and Simon Whittle at Westgrove Group add:

“This period of investment is a significant chapter to add to our 26-year story, as we collectively take our business to unprecedented industry-leading service delivery levels.

We both passionately believe that there is a void in the current market for a collaborative, progressive, commercially flexible, independent business. A business that holds both its colleagues and partners as its primary focus, intrinsically creating a unique community.”