McCarrick Construction promotes two to board

Chester-le-Street-based McCarrick Construction has appointed Melanie Robson and James Brown MCIOB MAPM to its board of directors – both of whom began their careers at the company as apprentices.

The move means 60 per cent of the company’s leadership team is now made up of former apprentices, underlining its long-standing commitment to homegrown talent.

Melanie joined in 1999 as an administrative apprentice and becomes accounts and HR director. 

James, who started as a joinery apprentice in 2004, steps into the role of operations director.

James is currently completing a senior leadership programme at Durham University, while Melanie is studying for her CIPD Level 5 qualification in people management.

Melanie said: “Becoming a director feels like the culmination of a journey that began the day I walked through the doors as a teenager, fresh out of school. 

“So much has changed in the company and in the industry since then but what’s remained constant is the supportive culture.

“McCarrick Construction has always felt like a second family to me. 

“I’ve grown professionally here, taken on new challenges and been encouraged every step of the way. 

“When I started, Matthew’s dad, Michael, gave me that first opportunity and I’ll always be grateful for the belief the company placed in me. 

“That belief has fuelled my commitment to driving the business forward.”

James added: “From my first days on site to managing major projects and eventually becoming chartered, every stage of my career has been backed by support and opportunity.

“I’ve never stopped learning and that’s what sets the company apart. 

“We encourage our employees not just to do the job but to grow as individuals. 

“It’s exciting to now be part of shaping the future of the business I’ve grown up in.”

Founded in 1953, McCarrick Construction is a family-run business delivering construction and refurbishment projects across sectors including education, healthcare, defence and commercial. 

Recent clients include Tyne Coast College, Middlesbrough College, St Oswald’s Hospice and the Ministry of Defence.

Matthew McCarrick, managing director, added: “Melanie and James have been operating at director level for some time now, so it’s fantastic to be able to formally recognise the impact they have been making.

“What makes this especially meaningful is that their journeys from apprenticeships to the board truly reflect what we stand for as a company – growing talent from within and supporting people to build lasting careers, here. 

“With Tony Pearce, who started as a bricklaying apprentice, already on the board, it means three out of five of our directors came up through apprenticeships. 

“That’s something I’m very proud of. It gives our leadership team a grounded perspective and reinforces the family feel that has always defined the company.”

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