Family duo celebrate qualification success

A mother and daughter are helping support ambitious growth plans at a West Midlands construction firm after gaining industry qualifications together.

Julie and Alysia Totney, who both work in the multi-utility department at Kingswinford-based S&R Construction, have achieved Level 3 Diplomas in Network Construction Operations for the water sector.

The pair, who have spent eight and six years with the company respectively, are now qualified to design and project manage complex water systems for residential, commercial and industrial developments.

Their development comes as S&R targets turnover of £70 million, with continued investment in workforce skills forming part of its expansion strategy.

Julie, who has recently been promoted to multi-utilities projects director, said: “We’ve got a very close relationship both at home and at work, so it was nice to support each other through the next stage of our personal development.

“The course is very competency driven and you have to deliver up to five practical examples of your work, which shows you understand the complexities and technical elements of designing water systems for use on live sites.

“It was great to pass the diplomas at roughly the same time, although Alysia’s age meant she was quicker with the learning than I was.”

Julie added: “To be fair it adds to the family environment at S&R and I think that also translates into the level of personal service our customers receive. 

“We’re all really passionate about doing a good job for clients and that means they continually come back to us with more projects.”

Alysia, who also recently passed her foundation diploma in low voltage electrics, added: “I never thought I’d be studying the same thing as my mom, but it was really useful to bounce ideas off each other and gain support when I’d hit a challenge. 

“Importantly, we’re now highly competent in designing water systems, which means we can take even more projects on for the business.”

The family connection extends throughout the business, with seven other relatives of Julie and Alysia working across warehousing, estimating and operations.

S&R itself employs almost 400 people across multi-utilities, groundworks, traffic management and open market housing.

Traditionally focused on multi-utility services, the company has laid almost 1.2 million metres of gas, water and electricity mains across the UK.

It also holds framework contracts with Colas and Network Plus and delivers local authority work for Dudley Council.

Diversification has played an increasing role in its growth, with S&R adding groundworks and traffic management divisions during the past seven years alongside investing in two housing development businesses.

The company itself also retains strong family roots, with founders Steven and Tracey Sankey joined in the business by sons Chris, Jamie and Ryan.

Steven added: “Julie and Alysia are fantastic members of our team and sum up all that is good about S&R.

“They’re committed, passionate and knowledgeable and always keen to take on more responsibility and technical competences. 

“I’m delighted they’ve passed their Level 3 diplomas at the same time – well done the Totneys!”

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