People: O’Brien Contractors; Connexus; Clearwater
Midlands based O’Brien Contractors has announced the promotion of Lance Gudger from commercial and operations manager to the role of director.
Gudger joined O’Brien Contractors at the end of 2023, bringing a wealth of experience from his previous position as director of construction for a prominent civil engineering company.
His expertise in managing large-scale projects and his strategic vision will continue to drive the success of the business, ensuring the delivery of future complex civil engineering schemes.
In his new role, Gudger will leverage his extensive industry experience to oversee the company’s diverse operations. His proven track record and commitment to excellence will play a crucial role in enhancing the company’s operational efficiency and project execution standards.
Peter O’Brien, managing director, said: “His promotion is not only a reflection of our continued investment of our staff, but also aligns with our goal of fostering internal talent and succession planning. With the promotion of Lance, we are poised for a new era of growth and continued excellence in service to our clients.”
Fifteen new apprentices have joined rural housing provider Connexus this month.
The new intake brings the total number of apprentices in the business to 28 and is part of an ongoing commitment to developing local talent in Herefordshire and Shropshire.
The interview process included a practical skills assessment which allowed candidates to showcase their enthusiasm for the trade, their technical knowledge, and their ability to solve realistic repairs problems.
Jennifer Preedy, head of organisational development at Connexus said: “We received an incredible 375 individual applications from 250 candidates, reflecting the growing interest in apprenticeships. Out of these applications, 81 candidates were invited to interview. The interviews provided a fantastic opportunity for us to meet potential future colleagues, and we were impressed by the quality of applicants, which included 40 Connexus customers.
“We increased the number of apprentices we have taken on this year due to the fantastic response and our desire to support more local people. Apprenticeships not only build new skills but also provide a pathway to long-term careers within Connexus.”
Clearwater welcomes Krushi Hindocha, who joins Clearwater’s Healthcare team, following a
sustained period of growth for the sector and a strong 18 months of transaction activity.
Hindocha joins the firm from the Healthcare M&A team at PwC where he worked on transactions across the spectrum of healthcare services.
David Weavers, healthcare partner, said: “It is a pleasure to welcome Krushi to the team; his skills and experience in the market will play an important role in helping us to provide the highest quality advice to our clients. As we continue to invest in the growth and expertise of our team, we’re delighted to have Krushi on board.”
Hindocha, said: “I have been familiar with Clearwater for many years, so I’m thrilled to join a team of talented individuals focused on delivering the best possible outcome for its clients. I feel enormously fortunate to operate in the healthcare space, where I'm able to play my part in helping
outstanding businesses find the right home, such that they can continue to provide the critical
services upon which we all rely on. I'm excited to do this at Clearwater.”
