Berkshire MP James Sunderland said the “sky’s the limit” for Campbell West, a Bracknell-based building services company, due to their commitment to apprenticeships.
The Conservative MP for Bracknell predicted “a bright future” for the business when he was invited to the Campbell West HQ to learn about the company’s investment in apprentices during National Apprenticeship Week, which runs until 11 February.
James Sunderland also described company owners Steven Campbell and Daniel West as “ideal role models for young people” after hearing the pair left school at the age of 16 to become apprentice plumbers and now run a £10m turnover business which employs 45 people.
He said: “The sky’s definitely the limit for Campbell West which is a company that is really going places.
“Having been launched by two former apprentice plumbers, Campbell West’s journey is truly inspirational success, and the owners are great role models who are doing themselves and Bracknell proud
“My visit showed me Campbell West is a really vibrant business which boasts a team of highly-skilled, dedicated and driven people who deliver excellent services to a growing array of clearly very satisfied clients.
“But what makes Campbell West so special is their commitment to developing and rewarding the expertise of their people and investing in the young, up-and-coming apprentices who will be key to fulfilling the firm’s ambitious growth aspirations.”
The MP met Campbell West’s owners and staff including their newest apprentices, Jace Heath and Liam Seymour, when he visited the company offices at Richmond House, Oldbury. He also tackled a specially rigged plumbing task that faces new recruits and took part in a Q&A with company staff.
James Sunderland added: “Campbell West is perfect example of everything that we should be aspiring to right across the UK.
“It’s young company with relatively young leadership, it’s growing and employing local people as it progresses and so these are exciting times for everyone in the company.
“They are onto something special with a business that is wholly scalable which is why it has huge potential.
“Demand for their services is booming and the client base is expanding all the time, with more contracts being won.
“That bodes well for the future of Campbell West here in the South of England but much further afield right across the UK as well.”
Steven said: “It was great to welcome our local MP to our offices and he showed a genuine interest and enthusiasm for everything we do, especially our commitment to growth and apprenticeships.
“More needs to be done to raise awareness of the benefits of in-house training at businesses like Campbell West as apprentices are key to our growth so we have the skills to match rising demand from our customers.
“James showed a genuine understanding of what we do and challenges we face and it’s great know he’s on our side as we step into National Apprenticeship Week plus, I have to say he acquitted himself extremely well with our practical challenge.”