Glancing Back at Our Achievements in 2023
As we approach the end of 2023 and embrace the arrival of 2024, it is the perfect time for us to pause and look back at the impact we have made in our 40th year, acknowledging the incredible people who have played pivotal roles in making them possible.
Looking back over the last twelve months, we have faced challenges along the way, but our team has consistently showcased resilience and growth and we face 2024 with a very positive outlook.
Our unwavering dedication to fostering positive change in all our work remains steadfast. Looking back, we take pride in our contributions within the community, among our team members, and in nurturing a sustainable future.
Positive Impact in Our Community
Here at Midland Lead we are always proud to support our local community and this year it’s been great to see the progress of the football teams (Derby Girls U14, Gresley Rovers Girls and Albert Village) we sponsor, as they continue to forge ahead this season.
We are also proud to support many other local charities throughout the year including Safe and Sound, Derby County Community Trust and our most recent campaign to support twelve local charities for Christmas – read our 12 Days of Community Giving article
As well as our local business and charity communities we are actively committed to supporting other partners within the lead industry. This year we became associate members of the Lead Contractors Association , an organisation that share the same values as Midland Lead as they champion best practice and investing the time and expertise in training and skills to develop the roofers of tomorrow.
This year we welcomed seven new colleges into our training and development initiative including Rosscon, Greenlight and Inverness College. Midland Lead now supports 25 colleges and this year we supplied more than 15 tonnes of lead along with ancillary products free of charge to colleges and training centres across the UK. We also provide ongoing training that supports the promotion of roofing training to help develop hands-on skills that are vital for learners.
We also sponsored and supplied lead for the Roof Slating and Tiling award at the SkillBuild National Final 2023 where 78 construction trainees competed over three days. Dave Woolley of Midland Lead attended, and he was impressed by the level of skills and talent that were competing for the titles within ten different categories.
Our Team’s Impact
It is the people who work here at Midland Lead that help us to drive forward and we recognise that every single individual plays an important role in our future success.
Our commitment starts with our people and our aim is to ensure that everyone can thrive, by continuing to invest in training and development. We know that the best way to bring our core values into focus is to help people feel engaged and passionate about our future together. We support our employees through competitive reward programmes, development opportunities and health and wellbeing initiatives.
It is this commitment at all levels that helped us to achieve a double award win just a few weeks ago at the East Midlands Chamber Business Awards. We took home the coveted Derbyshire Business of the Year, which was the crowning glory of our 40th year as a family-run local manufacturer.
We also collected a second award for our Commitment to People Development, in recognition of the growth opportunities and support we have provided our team, and we are so proud of how far we have come.
A first this year, was our shortlist for a national CIPD award for Best SME People Management Initiative, for the impact of “Team Midland Lead’s” approach on business success, including the benefits for employees, customers, suppliers and overall organisation performance. Although we didn’t win, being a finalist in this award was a fantastic achievement that we are very proud of. We are looking forward to continue this approach, supported by our HR Consultants Loates HR.
A new initiative this year is our ML Generation Next, supported by external training company Pro Populus, six of our team members will be supported in developing as our leaders of tomorrow. And one of our operatives, Tom Box, has started his university degree apprenticeship in Electro-mechanic Engineering with Nottingham University. We are very excited by these people developments and what the future holds.
Earlier this year individual celebrations included Kyle being named as one of BMF’s top 100 Supplier Influencer in the builder’s merchant industry and our long-service awards during our 40th anniversary party. Our team of long-serving staff have more than 175 years of experience – Andy Summers and Dave Woolley have been working 25 and 40 years at Midland Lead. Something we celebrated during a ‘Crystal Maze’ themed team building day in September – here’s to another 40 years!
Championing Sustainability
Our business prioritises sustainability, and where we can we implement cutting-edge techniques to continually reduce our carbon footprint to reach our goal of becoming net zero. Our long-term investment in energy-efficient lighting and solar power, and this year an electric fleet, has strengthened our sustainable manufacturing and supply chain and our company’s values. Midland Lead remains dedicated, setting a prime illustration of how manufacturing can—and should—constantly evolve to reinforce the future of sustainable production.
Next year we will continue to look at introducing additional solar panels to our site as well as continuing to support our team and suppliers around sustainable behaviour, now and into the future. As part of this we are keen to partner with suppliers who have shared values around sustainability, and we have some exciting plans just around the corner.
Thank you
We would like to take this opportunity to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has joined us on this journey. Boudewijn Tuinenburg, our managing director, reflects on 40 years of Midland Lead and extends a big thank you to all who have contributed to our progress. Their dedication has propelled us forward, from our hardworking team to our valued customers and suppliers.
“At Midland Lead, we are devoted to nurturing a fulfilling work environment that empowers our customers, suppliers and our team. This achievement is made possible through a broader partnership of skilled individuals.
“Our commitment to sustainability, exceptional customer service, and continuous innovation will remain prominent themes throughout 2024 and beyond. This dedication extends not only to our business development but also to our incredible team, whose pride in their work is evident.
“As 2024 approaches swiftly, we eagerly anticipate the future and all the promise it holds.”
And last but not least, we would like to wish all our colleagues, customers, suppliers and supporters a Merry Christmas and a Happy & Healthy New Year.
