Back in November 2025, we explained our company philosophy of “recruiting from within.” Where possible, we like to build capacity within the business by supporting skills development and by encouraging staff to take on more responsibility.
In that first article, we reviewed the experiences of four young SBS employees in the Midlands region and the different routes they had taken to finding rewarding positions within the organisation. In this follow-up post, we take a look at three more employees, all based in the North West region, where operations are led by SBS Regional Director Ian Jones, and all of whom have recently been promoted.
The first of these is Charlotte Lowe, who regarded her move to SBS as an opportunity to pursue her ambitions.
She explains: “I knew I wanted to work to become a site supervisor very early on when I came to the company; I had already been a tenant liaison officer for two years in my previous company and so I was ready to try something new.
“I knew my site manager, Paul Sinclair, from past contracts and he really helped me to develop confidence in myself; to believe that I could do what I aspired to do. I started working towards becoming a supervisor and got a big confidence-boost when I completed my SSSTS (Site Supervision Safety Training Certificate). I remember being so nervous when I was doing the course because I was the only woman there, but I really wanted to succeed.”
Charlotte went on to secure the post she had sought and now relishes the challenges that she faces every day. She notes: “The biggest thing is learning about the wide range of efficiency measures that SBS works on. I love the different aspects of my role and how each project is different. I’m enjoying the contract I am on now, for example, completing windows and doors and external wall insulation as part of a residential retrofit scheme.”
Looking ahead, she expects her career to continue to develop at SBS, and sees it as an ideal environment in which to flourish. “There is great support,” she says. “Managers have always made it clear that they want everyone to build in their careers and widen their knowledge. They believe that everyone has the potential to progress, and that’s certainly true for me. I have access to the training and courses that I need, and there are always opportunities for extra development. That has been a big part of what makes the job so rewarding; knowing what I have achieved by becoming a supervisor at such a young age. It was something I didn’t originally think would be possible.”
Rob McDowell is another SBS employee who has recently moved up the ladder, and his experiences prove that there are opportunities for people at every level of experience. In his case, before joining us as a contract manager, he had run his own construction company for 15 years.
“I joined SBS in July 2024,” recalls Rob, “and I was promoted to Operations Manager for the North West and North Wales in April 2025. I always felt that I had the potential to progress quickly and, as a fast-growing business, SBS seemed like the perfect place to do it. Its growth within the region was clear to see through the contracts that it was being awarded, and so there was an obvious need for new recruitment to facilitate its continuing expansion. It was the reason that the Operations Manager role was required; it was a new post for the region.”
Like Charlotte and others in the business, Rob had plenty of support, and he names Ian Jones as a key figure who helped him to secure his promotion.
Now that he has gained his position, Rob can reflect on what he enjoys most about it. He notes: “Perhaps the most rewarding part of the role is being involved in multiple schemes and engaging with different clients and site teams. It means that each working day is different from the last.
“Variety is important; it keeps things from being repetitive. In my job, I deal with a lot of different energy efficiency measures, so I am constantly building my skills, experience and understanding. It’s given me a rounded appreciation for the whole retrofit process, and of the interactions between different measures. I’ve also completed my Level 2 Award in Understanding Domestic Retrofit through SBS, and I’m now looking to continue that progression by working towards my Level 5 Diploma in Retrofit Coordination and Risk Management to further develop my knowledge of the industry.
“That’s also what makes SBS itself so special; the fact that we can encompass all the various elements of the retrofit process, from initial client engagement right through to project delivery. That sets us apart within the industry.”
Our final subject is Rhodri Owen, who now works as SBS Project Manager but who first joined us back in 2017 as a Tenant Liaison Officer. In between the two roles, he worked as Assistant Site Manager and later as Site Manager.
“I’ve progressed steadily since 2017,” explains Rhodri. “Each position has given me valuable experience that has supported my development.
“Progression wasn’t something that I initially set out to achieve. It happened naturally through encouragement from the team, support from my managers, and my willingness to take on additional responsibilities. I enjoyed getting involved, and that naturally led to new opportunities.
“Like many others at SBS, I’ve had strong support from my site managers, colleagues, and regional director. They trusted me with increased responsibility and believed in my potential. The training opportunities provided through SBS – particularly the HNC and NVQ programmes – were also essential. Being able to spend one day a week in college significantly strengthened my technical knowledge and my understanding of the role.”
Rhodri has found the company’s formal and continual emphasis on training to be invaluable. He notes: “Regular feedback during annual performance reviews makes it clear that development is taken seriously. The guidance and encouragement from my line manager and regional director reinforced the view that internal progression is a genuine priority for the company.
“There is no ceiling on progression at SBS. Hard work, commitment and a positive attitude are always recognised. If you’re willing to learn and take on new challenges, the company will support your development and provide opportunities to grow. Looking back over my nine years with the company, it’s great to see how much I’ve moved forward in terms of skills, experience, and confidence. Each role has brought something new, and that progression has been satisfying in itself.”
Looking ahead, Rhodri is keen to maintain his focus on progression. “Right now,” he says, “I’m focused on settling into my new role and gaining as much experience as possible. Based on my journey so far, I’m confident that future opportunities will come naturally as I continue to develop, so the future feels very open.
“I’m also keen to support the company’s growth in North Wales by helping to establish new long-term client relationships. It’s an area where SBS has historically delivered strong work, and I’d like to build on that foundation.”
A common theme in the comments from all three team members is their enjoyment of the many challenges presented by their roles. Like Rob and Charlotte, Rhodri finds this diversity both rewarding and stimulating. He says: “Working across multiple contracts brings a lot of variety, which I genuinely enjoy. Each client and coordinator has different expectations and ways of working. My current involvement in a project in Wythenshawe has introduced new challenges due to the scale of the buildings and the coordination required between the retrofit roles. Adapting to these complexities has strengthened my problem-solving skills and broadened my experience.”
Another shared observation is the satisfaction that staff gain from working as part of a business that has a genuine desire to do good. Rob McDowell says: “I like the fact that I’m working for a business that is not only growing but maintaining its core values along the way.”
Rhodri makes a similar point, adding: “What has stood out is the company’s commitment to making a positive difference in the areas and communities we work in. Being involved in community benefit and social value initiatives has become increasingly meaningful as I’ve moved through different roles. Supporting work experience programmes and seeing individuals grow has been particularly fulfilling. Knowing that our work contributes to real change in local communities is something I value highly, and it’s a part of the job that has grown more rewarding with each step in my career.
“Our values and ethos genuinely prioritise people. The company is committed to making a positive social impact, supporting employees, and creating real opportunities for progression. That commitment is embedded in the culture and is a key reason why growth here feels both achievable and encouraged.”
