Building The Workforce For The Future

Established in 1897 and now under ownership of the fourth generation of the Seddon family, Seddon provides end-to-end integrated property services for customers across the North West and Midlands.

From planning and procurement, through the construction, fit-out and property services, Seddon works with clients across a range of sectors including housing, care, education and retail. 

Over the course of its 124 year history, Seddon has grown from a small, local family business to a major player in the construction sector, now employing over 700 staff nationally. 

During this time, Seddon has continued to act as an ambassador and force for good in its local community in Bolton. Seddon chairs The Bolton Family, a group of over 40 organisations working together to make a difference to local people in Bolton. Working together, The Bolton Family has worked on a range of local projects including planting trees, Christmas toy appeals, wellbeing walks, and the feeding Bolton project working with a local charity to provide food for disadvantaged children.

Training the next generation in the construction sector

Since its founding, Seddon has supported more than 3,000 people through career development programmes ranging from apprenticeships and technical skills, to professional qualifications and personal development. 

Supporting young people into the workplace has been a key priority for the Seddon family. Since 2000, Seddon has helped over 407 apprentices gain their qualifications, and 97 per cent of these apprenticeships have resulted in permanent roles. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Seddon was delighted to take on board a further 17 trade and high apprentices to the team this year. 

Seddon work with local schools and colleges to promote careers in the sector. To do this they often involve their employees on the front line. Find out what Seddon’s apprentices had to say about being a construction apprentice in this video:

Hear what Seddon’s apprentices have to say about their placement

During the first national lockdown in March 2020, Seddon kept its furlough apprentices engaged through a voluntary community project at Willow Hey in Bolton. The team of volunteers helped to transform the community garden while keep in touch with colleagues during what could have been an incredibly isolating time.

Hear all about Seddon’s community work during the pandemic.

Promoting diversity in the workplace

Seddon has also been active in supporting more women into careers in construction. Seddon are involved with Girls Out Loud, a project introducing young girls to successful female role models through its Big Sister mentoring programme. Seddon has signed up to the scheme, and a number of senior female managers now mentor young girls from local schools. 

Seddon continues to lead the way in providing opportunities for the next generation and in tackling the barriers to greater diversity within the construction sector. We’re proud to be celebrating their work this Family Business Week.