people

People

Hellens Investors in People accreditation demonstrates our commitment to continual staff improvement. We employ a range of people including administration staff, engineers, site managers, ground workers, plant operators and estimators. Procedures are regularly reviewed to ensure recruitment, retention and development provides a workforce able to achieve excellence in their career as well as feel motivated with regards the Hellens Company. Staff are encouraged to further their development through a range of training including ONC, HNC and NVQ courses.

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Gavin

Gavin Cordwell-Smith – Chief Executive

The Group grew significantly after Gavin joined in 2001, with turnover having grown from £8m to £33m per annum in 2008, at industry leading profit levels. Since then, the Group has continued to out outperform many in the industry, with its focus on cash generation, cost control and profitability.

Gavin purchased 19% of the Group in 2002 and completed the management buyout in 2006.

Gavin is responsible for:

• Overall financial performance of the Hellens Group
• Strategy
• Corporate acquisitions and disposals
• Commercial and risk management
• Insurance and banking facilities
• Development acquisitions and disposals

Gavin maintains an active participation in the Development division

Kate Hellens

Kate Hellens

Kate joined Hellens Group in 2001 and was part of the management buyout in 2006. She has a diverse role within the Hellens Team managing training and human resources as well as developing links with the community through Hellens Corporate Responsibility Plan. She managed the Investors in People accreditation process in 2004 and subsequent annual assessments.

In particular her responsibilities include: -

• The provision of an annual rolling training programme which has CITB approval. To achieve this Kate is required to carry out yearly appraisals for all employees to ensure that all training needs are identified and catered for which ensures that Hellens continue to employ a highly skilled, competent workforce.
• Ensuring that the company plays an active role in the community by sponsoring local schemes and working towards improving the local environment.
• Recruitment of new employees to the company and ensuring that they are retained through ongoing professional development.
• Human Resources Management

Ian Pallas

Ian Pallas – Operations Director

Ian joined Hellens in October 2007 bringing with him experience of working with both major construction contractors and house builders, the latter of which has involved the reclamation of brownfield sites prior to construction works. Since joining Hellens Ian has primarily been involved in the reclamation and development of Teal Farm Park as well as various landscape schemes. Ian has recently been promoted to the position of Operations Director.

In particular his responsibilities include: -

• Central point of contact for Customer, Consultants, Site Managers, and Delivery Partners
• Production and Implementation of Site Health, Safety and Welfare procedures
• Implementation of Company Quality and Environmental Procedures
• Programme and Resource Management

Simon Thorpe

Simon Thorpe – Commercial Director

Simon joined Hellens in June 2002, having over 15 years experience in the field of estimating/surveying. In 2007 he was promoted to his current role as Commercial Director.

He plays an important role building and maintaining close customer and supply chain relations from initial procurement stages, through the construction and on-going maintenance phases to final contract review.

In particular his responsibilities include: -

• Management of the Procurement Department
• Cost Management and project management in to active contracts
• Commercial review and coordination of strategic arrangements with supply chain partners
• Integrated management of design and build contracts
• Development of Hellens Business Continuity Plan