James Hall & Co celebrates Preston employees achievements

Many of those receiving awards have been studying for apprenticeships alongside their work at James Hall & Co Pic: James Hall & Co

A major employer in the city has recognised more than 100 of its staff for achievements throughout the past 12-months.

James Hall & Co Ltd brought together staff from across the SPAR group as well as Fazila Foods, G.A.P Convenience Distribution, Clayton Park Bakery, and Alston Dairy at its Bowland View HQ in Preston.

Awards were given out to staff in all departments across the company with many of those recognised being Apprenticeship achievers.

The firm has opportunities for staff to develop their careers through apprentice qualifications from level two up to level eight and has invested £1m in apprenticeships since the Apprenticeships Levy was introduced in 2017.

Jayne Morgan, who was recently appointed the company’s Health & Safety Director, was recognised for achieving her NEBOSH Diploma, gaining the highest mark nationally this year in passing the qualification.

Jayne said: “The course was challenging but I had great support from my colleagues at work, course participants, and the course provider. I learnt a lot about different industries and different approaches to improving employee and leadership engagement in Health and Safety.

“On a personal and professional level, it has increased my confidence and leadership style as I progressed to the position of Health and Safety Director. I have developed a vision for further improving the Health and Safety strategy for the company so we can continue to ensure the health and wellbeing of our employees and customers.”

Stan Hitchen, a Trainee Retail Accountant, was another celebrating after passing his AAT Accountancy Level 4 qualification. He said: “I have built upon the foundational knowledge gained in earlier levels and it has provided me with a deeper understanding of complex accounting concepts and principles. I have developed the ability to analyse financial data, identify trends and make data-driven decisions.

“I’m enjoying my job and the theory I have learned in my studies is applied daily and it gives me confidence to carry out work to a high standard. I have now started my Chartered Institute of Management Accountants’ exams and by pursuing further professional qualifications I am hoping to excel and advance in my position once I have gained the relevant qualifications and experience.”

Georgia Rogers-Waterman, Digital Marketing Assistant, celebrated achieving her Level 3 Apprenticeship in Digital Marketing. She said: “It feels fantastic to celebrate my achievement. University was not the right fit for me when I finished college, and I wanted to be surrounded by a team from whom I could learn from daily, feel valued by a local business, and earn while I was learning.

“Social media has been a key driver in many of our marketing campaigns, and I have been involved in many successful projects including Win With Every Goal, £10k To Getaway, Spinner Winner, and SPAR’s launch on Deliveroo, as well as re-branding exercises and store launches. Post-apprenticeship, I have taken on more responsibility when it comes to planning, implementing, and reporting on our digital activity as a company.”

Emma Rowles, Learning and Development Manager at James Hall & Co. Ltd, said: “I would like to congratulate all of our achievers and I was delighted to see such a breadth of variety to the departments represented at the ceremony and the range of qualifications that were being achieved.

“The knowledge, skills, and behaviours that have been developed through the qualifications will enable James Hall & Co. Ltd to continue progressing and moving forward as a business, and the £1million spent on Apprenticeships over the last six years was also a significant milestone for the company well worth celebrating.”