A Kingswinford-based firm’s drive to change the face of the construction sector ‘by putting people first’ has claimed a major regional honour.
S&R Construction, which now employs over 300 people at its Dawley Brook Road HQ, beat off the challenge of BDO LLP, BMet College and FBC Manby Bowdler to be named ‘Best Large Employer’ at the first ever Best Places to Work Awards.
Hosted by Birmingham Business, the competition looked to highlight companies who are going above and beyond to promote wellbeing, social impact and personal development across the West Midlands.
Judges praised the firm’s ‘open door’ policy where employees feel safe to speak up and ask for help, whilst also highlighting the host of initiatives that have been introduced, including ‘sip and paint sessions’, team building activities and the launch of its own football team to bring people together.
Putting health first, S&R Construction’s £8m build of its home in Kingswinford also featured a fully equipped on-site gym that is free for staff and their families to use.
“Wow, just wow! We’ve always tried to place our people at the heart of the business and this recognition – secured against some high-profile competition – reinforces that our approach is working,” commented Tracey Sankey, Director at S&R Construction.
“The business has grown rapidly in recent years, but we want to ensure that we continue to be a fun place to work and that we are creating an environment that encourages commitment, passion and gives our team members the opportunity to develop and progress.”
He continued: “This win is for everybody who put their heart and soul into what we do. Thank you, it means the world.”
More than 250 people were present at the Best Places to Work Awards at the iconic Aston Webb Grand Hall at the University of Birmingham.
They heard how S&R Construction has donated more than £50,000 to 15 local charities and supported Combat Hub Wolverhampton with all its official kits so that young people and women, who have been in abusive relationships, can train in mixed martial arts.
The company, which provides multi-utility services, groundworks, traffic management and open market housing development, has created 50 new jobs since 2025 and continues to invest heavily in training and development – especially backing young people and mature learners who are looking to explore new careers.
Through partnerships with local colleges, it has welcomed ten apprentices and developed clear career pathways supported by mentoring and structured progression and external courses.
A £400,000 training academy reinforces this commitment, ensuring employees can grow and succeed within the business.
Jamie Sankey, Director at S&R Construction, concluded: “This is a real milestone moment in our journey and shows how far we have come since my mom and dad started with just a van and a few lads.
“Today, we employ over 300 people, and turnover has gone past £50m for the first time. Encouragingly, the same principles of hard work, transparency and commitment that we launched the business on are still at the heart of how we operate.
“I think the judges really liked this and I’m sure it played a big role in their decision.”
For further information, please visit www.srconstructionltd.co.uk or follow the company across its social media channels.