Seddon has been celebrating the long-term value of investing in people. The Bolton-based construction firm marks a remarkable 160 years of combined service from seven team members, including six reaching 20 years’ service and one achieving an extraordinary 40-year milestone.

This comes at a time when the construction industry is under increasing pressure to attract and retain young talent, with many employers facing growing skills gaps and high turnover. As debate continues around how best to futureproof the sector, Seddon’s long-service anniversaries offer a long-term proof of concept that early investment, through apprenticeships, mentoring and structured career development, creates sustained, rewarding careers and builds resilient businesses.

“Investing in young people isn’t just about recruitment, it’s about creating the conditions for a long-term career journey,” said Nicola Hodkinson, owner and director at Seddon. “At Seddon, we directly employ our people because we believe in standing by them, not just at the start, but every step of the way. Whether someone joins us as an apprentice, a graduate, or in a trade role, our job is to nurture their growth, give them structure and support, and help them build something lasting. We’re proud to show what that looks like in practice and why it’s vital to the future of our industry.”

The long-serving team members being recognised this year are:

• Vanessa Barlow – social value manager began work at Seddon in 1985 as a junior PA.
• Pete McKinley – commercial director, began work at Seddon in 2005 as quantity surveyor
• Peter Jackson – managing director of Seddon Housing Partnerships & Seddon Engineering Services, began work at Seddon in 2005 as operations director
• Karl Barraclough – Head of energy commercial services began work at Seddon in 2005 as an apprentice plumber.
• Lee Makin – Operations manager, began work at Seddon in 2005 as an apprentice bricklayer
• Matthew Cook – Company secretary and finance director began work at Seddon in 2005 as an accountant
• Hector Lindo – Labourer began work at Seddon in 2005 as labourer

These careers are a testament to the long-term impact of investing in people early on, reflecting the culture of loyalty at family-run Seddon, where training, progression, and people-first values aren’t just principles but a proven model for developing future construction leaders.

Social value manager, Vanessa Barlow, spoke about her 40-year experience at Seddon: “At Seddon, it’s the people who truly make the difference. Our culture is built on a supportive team environment where lasting relationships and trust form the foundation for personal and professional growth. For anyone starting in construction, my advice is to find joy in both the work you do and the place where you do it; that’s key to a happy and fulfilling career. For employers looking to reduce staff turnover, remember that people are your greatest asset.”

Reflecting on 20 years at the company, Matthew Cook, company secretary and finance director, said: “What’s inspired me most to build a long-term career here is the satisfaction I get from feeling valued and trusted, being challenged, and working alongside people who share similar values and outlooks on life. It’s about being treated with respect and having confidence in the strength and stability of the business. From my perspective, Seddon’s culture comes down to personal relationships – working with and for good people who treat you as you’d expect, all backed by a company that’s built on a solid foundation.”

These personal stories are not just exceptions; they reflect the outcomes of a long-standing commitment to nurturing talent from the ground up. Seddon’s approach proves that early investment pays off. Since 1937, more than 4,000 apprentices have started their construction careers with the company, and Seddon proudly maintains an apprentice retention rate of 93%. Through its apprenticeships, mentoring, and clear development pathways, including progression into leadership roles, Seddon continues to show how businesses can turn first jobs into lifelong careers.

As the industry looks ahead to the future, Seddon’s story is a reminder that building strong foundations for young people today creates the leaders, loyalty, and legacy the construction sector will rely on tomorrow.