Newtown company wins People Development Award at Powys showcase

A Newtown-based full maintenance service company was a winner at the Powys Business Awards for the second year running.

After winning the Small Business Growth Award in 2023, EOM Electrical Contractors Ltd followed up with the People Development Award, sponsored by NPTC Group of Colleges, at this year’s ceremony held at Dering Lines, Brecon.

Organised by Mid Wales Manufacturing Group (MWMG), the awards showcase the diverse range of successful enterprises within Powys.

EOM general manager Mike Mills said: “We are thrilled to win this award because it’s all about the people. It’s about employing people with the skills we need and hanging on to them because it’s so hard to recruit the right people in this area

“The award confirms that we are going in the right direction and demonstrates the commitment that we have to our staff.”

The company, which employs 38 members of staff and is a subsidiary of Barcud Housing Association, provides electrical, plumbing, heating and maintenance services to clients across Mid Wales.

The business is a one-shop stop for all aspects of property maintenance, specialising in electrical installation and repair. During the last year, EOM has become an expert in the supply of EV charging points, Solar PV and Air Source heat pump installation.

Mr Mills carried out a skills audit of the existing workforce in 2020 to ensure that staff were skilled and sufficiently informed to do their jobs safely.

Each staff member is now on the company-wide training matrix which identifies what training has been undertaken and when any renewal or refresher is required.

EOM’s ethos is to continually address personal development, consult its workforce and to consider succession planning within the business.

The company is committed to staff safety and development, spending more than 10% of its turnover on training. Customised training is offered to advance their career in line with their own aspirations and the business plan.

Committed to developing young people through apprenticeships, the company gives each apprentice a workplace mentor, a £100 toolkit and subsidised safety footwear and work wear.

EOM works in partnership with NPTC Group of College to deliver apprenticeships and provides work experience opportunities for pupils from three local schools.

“In an area with a relatively small pool of available potential employees and a national shortage of skilled tradespeople, EOM has realised that to achieve its stated business objectives it must grow, develop and retain its staff which are its most important asset,” said general manager Mr Mills.

The judges said they were impressed by the culture of training and personal development at EOM, with nurtured individuals often later becoming mentors.  

“The investment in both people and the tools to do the job has fostered real pride in being a team member at EOM and they are committed to always looking for new opportunities to grow and develop,” they added.

Runners-up were Hilltop, Newtown and Newmor, Welshpool.