Westgrove to take on 300 extra staff

CHESHIRE-based cleaning and security services company Westgrove is set to employ an additional 300 people over the next 12 months as turnover rises towards £23m.

The Westgrove Group employs more than 1,500 colleagues across the UK, supplying services to a variety of businesses.

Its expansion is being facilitated with the support of Yorkshire Bank and its Manchester-based relationship manager Stephen Cox and invoice finance partner Chris Pickles.

Founded by the two chairmen, Simon Whittle and Steve Fives, in 1998 and with a corporate headquarters in Warrington, Cheshire, The Westgrove Group initially specialised in tailored cleaning services – building an impressive client base which included Premiership football stadia, flagship corporate premises and an array of shopping centres and retail parks across the UK.

Since the company’s incorporation the Group has grown exponentially and now operates in more than 125 high profile sites spread principally across shopping centres, corporate premises and the leisure sector, nationwide.

The Westgrove Group further diversified in 2008 to offer bespoke security services, creating a ‘dual service’ model which allows clients to utilise both cleaning and security services, saving them time and money. The new model accounts for a significant majority of the  group’s growth over the past seven years.

Whittle said: “Our business has experienced strong organic growth since our launch in 1998 and we plan to continue moving forward, expanding into new geographies and sectors.

“Yorkshire Bank shares the vision Steve and I have for the business and we have developed a strong partnership over the past five years.

“Westgrove isn’t just about providing cleaning and security services. We feel we create a unique community ethos, encompassing all colleagues and partners which we see as an integral part to the company’s growth.”

Sean Williams, Head of Yorkshire Bank’s Manchester Business and Private Banking Centre, said: “The Westgrove Group has been a Yorkshire Bank customer for more than five years and it’s great to play a pivotal role in helping them continue to invest.

“They are a prime example of yet another northern business experiencing tremendous growth and expanding into new regions and markets.”