SPOTLIGHT MEMBER VOICES
FUTURE FOCUS Members reflect on 2024 and share their hopes for the road ahead
I f forced to rate 2024 on a scale of one to 10, both Pete Bird and Joshua Park would give it an eight. Not bad at all, but what could have gone better? For both, the answer is the same: staff. “They don’t turn up, arrive late or disappear for longer than they should,” says Bird of Pete Bird Property Maintenance Ltd in Peterborough. “But these are typical issues in our industry. I know others in the business deal with the same.
might be to focus on hiring quickly to meet those needs,” he reflects. “However, as a business, we’ve always prioritised long-term hires. We want people who not only bring the necessary skills and experience but also fit seamlessly with our company culture and share the values we hold dear, such as commitment to quality, adaptability, and integrity.” As a result, Park has invested time and resources into the recruitment process. “The current job market is particularly
“One of the reasons was my own fault; initially, I was looking for cheaper guys because we weren’t making that much money. But I quickly realised that the more you pay, the better results you get. Then the staff issue goes away.” Staff has also been an issue for Park, Director of Q-Build Ltd in Scotland, particularly during a time of growth for his business. “With the increased demand for skilled site-based personnel, the natural instinct
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