As we mark National Apprenticeship Week 2026, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on one of our own success stories: Oliver Crawford, whose apprenticeship journey has helped shape a promising and purposeful career.
For Oliver, the choice was clear from the start. He knew he wanted to step into the world of work straight away—but he didn’t want to lose the opportunity to keep learning. An apprenticeship offered the best of both: the ability to earn, grow, and gain real experience while continuing his studies.
“An apprenticeship was my chance to kick‑start my career while continuing to learn – and it’s been life‑changing!” Oliver reflects.
During his time as an apprentice, Oliver demonstrated commitment, capability and a real passion for his field. He successfully achieved his NEBOSH Certificate in Health & Safety, a milestone qualification that has bolstered his professional development. His drive didn’t go unnoticed—Oliver was also nominated for two highly respected industry accolades:
The Sceptre Awards – Young Achiever Category
The BSIA Awards – Young Achiever Category
Following the completion of his apprenticeship, we were delighted to offer Oliver a permanent position within the Westgrove team. It’s a testament not only to his dedication, but also to the strength of apprenticeships in developing the next generation of industry professionals. Oliver is now firmly on the first step of what promises to be a fulfilling lifelong career.
At Westgrove, we’re passionate about supporting apprentices who bring energy, ambition and fresh perspectives to our business. Apprenticeships aren’t just a route into employment—they’re a platform for building meaningful futures.
As we celebrate NAW2026, Oliver’s story reminds us why investing in people early in their career matters. It changes lives, strengthens industries and creates opportunities that last.
National Apprenticeship Week is a time to celebrate the incredible impact apprenticeships have on individuals, businesses, and the wider community. At The Westgrove Group, apprenticeships play a vital role in developing talent, supporting progression, and empowering colleagues to reach their full potential. This week, we’re shining a spotlight on colleagues whose journeys truly represent the value of learning while working—and one standout story is that of Ben Jaggers.
Ben’s development through multiple roles, his success in achieving a Distinction in his Level 3 apprenticeship, and his ongoing commitment to personal growth reflect exactly what National Apprenticeship Week is all about: creating opportunities, building confidence, and shaping future leaders. His journey shows how the right support, combined with determination and passion, can transform a career.
Discovering a Passion for Security
Ben joined The Westgrove Group in April 2021 on a 14:00–22:00 shift at Telford Town Centre. Within just a year, he was nominated for a BSIA Award, earning Regional Winner and National Runner-Up—a remarkable early milestone.
His path into security began unexpectedly. Before Westgrove, Ben worked as a checkout operative at Wolverhampton Asda. A redundancy led to an opportunity within the security team, and it was here that Ben discovered his passion for the industry. It’s a reminder that apprenticeship journeys often begin with a single chance moment.
Building Skills and Broadening Experience
Ben spent around 18 months at Telford Town Centre before seeking to expand his knowledge by moving into Hospital Security at New Cross Hospital in January 2023. The new role offered valuable experience, but Ben soon realised that his heart was still in retail and town centre security. He returned to Telford in May 2023, rejoining the team and continuing to thrive.
Stepping Into Leadership
Ben’s ambition only grew stronger. In November 2023, he successfully applied for the Security Controller role, completing his first shift on Boxing Day. His strong work ethic and eagerness to learn all aspects of the control room quickly stood out.
By September 2024, he had progressed even further, stepping up as a stand‑in Security Team Leader. Ben proved himself to be a natural leader—calm, confident, and professional.
Driving Inclusion as an Autism Awareness Champion
Alongside his operational responsibilities, Ben also serves as an Autism Awareness Champion. Living with autism himself, he uses his experiences to support colleagues and help build a more understanding, inclusive workplace. His role highlights the value of diversity and the strength it brings to our teams.
A Standout Apprenticeship Journey
In January 2024, Ben began his Level 3 Security First Line Manager apprenticeship. Like many learners, he faced moments of frustration and self‑doubt, but he pushed through with determination and resilience.
When the time came for his end‑point assessment, Ben felt understandably nervous—yet he delivered a strong presentation and was awarded a Distinction. This achievement reflects not only his capability, but his dedication to growth and his commitment to becoming the best version of himself.
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.
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.
It’s the everyday heroes among us who make Westgrove truly exceptional. Whether responding to emergencies, showing compassion to those in distress, or quietly going the extra mile, our colleagues are the foundation of everything we stand for.
Our Reward and Recognition Scheme is more than a celebration, it’s a sincere thank you. It honours the courage, kindness, and professionalism that our teams demonstrate day in and day out. These are the moments that define us, often carried out without fanfare, simply because it’s the right thing to do.
At our latest Quarterly Teams Presentation, our Executive Team—CEO Claire McKinley Smith, Managing Director Glenn Wilson, Operations Director Ryan Curry, HR Director Harriet Oldfield, and Head of ESG Mark Allison, had the privilege of recognising individuals and teams whose actions embody our values.
From lifesaving interventions and fire response to acts of generosity, vigilance, and environmental innovation, the stories shared were deeply moving. And yet, time and again, our colleagues responded with quiet humility: “I was just doing my job.” That spirit of service is what makes them truly remarkable.
Congratulations to our Quarter 3 Reward & Recognition winners:
Colleague of the Quarter
David Edwards, Union Square – Recognised for exceptional commitment and flexibility during a challenging staffing period at Union Square.
Site Manager of the Quarter
Nathan Foster, Broadway Shopping Centre– Commended for calmly managing a serious knife-related incident shortly after joining his site.
Team of the Quarter
Four Seasons Team – Awarded for coordinated and effective response to a fire emergency.
Highly Commended: The Oaks Team – Celebrated for teamwork, site support, and outstanding cleaning and security service.
Newcomer of the Quarter
Pete Marsland, Susan O’Neill, and Graham Bowskill, Lowry – Acknowledged for dedication and leadership during a busy contract mobilisation.
ESG Social Value
Grosvenor Macclesfield Security Team – Commended for completing a charity step challenge supporting bereaved military children.
ESG – Environmental
Darwin Shopping Centre Team – Celebrated for installing a wormery to reduce waste and promote sustainability.
Learning & Development Award
Karl Gaze, Beaumont Shopping Centre – Honoured for completing his apprenticeship with distinction while supporting site operations.
Service Excellence
Andrew Gregory, Kelsey Britton, & Maria Maskell, The Galleries – Honoured for compassionate care of a lost elderly woman at The Galleries.
David Jenkins, Cwmbran Town Centre – Nominated for consistent excellence in first aid and safety response.
Chris Semple, Beaumont Shopping Centre – Commended for preventing a theft through vigilance and proactive support.
Kevin Goss, Brian Griffiths, Hayden Graham & Liam Edwards, Market Hall Shrewsbury – Praised for embracing new technology and completing all training post-takeover.
Neil Hudson, Houndshill Shopping Centre – Honoured for proactive team support and personal development through a leadership apprenticeship.
Outstanding Act
Kingfisher Team – Acknowledged for professionalism and compassion during a traumatic incident.
Martin Beresford, Four Seasons Shopping Centre – Praised for bravely extinguishing a fire while recovering from surgery at Four Seasons Mansfield.
Daniel Flay, The Galleries – Recognised for identifying and helping recover a missing person through CCTV vigilance.
Jake Farlie, Darwin Shopping Centre – Celebrated for a personal act of kindness in replacing a child’s lost item out of his own pocket.
Colin Junior, Touchwood Shopping Centre – Recognised for helping a stranded customer pay for parking out of his own money.
Maria Furniss, The Moor – Celebrated for bravely assisting a bleeding assault victim beyond her expected duties.
Jackson Murphy, Telford Centre – Recognised for administering CPR during a medical emergency, praised by attending police.
A huge congratulations to all our winners and nominees this quarter. You continue to inspire us all. Thank you for everything you do—you are the reason we shine.
Under the agreement, Westgrove will provide comprehensive cleaning services across McArthurGlen’s entire UK portfolio of designer outlets, which attract millions of visitors annually. The contract not only highlights the company’s ability to deliver consistently high standards in complex, high-footfall environments but also its commitment to ESG, innovation, and guest experience.
“McArthurGlen are delighted to partner with The Westgrove Group, as our new provider of cleaning and waste management services across our UK portfolio,” said David Jackson, UK Facilities Lead at McArthurGlen. “Westgrove’s emphasis on team culture, sustainable initiatives and working practices, alongside their vast knowledge of shopping centres and experienced management team, aligns with McArthurGlen’s focus on guest experience across our centres. We look forward to our long-term partnership with the Westgrove Group”.
Westgrove has experienced sustained growth in recent years, expanding its service offering while maintaining its focus on quality, people, and values. The new contract further strengthens the company’s position within the retail and leisure sector.
Celebrating the Heart of Our Business – Our People
It’s our people who truly make us extraordinary. Whether it’s saving lives, preventing crime, supporting those in need, or countless other selfless acts—they are the heartbeat of everything we do.
Our Reward and Recognition Scheme is our heartfelt way of saying thank you—to honour the dedication, courage, and compassion shown by our colleagues every single day. So often, they go above and beyond without a second thought, driven by purpose and pride.
At our recent Quarterly Teams Presentation, our Executive Team—including CEO Claire McKinley Smith, Managing Director Glenn Wilson, Operations Director Ryan Curry, HR Director Harriet Oldfield, and Head of ESG Mark Allison—had the honour of presenting awards to some truly remarkable individuals and teams.
We were moved and inspired by the stories shared—acts of heroism, service excellence, and everyday brilliance. And yet, in their humility, our colleagues said they were ‘just doing their job.’ That quiet professionalism is what makes them so exceptional.
Our 2025 Quarter 2 winners are: Team of the Quarter – Telford Centre Housekeeping Team Site Manager of the Quarter – Sonny Stewart, Telford Centre Colleague of the Quarter – Shaun Laffey – Royal Priors Newcomer of the Quarter – Toby Harris – Grosvenor (Macclesfield) Health & Safety Champion – Paul Mansell – Darwin Centre ESG Social Value – Paul Greatrex & Scott Barry – Touchwood Shopping Centre ESG Social Value – Touchwood Team with a special mention to Julie Deeming ESG Social Value – Daryna Holikova – Castle Quay Shopping Centre ESG Social Value – Sahil Baker – Teesside Park ESG – Environmental – Susan Williams – The Galleries ESG – Environmental – Jerzy Skrzypa – Four Seasons Shopping Centre Outstanding Act • Kevin Ellis – Grosvenor (Chester) • Templars Square Security Team • Henry Hart – Houndshill Shopping Centre • Paul Collumbine – Houndshill Shopping Centre • Samuel Cardwell, John Long, Dave Stone – The Galleries • Security Officer Diaa Al Meslamani & Alison Gjoni – Castle Quay Shopping Centre Service Excellence • David Lipscombe – Kingfisher Shopping Centre • Freddie Barnby – Arc Shopping Centre • Michael Clarke – Grosvenor (Macclesfield) • Agron Krasniqi – Broadway Shopping Centre, Bexleyheath
A huge congratulations to all our winners and nominees this quarter. You continue to inspire us all. Thank you for everything you do—you are the reason we shine.
Our people are what make us special. From saving lives and preventing crime to helping people in need and much more. Our Reward and Recognition scheme is our way of saying thank you to our Colleagues for the amazing work that they do each and every day, often going above and beyond in their role.
Our Executive Team including CEO Claire McKinley Smith, Managing Director Glenn Wilson, Technical Services Director Paul Booth, HR Director Harriet Oldfield, Head of ESG Mark Allison and Head of Health, Safety & Compliance Angela Crawford were pleased to present our colleagues and teams with their awards in our Quarterly Teams Presentation. We had a record-breaking number of nominations and 36 screens worth of people on the online Presentation!
We were humbled by our colleagues and how they spoke of their outstanding acts and service excellence, stating that they were ‘just doing their job’! It was amazing to see award winners from all aspects of the business; cleaning, security and maintenance as well as Head Office and site-based colleagues.
Well done to all our winners and everyone who has been nominated for an award this quarter – you are all amazing!
Our 2025 Quarter 1 winners are:
Team of the Quarter – The Moor
Site Manager of the Quarter – Jamie Gilbert – Lion Yard
Colleague of the Quarter – Daryl Wiltshire, Cwmbran Town Centre
Colleague of the Quarter (Head Office) – Tanya Baker
Newcomer of the Quarter – Andy Williams – Darwin Shopping Centre
Health & Safety Champion – David Field – Ryemarket Shopping Centre
ESG Social Value – Security & Cleaning Team – Spindles Town Square
ESG – Environmental – Peter Bouttell – Teesside Park
Our reward and recognition awards are an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the amazing work and achievements of our colleagues across the country.
The success of any organisation is down to the combined efforts and dedication of its people. From going the extra mile to implementing changes that make a real difference, these awards showcase the incredible dedication and actions of all our outstanding individuals and teams.
Our 2024 winners:
The Chairman’s Commendation Award, sponsored by Ideal 365
Awarded to Kat Gillibrand of St Johns Shopping Centre, Liverpool in recognition of her dedication, knowledge and continued support since joining the team in 2023.
Colleague of the Year, sponsored by Nilfisk
Awarded to Alex Daisey from The Moor, Sheffield for his hard work ensuring the resounding success of a number of recent onsite events.
Site Manager of the Year, sponsored by Overtec
Awarded to John Duke, of Cwmbran Town Centre for being a real ambassador for our business systems.
Team of the Year, sponsored by Nilfisk
Awarded to Touchwood Shopping Centre, Solihull for navigating an exceptionally challenging period with tenacity, professionalism and unwavering commitment.
Health & Safety Champion of the Year, sponsored by Overtec
Awarded to Carl Fox of St John’s Shopping Centre, Liverpool in recognition of his impact, dedication and hard work in a voluntary role as a H&S rep.
Newcomer of the Quarter, sponsored by Nilfisk
Awarded to Maria Bell of Tata for demonstrating exceptional leadership, boosting morale and creating a positive team environment.
ESG – Environmental, sponsored by Mayflower
Awarded to Daniel Barton of Handforth Dean Retail Park, Wilmslow for engaging with our local community on planning and ‘bug hotel’ initiatives.
ESG – Social Value, sponsored by Nilfisk
Awarded to the team at Telford Shopping Centre, Shropshire for celebrating workplace diversity.
Special Recognition for Exceptional Incident Management, sponsored by Trio
Awarded to John Riley, David Keeton & Ryan Nuttall of Clayton Square, Liverpool, the team at Houndshill Shopping Centre, Blackpool and Lisa Earl, Ste Barrow & Luke Elliott, St Johns Shopping Centre, Liverpool.
Outstanding Act of the Year, sponsored by Bridge Recruitment, Overtec, CEF and Nilfisk
Awarded to Nigel Gwillym of Cwmbran Town Centre, the Swan Centre Security and Cleaning Teams, Jack Davenport of Templars Square Shopping Centre, Matt Roberts at The Moor, the Castle Quay Shopping Centre Security Team and Jamie Preston Sellors of Houndshill Shopping Centre.
Service Excellence Awardsponsored by Ideal365, Titan, Clever IT, IGF and Mercury Training
Awarded to Jacob Price of Four Seasons Shopping Centre, Mark Bolsover of the Moor, Grant Boyle at Westgrove Technical Services, Abu Conteh of The Oaks, the team at Kingfisher Shopping Centre, Paul Lavery of St Johns Shopping Centre, Julie Deeming at Touchwood Shopping Centre, Oliver Crawford, at Westgrove Head Office and Andreas Anastasiou of Broadway Shopping Centre.
Congratulations to our winners!
From the senior leadership team at Westgrove, we’d like to offer our congratulations to all winning colleagues and to everyone who was nominated for an award.
The stories behind these awards range from innovative ideas to great examples of professionalism. They shine a spotlight on those who go above and beyond every day and recognise those who have used their skills and professionalism to help others in their most vulnerable moments. From consistent contributions to the smooth running and security of sites to quick-thinking life-saving heroics, these teams and individuals have made a huge impact on our business and in some cases, an even bigger impact on the lives of individual members of the public.
We’d also like to offer our thanks to everyone who took the time to put forward a nomination, our brilliant business managers and of course, our award sponsors.
Stay tuned for news of our Q1 Reward & Recognition award winners, coming soon!
