Tony SteppTributes to a muchmissed colleague page 4
The Hills Group Magazine | May 2025 - Issue 56
Hills’ Volunteer Programme launches at Lower Moor Farm page 18
Pete Andrew retires after 25 years’ service pages 6-9
Tony Stepp
Mike Hill’s tribute to Tony Stepp, highlighting his positive impact, kindness, and the deep respect and love he garnered from colleagues over his three decades at Hills.
Leading from the front
Meet the new Divisional Managing Directors who are leading Quarry, Waste and Homes into the future.
industry’
Colleagues, customers and associates reflect on Pete Andrew’s contributions to Hills and the quarrying industry, as he retires after 25 years of service.
Simpler Recycling
Waste Solutions leads the way in raising awareness about new legislation, which makes it illegal for businesses to place food waste in general waste.
Cleaner, greener trucks
The roll-out of HVO reaches Amesbury and Purton, whilst Municipal trials Volvo’s first 100% electric RCV on rounds across Wiltshire.
Chocks away at Down Ampney
Work at Airfield Quarry is due to take off following the signing of a long-term agreement with Urban&Civic for sand and gravel extraction at the former RAF airfield site.
Do good to feel good
The Hills Group’s Volunteering Programme launches as a hardy group of colleagues transform an area at the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust – Lower Moor Farm reserve.
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Ups and Downs
Although the Company is experiencing some of the toughest times I have seen in over 30 years, the subjects and stories of this issue of intouch remind me why this company is a way of life, often mirroring the emotional ups and downs that we all experience in our lives outside of work.
Painful goodbyes
Last October we felt the shock and trauma of losing Tony Stepp, one of the most respected stalwarts of our quarry operations (page 4), followed soon after by the emotional retirement of Group Director Pete Andrew. However, the enjoyable celebration of his amazing career is a day many will remember for years to come (pages 6 to 9).
Take off at RAF Down Ampney
You can read about the impending birth of our new flagship quarry near Down Ampney (page 17), and our two impressive new housing developments in Fairford and Midsomer Norton (pages 12 and 13).
New MDs appointed
I am also pleased to congratulate our three new Divisional Managing Directors, who I know will be instrumental in helping us navigate through the choppy waters ahead.
Mike Hill, Chief Executive
Tony Stepp
– a tribute to a much-missed colleague
“The news of Tony’s tragic accident hit many at Hills very hard. It was as if the clocks had stopped and a cloud had settled over the company.
“When I visited Shorncote and Cerney Wick, after the awful news, the shock and grief were evident.
“However, what was also evident was a universal love and respect for an individual, the level of which I have not seen in my thirty years at Hills. Tony was described by all as one of the nicest people any of them had ever met, a ‘rock’ and someone who rarely had a bad word to say about anyone –someone who always greeted you with a smile.
“Tony was one of the first people I met when I joined the company three decades ago and he had already been with the company for six years before that. He was always a calm and reliable member of the team, and his huge contribution will never be forgotten.
“Processing a new reality without Tony will be difficult for all who knew and cared for him, but the clouds will lift as we can already hear him telling us to “get on with it lads!”
“We will always have happy and positive memories of a great man who will forever be part of our team here at Hills.”
MIKE HILL – CHIEF EXECUTIVE
Leading from the front Divisional MDs take their seats
Following Steve Huntly’s appointment as Divisional Managing Director for Quarry Products last year – from 01 May, Neil Pollard, Divisional Director, Commercial Waste Management and Mark Tinson, Operations Director, Homes took their roles as Divisional MDs for Waste Solutions and Hills Homes respectively.
“Hills Quarry Products is such a well-respected business in the industry – which is testament to the stewardship of Pete Andrew over the past 25 years. Since taking up my role at Hills, I’ve been so impressed with the passion and knowledge across the team. Whilst we are working through some challenging market conditions, with the Airfield site coming on stream next year, we are well placed to drive revenue growth and business development.”
Steve Huntly joined Quarry Products in November 2024 following a career in which he held a number of senior leadership roles including Regional Managing Director for Cemex. He then moved into several other leadership roles including General Manager – South, for Saint Gobain, and most recently as Managing Director for Coram UK.
“I am delighted to be taking up the role of Divisional Managing Director. The next few years promise to be an exciting time for the Waste Solutions business - with the possible extension of the Wiltshire Council contract lots, the Northacre Renewable Energy project moving forward with Qair and the Simpler Recycling legislation changes, which are impacting our commercial operations. With the considerable talent and continued hard work of the Waste Solutions team, I am confident we can maximise these opportunities and drive the business forward together.”
“I am both proud and honoured in equal measure to accept the role of Hills Homes Divisional Managing Director. I will continue to build upon the foundations that Nick King has worked tirelessly at — in establishing the positive reputation of Hills Homes as a leading regional brand when it comes to family and community place making. Whilst there will no doubt be new challenges ahead, the guidance Nick has given, and time spent sharing his knowledge over the last three years, make me feel that I am well prepared to meet them head on.”
Commenting on Neil’s appointment, Deputy Chief Executive Ed Dodd said: “When Waste Solutions’ MD role was advertised, it attracted a high calibre of applications, but Neil was the standout candidate, given the positive impact he has had on our commercial operations, his industry knowledge and his vision for the future growth of our business.”
Mark continues to work with Group Director, Nick King to ensure a smooth handover, ahead of Nick’s retirement later in the summer. Nick commented: “I am delighted and reassured that after 30 years since building the first Hills Home, I am handing over the reins to Mark’s very capable hands. He has shown in his role as Operations Director, a focus and commitment to quality, which I am sure will help the business push forward in the coming years.”
at the Peppermill Pete’s party
Colleagues, customers, friends and family of Pete Andrew gathered at the Peppermill in Devizes to celebrate his retirement and contribution to Hills over the past 25 years.
Attendees were met by a life-size cardboard cut-out of the man himself and a photo slide show of ‘Pete through the years’ – some of which you can see on the facing page. In an entertaining speech, Chief Executive, Mike Hill paid tribute to his retiring colleague and friend – the printable highlights of which you can read below.
“Now, I hate to interrupt, but I think it only fitting to utter a few words about the man for whom we have gathered today, the one and only Peter Andrew.
To most people in the world, the date 9/11 fills them with horror and sadness as it was the date associated with the Twin Towers attack. For me, the right way round 9/11 is a much more important date as it was the 9th of November 1999 that Peter Andrew landed at Hills, just over 25 years ago.
Pete earned numerous O Levels and A Levels in London before starting work. In 1980, he moved to Ottawa, Canada, to work with farm machinery. Farming remained a lifelong passion. In 1982, he returned and then went to Powys, Wales, as a landfill manager and later a Stores Manager for Jones Bros. In 1986, he became the General Manager of Hussey and Sons in Trowbridge, Wiltshire.
In 1990, he rejoined Blue Circle as a Landfill Manager before moving to Biffa in 1993 as Regional Support Manager. He managed six landfill sites and established the UK’s first integrated waste management contract on the Isle of Wight. He applied for a Landfill Manager position with us in 1996 but was unsuccessful. Thankfully, he reapplied three years later, and has been with us ever since.
On the 9th of November 1999, he joined as Sales Manager for the Aggregates Division, reporting to Alan Mackenzie. He was promoted a year later to Commercial Manager, evolving this role until August 2005, when he became Waste Disposal and Treatment Manager in the Waste Division. During this period, he hired Ed Dodd as Waste Facilities Manager. Soon after, he suffered a heart attack, initially thought to be indigestion.
Pictured left to right: Pete’s sons Thomas and Robbie, Mike Hill, cardboard Pete, actual Pete, Pete’s wife Jane and chairman Alan Pardoe.
After undergoing heart surgery, Pete soon recovered and returned to work. In November 2007, he chose to move back to Quarry sales as Business Development Manager. Promoted to Divisional Director of Quarry Products in 2010, Pete then became General Manager of HQP in July 2013 after Alan Mackenzie’s retirement. Shortly thereafter, he was named Group Director –Quarry Products and joined the Hills Group board, where he served diligently until stepping down last year.
Pete always said to me that I needed to tell him when it was time to disappear, or that he would tell me when he thought it was time to go. Well, it was definitely the latter. This would not have been an easy decision for Pete, but I think it was the right decision for him and the family.
All that remains for me to say, not only personally, but on behalf of the shareholders, the board, employees and the many customers and suppliers you know is…
Thank you! Thanks for everything you have done for us, for all your hard work over the last 25 years and to wish you all the very best for the future! I think I speak for all of us when I say that I don’t think we know of anyone more deserving than you of a long and happy retirement!”
Goodbye of the industry to a legend
Colleagues, customers and associates reflect on Pete Andrew’s contribution to Hills and the quarrying industry as he heads into retirement after 25 years’ service.
“You will be an enormous loss to Hills and the wider industry, but if anyone has earnt the right to some time for themselves, it’s you!”
Mark Russell, Executive Director, Mineral Products Association
Pete honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award
“My very best wishes for your every success moving forward, and thank you so very much for being such a brave, competent and joyous leader alongside Hills.”
Charlie Hill, Shareholder
“Pete’s always been a real diamond, a no nonsense, straight talking, down in the muck and bullets sort of guy.”
Nick King, Group Director, Homes
“Pete recruited me into Hills in 2006. We’ve been on a journey ever since. I’ve learnt much from Pete over the years. I’ll miss his list in his top pocket, his diary and eggs. I wish him the best for the future and thank him for everything he has done for me over the years.”
Ed Dodd, Deputy Chief Executive
Steve Huntly, Divisional Managing Director, Quarry Products (left) and Chief Executive, Mike Hill (right) celebrate Pete’s lifetime achievement award.
“A legend of the industry and you’ll be sorely missed… A retirement well deserved, but hopefully you’ll keep one beady eye on the industry.”
Jonathan Day, Director at Day Aggregates
“I was invited in for an interview with Pete in January 2010, to which he eventually rocked up some 45 minutes late! I had sat there getting increasingly more nervous whilst rehearsing my “witty repartee” for the interview. What he lacked in timing skills he more than made up for in his enthusiasm and passion for the company, and 30 minutes later I was completely sold on the idea of signing my life away to Hills Quarry Products. His belief in me and my ability has helped me to achieve more than I ever imagined I could! I wish him a long and happy retirement.”
Terry Newsham, Commercial Business Manager, Quarry Products
“All the very best Pete and very sad to see another one of this industry’s legends hang up their boots –however you deserve a long and healthy retirement.”
Stuart Cordy, Commercial Business Manager, Quarry Products
“Working with Pete has not only been a privilege, but it has also been a huge amount of fun too. Pete’s leadership, industry knowledge and true connection to people are qualities which I value hugely. Pete’s great sense of humour and dedication to look after his team (including making sure we are all well fed!) has always been evident during meetings and was greatly appreciated and welcomed. It only remains to wish Pete all the very best with the next stage of his journey. It’s been an absolute hoot working with you and you will be very much missed.”
Pamela Hunt, Head of HR
“Thank you for the letter about your retirement. It comes to us all sometime that we have to slow down, not that we sometimes feel that. We go back a long way, from buying sand from Tubney Wood when at RMC and then working together for Hills’ concrete operation since 2005, about some 2.5 million m³ later! We wish you all the best for your plans.”
Jon Seller, Beton Services
At a recent Mineral Products Association awards ceremony, Pete Andrew, former Group Director, Quarry Products was recognised by his peers with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his ‘outstanding contribution to restoration and biodiversity’. This caught Pete unawares as he explains: “To be honest I was thinking about getting up to go for a
cigarette when I heard my name called out. It came as a complete surprise and whilst I am obviously honoured to receive this, the award really goes to the combined efforts of all the Quarry Products team – whose efforts over the years have helped restore working quarries to amazingly diverse habitats and leisure amenities.”
Waste Solutions helps businesses Simpler Recycling move to
New ‘Simpler Recycling legislation has now come into force to encourage improvements in recycling rates for businesses. Since January Waste Solutions has been busy raising the awareness of these changes to current and prospective customers across the West Country.
As Digital Marketing Manager, David Scott explains: “Through our website, email communications and promotions, we have been encouraging and helping customers to review their existing waste arrangements to ensure they are not caught out by the new regulations.
“The legislation makes it illegal for businesses and consumers to place food waste in general waste, which will end up in landfill. Food waste must now be segregated and taken to anaerobic digestion facilities where it can be converted into fertiliser and energy, helping to fuel the circular economy. In addition, the legislation encourages businesses to separate their dry mixed recycling (paper, cardboard, tins and plastic containers, and bottles) from general waste so this too can be recycled.
“As part of a collaborative effort with our Sales team and Customer Support, we have seen a significant increase in enquiries and sales for new food waste, as well as changes to existing services for many of our existing customers.”
SCAN HERE to find out more
Simpler Recycling changes also apply to Hills’ own sites and site managers have been contacted to ensure that each of our sites complies with the regulations. To help inform our employees there is also a Simpler Recycling module available on Learning For All and everyone is encouraged to participate.
the latest eRCV
Municipal trial for Wiltshire Council
A 100% electric Refuse Collection Vehicle (eRCV) is being trialled around the county by Municipal Collections, in support of Wiltshire Council’s objectives to reduce carbon emissions, and modernise its fleet to include low carbon vehicles.
The trial of the Volvo FE Low Entry Cab eRCV is taking in urban rounds in Calne and Chippenham as well as Salisbury in the south, plus a selection of rural rounds — and will assist Wiltshire Council in their forward planning for future waste collection fleet requirements.
Amesbury RMF is latest site to adopt HVO
Waste Solutions’ Recyclables Management Facility at Amesbury, is the latest site to change from diesel to sustainable Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) - a move which will reduce fuel-related Carbon (CO2) emissions by up to 90%.
As Nathan Carr, Waste Solutions’ Divisional Fleet Manager commented: “Our commercial refuse vehicles servicing the city of Salisbury plus our JCB Telehandler and the Liebherr LH24 now use HVO fuel. This change will help contribute to cleaner air for our commercial customers, residents of Salisbury - and will also create a more pleasant working environment for our employees.”
Ed Dodd, Deputy Chief Executive of The Hills Group, said: “We are excited to support Wiltshire Council’s carbon neutral mission with the trial of the Volvo 100% electric RCV. Our crews are enjoying testing the vehicle across a variety of collection routes in the county, and we are feeding back performance details to the Council.
“It is another example of our commitment to operating sustainably, which already includes route planning to minimise mileage and driver training to ensure that vehicles are driven in a careful manner to help optimise fuel efficiency.”
STOP PRESS
As we go to press the Purton depot is now also using HVO.
Pictured at the Amesbury RMF with the vehicles which are now fuelled with Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil are (left to right): Rob Michie, LGV Driver; Nathan Carr, Divisional Fleet Manager and Paul Dark, RMF Foreman.
Pictured left to right are: Simon Liversidge and Jack Lane, Kerbside Supervisors and Cath Hardy Waste Support Officer, who demonstrated the new Volvo eRCV for a Wiltshire Council photoshoot at Sands Farm.
set to Shine Silver Street at Midsomer Norton
Groundworks have just begun at Homes’ latest development at Silver Street, Midsomer Norton.
The site is being managed by new team member, Ben Marlowe-Bright (pictured bottom right) who joins with a decade’s experience of site management.
Mark Tinson, Divisional Managing Director, Homes, said:
“It’s great to have Ben on board for what I am sure will be the first of many high-quality new Homes’ communities he will be delivering. Midsomer Norton has the makings of a fantastic addition to our portfolio.”
Ben said: “It’s always an exciting moment to see the first steps of a project come to life, and I can’t wait to share the journey as the site progresses.
“Behind the scenes there has been a lot of hard work from the Homes’ office team in getting us to this stage. They’ve done a great job; now it’s over to the construction team to deliver the project.”
CGI image
Yard
Work is underway at Old Yells Yard in Fairford where Homes is developing nine properties in what was previously a builder’s yard run by the Yells family until 1978.
The homes which include solar panels take their design cues from barn conversions in sympathy with adjacent, listed, late 18th Century buildings within the Fairford Conservation Area.
Mark Tinson, Divisional Managing Director, said: “We have worked closely with planning and heritage consultants to achieve very stylish homes which carefully follow local, Cotswolds design codes.”
The site originally comprised agricultural buildings until the establishment in 1858 of Yells Building firm who, according to Fairford History Society, in more recent years built the magnificent Burdocks and The Palmer Hall which is still used as a community hall to this day.
Farmhouse refurbishment finishes development with a flourish
The crowning glory of Homes’ development at Spring Close, West Hanney is the recently completed conversion of what was formerly known as Deans Farmhouse.
The property is a beautifully refurbished, traditional farmhouse which has been meticulously preserved and transformed to offer four spacious bedrooms, two elegant bathrooms and generous family spaces on the ground floor.
A south-facing garden provides a private retreat bathed in sunlight, while the expansive front courtyard offers ample parking.
Nick King, Group Director, Homes said: “This is yet another example of how adaptable our Homes team is when it comes to making a new development and older properties complement each other. A similar development is now underway at Old Yells Yard in Fairford.”
Homes and KFR team-up to repurpose furniture
Hills Homes has generously donated the furniture from the now closed High Penn Park show home to KFR (Kennet Furniture Refurbiz), a charity based in Devizes.
KFR provides affordable, quality furniture to individuals on means-tested benefits or with limited income. The donation includes a variety of items such as dining tables, chairs, and bedroom furniture.
“We’re proud to support KFR and their important work.” said Nick King, Group Director, Homes. “This donation allows us to give back to the community, find a use for furniture we no longer need, and helps those in need to furnish their homes without the financial strain.”
Nick King, Group Director, Homes with KFR team members: Reese Mallett (volunteer), Nick Bennet (Van Driver) and Daniel Thompson (General Manager) - loading their van with furniture donations.
Shout out for Old Yells
CGI image
Meeting Mia Jones
From C&A to H&S …Mia’s route into health and safety
Mia Jones’ route into health and safety has been by no means straightforward — but since joining Hills as Health and Safety Manager last year, she has been playing a pivotal role in making Quarry Products’ sites safer for all.
After completing her A Levels, Mia joined C&A’s management training programme, rising to manage multiple London stores. She later qualified as an AAT Accounting Technician and worked in field sales before joining Huber Technology, where she transitioned from purchasing to health and safety. After earning NEBOSH qualifications in Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental Management, and Construction, she became SHEQ Manager, overseeing continued accreditation to three ISO standards in Health & Safety, Environmental, and Quality over 13 years.
Rachel is in control!
Rachel Garland, Credit Control Manager, joined Hills in December 2024 and has thoroughly enjoyed her time so far. She has found the Credit Control team to be incredibly knowledgeable, and always willing to help, making her transition into the role a positive experience. Rachel likes the fast-paced, hard-working environment of Credit Control at Hills, and has enjoyed learning from her colleagues, while also contributing her own expertise gained over 25 years in the field. Her previous experience, primarily in the veterinary industry, contrasts with the Quarry and Waste sectors she now works in — but provides an exciting opportunity to expand her knowledge of the industry, but also of the company itself.
As Mia explains, there are parallels between Huber and Hills: “Like at Hills, my colleagues at Huber Technology were predominantly men — but gender really does not matter when it comes to keeping people safe at work.
“Colleagues at our quarry and concrete sites are always keen to share what they know and are always helpful and respectful. Their experience continues to help me learn about the hazards in this environment.”
Mia does not work in isolation, in fact Quarry Products and Waste Solutions’ health and safety teams have been working collaboratively for some time now, sharing systems-related best practice and efficiencies — which has included the roll out of the EcoOnline reporting platform for near misses and incidents.
Rachel shared: "It is really lovely to see so many long-standing employees at Hills. Everyone is so passionate about their work, from office staff to site workers, everyone is really knowledgeable and enthusiastic, and it provides such a nice and hard-working environment to be in and I am looking forward to the future here at Hills."
Trevor parks up for the last time
Kerbside LGV Driver, Trevor Hayes has retired after an impressive 18 years and two months of dedicated service with Wiltshire Council and Municipal Collections at the Salisbury depot.
“Throughout his career, Trevor has been a reliable and valued member of the team, contributing greatly to the success and smooth operation of the site. His hard work, professionalism, and commitment have left a lasting impact on both colleagues and the company.
“We thank Trevor for his remarkable service and wish him a long, happy, and well-deserved retirement.”
Martin drives into retirement after 33 years’
service
Municipal Collections’ Kerbside LGV Driver Martin Brock has retired after an incredible 33 years’ combined service for Wiltshire Council and Hills. Collection Contract Manager, Nicola Towell said: “I have known and worked with Martin for over 15 years at the Trowbridge depot. He has always been a valued and dedicated member of the team, known for his strong work ethic, kindness, and willingness to help others. Martin was not only a hard worker but also a wonderful colleague who always went the extra mile to support his team. He played a key role in mentoring new staff, sharing his knowledge and experience to help them settle in. He will be truly missed, but after all his dedication and effort, we wish him the very best for his wellearned retirement.”
Sophia’s two months in the family business
Sophia Hill, daughter of Chief Executive Mike Hill spent two months gaining valuable work experience at Hills, following the completion of her Sports Science and Physiotherapy degree in Leeds. During her time at Hills, she sought to understand how large organisations operate and explored different functions within the company including, HR, Finance and Administration.
As Sophia explains: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with a diverse group of people, learning from their experiences, and feeling a part of something meaningful.
Accounts stalwart Lynette heads into retirement
Another popular figure to retire at the end of 2024 was Senior Accounts Clerk Lynette Hemmings – who headed into a well-earned retirement after 17 years’ service for Hills Homes.
Dave Bevan, Finance Director commented: “Lynette has been a star throughout all her years at Hills. She was always both personable and enthusiastic, and has been a key member of the team. We all wish her a relaxing and enjoyable retirement.”
“I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the family business, developing respect for the dedication and effort generations of my family and employees have invested in building a company that helps so many.
This experience has provided me with a foundation of knowledge about how businesses operate and sustain themselves.”
Mike Hill, Chief Executive presents Lynette with her long service certificate.
Brett Joyce presents Trevor with his long service certificate.
Steve Burns, Divisional Director, Waste Solutions presents Martin Brock with his long service recognition certificate.
Corrine takes a at Waste Operations PEAK
PEAK, (Pursuit of Excellence, Achievement and Knowledge) is Waste Solutions’ technical competency scheme, which includes five ‘peaks’ in People, Quality, Finance, Environment and Health and Safety — resources for which are available through the Learning For All platform.
Compliance Coordinator; Dave Smith, Landfill Foreman; Corrine Barber, Marketing and Communications Administrator.
All Waste Solutions new starters are expected to complete PEAK within their first year of employment. However PEAK training isn’t exclusive to Waste, in fact colleagues across The Hills Group are taking up the opportunity to join PEAK site visits, to gain a better understanding of how operations work in practice. Corrine Barber, Communications and Marketing Administrator, was one of those colleagues, and as she explains, the site visits proved enlightening:
“PEAK training has been incredibly insightful, giving me a much clearer understanding of the company’s operations and how the various teams work together to reduce landfill and maximise recycling.
“Everyone I interacted with was so welcoming, and any questions I had were promptly answered with exceptional attention to detail and a real genuine care for the business. These training sessions are invaluable. Visiting the sites, speaking with the site managers and team members, and seeing firsthand how our waste is sorted, recycled, and disposed of gave me a much deeper appreciation for the significant role Hills plays in this process.”
Pictured left to right: Darren Goddard, Communications and Marketing Manager; Sophia Coleman, Compliance Administrator; Nicholas Howlett, Maintenance Manager, Northacre RRC; Dean Frew, Supervisor, Sands Farm; Tash Reeves,
Airfield Quarry
set for take off
Quarry Products has entered into a long-term agreement with Urban&Civic for sand and gravel extraction at the former RAF airfield site near Down Ampney, Gloucestershire.
The agreement for the 178-hectare Airfield Quarry site, with reserves of around 6.5 million tonnes of sand and gravel, will create around 50 jobs directly plus generate work for other local businesses, and inject up to £2m per year into the local economy.
The site will include an aggregate processing plant, a concrete plant and a bagging operation with the associated infrastructure of silt lagoons, offices, welfare facilities, wheel wash and weighbridge.
Peter Andrew, Development Consultant, Hills Quarry Products said:
“We are delighted to have secured an agreement on the Airfield Quarry site. It has taken a tremendous team effort between Hills and Urban&Civic to get to this stage — and we do not underestimate our responsibility, having been entrusted with the management and restoration of this important historical site through the phased extraction of essential minerals.”
Adam Pratt, Development Director at Urban&Civic commented:
“Down Ampney continues to make a significant contribution to the resilience of Gloucestershire and Wiltshire’s mineral supplies. The Airfield is the next phase of extraction on the Estate and we are delighted to be extending Urban&Civic’s working partnership with Hills.”
Steve Huntly, Divisional Managing Director, Aggregates said:
“I am looking forward to working with the team on building a strong return on investment at Airfield Quarry. I couldn’t have chosen a more exciting time to join Hills with its largest quarry to date set to become operational in 2026.”
Archaeologists are now preparing to do some investigative work on the site with the hope that, as with many other Hills quarries, some interesting historical finds will be made before the site goes live.
Quarry Products’ Airfield management team, pictured left to right, back row: Steve Huntly, Divisional Managing Director, Aggregates; Peter Andrew, previously Group Director now Development Consultant; Jon Lisk, Project Manager, Aggregates; Olly Thompson, Strategic Project Manager. Front row: Danny Houghton, Cotswold Waterpark Quarries Manager, Aggregates; Steve Davies, Production Manager, Aggregates.
Do good feel good to volunteering programme launch
As part of The Hills Group’s commitment to Wellbeing, a new volunteering scheme has been launched offering employees the opportunity to work with Hills’ supported charities.
As well as recognising the positive impact volunteering can have on mental health and overall employee wellbeing - the new scheme is also expected to increase the company’s social value through tangible change for the chosen charities, who in turn benefit our local communities.
Julie Clayton, HR Business Partner, who has been instrumental in launching the new scheme, said: “All employees are encouraged to take part, with the chance to make a meaningful difference. As a company that prides itself on supporting local communities and organisations, we wanted to go further and offer additional help to our supported charities, with teams of employees getting directly involved”.
“The Hills Group Volunteering programme has been several months in the planning, with help and support from the Communications Team to ensure that this new programme reaches all our employees.”
Pamela Hunt, Head of HR, said: “I am very proud to see the volunteering scheme launched. It is a fantastic opportunity for all employees, and it’s great to be adding value to our local communities, while enhancing our wellbeing portfolio and social value space.”
Pictured left to right: Ellie Povey, Estates Manager North, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust; Anne Kader, Key Account Executive, Waste Solutions; Damian Burgess, Foreman, Shorncote Quarry; Henry Newbery, Recycling Manager, Waste Solutions; Jess Daniels, 2nd Line IT Engineer; Nathan Carr, Divisional Fleet Manager, Waste Solutions; Julie Clayton, HR Business Partner; Corrine Barber, Communications and Marketing Administrator and Rosie Wilson, Estates Officer, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust.
The company’s inaugural volunteering day took place on 24 March at Lower Moor Farm with Wiltshire Wildlife Trust. Seven Hills volunteers from different parts of the business got involved with the physical work of clearing, weeding and tidying up a courtyard and four large flower beds.
It was hard work but great fun and really rewarding. I’ve never done volunteering before, but I would 100% do it again and recommend it to others.
Julie Clayton, HR Business Partner, Group
I’ve always wanted to volunteer but never had the chance until now. Spending the day with Wiltshire Wildlife Trust was an amazing experience. We cleaned and revamped their visitor section and within hours, the difference was remarkable. It was also a fantastic way to bond with colleagues. By the end of the day, I felt a real sense of pride!
Corrine Barber, Communications & Marketing Administrator, Group
We were so grateful to have had so much help. It was brilliant - we got so much more done working in a bigger group. It was satisfying to see an area that had been neglected come back to life and be used again.
The Hills Group Volunteering Programme enables all employees to volunteer for up to two paid days per calendar year. Two further dates still have spaces to volunteer and more dates and exciting opportunities will be published very soon.
Can you pinpoint all the Petes?
Simply count up the number of times Pete’s face (all ages and not just this cut-out!) features in this issue of intouch — to be in with a chance of winning one of three £50 Amazon gift vouchers!
Then either cut off this back page and send it via the internal post to the Communications and Marketing department at County Park, Swindon.
Alternatively, you can scan and email your answer to comms@hills-group.co.uk
Your entry must be received by Friday 13 June. PS - the faces on Pete’s supersize retirement card (page 8) do not count!
IT team delivers Cyber Essentials Plus recertification
Early this year, Hills’ IT team passed the recertification of Cyber Essentials Plus with flying colours, a testament to the department’s tireless work on patching processes and system management. Cyber Essentials Plus, a government-backed certification, demonstrates an organisation’s ability to defend against cyber-attacks by conducting an audit of their IT systems.
John Ashplant, IT Operations Manager, commented: “Cyber security has become more relevant than ever given a global increase in security risks from hackers and ransomware. Hills takes security seriously and Cyber Essentials Plus proves this to our clients. Implementing Multi-Factor Authentication and Single Sign-On measures, strengthening password requirements, and encouraging users to keep software updated and regularly reboot their devices contributed to this successful recertification.”
Publisher’s Note
Farewell
Nancy
We received the sad news at the start of the year, that Hills’ longest standing pensioner, Nancy Watts, had passed away at the amazing age of 105. Nancy was the surviving widow of Arthur Watts who joined Hills in February 1948, eventually retiring in June 1977. Thanks go to Lyn Nicholson for sharing the lovely photo of Nancy.
intouch is published by The Hills Group Limited. It is distributed to employees, pensioners, shareholders and friends of The Hills Group. Each copy of intouch is collated and mailed by Swindon charity Phoenix Enterprises who work with people recovering from short and long-term mental health problems phoenixenterprises.co.uk.
Issue No 57 will be distributed later this year. Please submit news and photographs to the Communications and Marketing department, either to the address opposite, by telephone 01793 714977 or via email to comms@hills-group.co.uk.
The Hills Group Limited makes every effort to verify all information contained within intouch but does not warrant to its accuracy. No view or opinion expressed within intouch should be considered to be that of The Hills Group Limited, its associated companies or any director or officer in its employment. Please recycle your copy of intouch when you are finished with it. Printed by Mayfield Press on World Land Trust approved Carbon Balanced Papercarbonbalancedpaper.com (CBP020947)
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The Hills Group Limited, Wiltshire House, County Park Business Centre, Shrivenham Road, Swindon, Wiltshire SN1 2NR
