Morgan Sindall Construction won the Employer of the Year award, sponsored by Waddington Brown, at the East Anglian Daily Times Business Awards 2024.
The nationwide construction company has had a presence in Ipswich for over 60 years, undertaking many notable projects in the town and throughout Suffolk.
“We are a key delivery partner to Suffolk County Council on their construction framework, an employer partner with Suffolk New College (which we built) and many local schools and colleges,” said Alister Broadberry, area director.
“Whilst our core offering is design, management and construction, our skills and services in delivering such projects include a significant focus on digital construction, carbon reduction and local spend.”
Despite being a national firm, Morgan Sindall has a decentralised business model, which gives it a local feel.
The Ipswich office employs local people and works with the local supply chain to deliver projects across the region.
“All decisions for Suffolk are made in Suffolk, and that really sets us apart from other businesses in the sector,” said Alister.
“Having people who live and work in the communities where we deliver projects enables us to build the relationships and knowledge around what is really important to those customers and wider stakeholder groups.
“This is demonstrated by our wider charitable, social value and environmental work which, rather than being delivered on a national basis, is handed over to our team in Ipswich for them to make the most impact locally.”
Morgan Sindall’s approach to employee engagement earned high praise from the EADT Business Awards judges, who named it Employer of the Year for 2024.
“Winning any award fills us with pride, but this one felt extra special, because it is ultimately our people who make this business what it is – and to continue to get better and do great work, we need great people,” said Alister.
“We were very shocked on the night, but extremely grateful as well, as were the rest of the team when we announced it the next day.
“Being recognised as a local business, and one which is great to work for, is hugely rewarding for us, and we hope this award can help our talent pipeline going forward.”
Alister said employee engagement is “top of the agenda” for the firm because it ultimately results in higher levels of productivity, loyalty and happiness among its people.
The company is particularly proud of its apprenticeship scheme, which Alister himself launched in 1990.
It maintains a regular intake of apprentices – and will be seeking to employ a further three next year, with vacancies opening from September.
“Although many people looking in from the outside may assume we aren’t necessarily a caring industry, we have all taken huge steps to eradicate this stereotype through positive action,” he added.
“Here at Morgan Sindall, we have flexible working arrangements, fully comprehensive wellbeing support packages and amongst the best packages for apprentices joining any industry.
“We’re an Investors in People platinum business as well, and they’ve recognised the work we’ve put in over the last decade to be an inclusive, healthy and vibrant place to work.”
Suffice to say, the business is not resting on its laurels following the award win.
“Just because we’re being recognised as a great business to work for now, that doesn’t mean we can stand still,” said Alister.
“We must continue to adapt and change to what the future employee will need – and if we can get that right, and harness the energy of our people, then we can achieve the improbable.”
For more information, visit morgansindallconstruction.com
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