Our #24In24 series is profiling the new members of team Hargreaves who’ve joined the company throughout 2024. Here is a record of our recent interview with Quality Manager, Stephen Holmes.

Why did you decide to join Exyte Hargreaves?

When looking online at Exyte Hargreaves, I think very, very quickly you find this is a well established organisation. We’ve got a rich history of over 150 years which was very appealing. I was looking for a company where I could work within a manufacturing environment. I wanted a traditional engineering environment with specialised products supplied into highly regulated industries.

We have an exciting portfolio of work and that’s only growing and developing. The main reason was the ambition and the vision of the company. When speaking to people like David Cree (Head of Quality, & Governance) and Neil Taylor (Head of EHS), they really articulated the journey that Exyte Hargreaves is on. That was something that I wanted to be a part of.

Since joining, what’s been your experience of Exyte Hargreaves?

It’s been really positive. There’s lots of work and it’s difficult work. There are lots of challenges, but that can be quite character building and rewarding. There’s a great culture and really good people. I like the cross section of people that work for the business in the shop floor and throughout the various other departments. They represent the Greater Manchester area really well.

Can you talk a bit more about some of the things you’ve been working on?

Absolutely. I spend most of my time working on Hinkley Point C Nuclear Island. It’s a detailed and interesting contract. During my first six months, it’s been a case of trying to develop the quality infrastructure around the project. Getting the right processes, procedures and policies in place to support project delivery efficiently and successfully. We’re also trying to modernise our Quality procedures and develop new ones. We look for quality information at the project outset and its communication to the shop floor and other departments.

What would you say is the best part of your job?

People. When you start working for a new company, it comes with various challenges. It’s a new environment. Having a good team around me is a blessing. There is so much experience in our Quality team. They have a good understanding of the business, our products and clients. They’ve supported my transition into the organisation. The support that’s available around the business from every department is first class.

Why would you recommend Exyte Hargreaves to another potential employee?

The scope of work that the organisation offers is really important. You’re not limited to operating at a manufacturing level. You’re exposed to some really significant projects in the nuclear, defence and transport sectors. The career path which Hargreaves offers is only limited by your imagination. The personal and professional development is to a degree which I’ve not seen with many other businesses.

Another really positive aspect is the apprenticeship scheme. I’ve been involved with that first hand in how the organisation rolls out its apprenticeship scheme and how it onboards young talent. The response that we’ve received this year was fantastic. The support with offering apprentices and onboarding the apprentices into the organisation has been absolutely first class.

Stephen Holmes joined Exyte Hargreaves in January 2024. Visit our Careers page to view all our live vacancies.