The MP for Bracknell has praised a fast-growing local company for its commitment to apprenticeships after visiting them during National Apprenticeship Week (Monday 5th – Sunday 11th February).

Conservative MP James Sunderland met directors and staff at Campbell West, a building services firm based in Oldbury, Berkshire.

Mr Sunderland described company owners Steven Campbell and Daniel West as “ideal role models for young people” after hearing the pair left school at the age of 16 to become apprentice plumbers and now run a £10-million turnover business which employs 45 people.

Commenting on Campbell West, Mr Sunderland says: “The sky’s definitely the limit for Campbell West which is a company that is really going places. Having been launched by two former apprentice plumbers, Campbell West’s journey is truly inspirational success, and the owners are great role models who are doing themselves and Bracknell proud.

“My visit showed me Campbell West is a really vibrant business which boasts a team of highly-skilled, dedicated and driven people who deliver excellent services to a growing array of clearly very satisfied clients.

“But what makes Campbell West so special is their commitment to developing and rewarding the expertise of their people and investing in the young, up-and-coming apprentices who will be key to fulfilling the firm’s ambitious growth aspirations.”

Mr Sunderland also met the firm’s newest apprentices – Jace Heath and Liam Seymour – when he visited the company offices, at Richmond House, Oldbury.

As well as hearing about the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) company’s growth and future aspirations, in keeping with the National Apprenticeship skills for life theme, he also tackled a specially rigged plumbing task that faces new recruits. He also took part in a Q&A with company staff.

The company was founded in 2017 by directors Steven Campbell and Daniel West, who met while working together as apprentices and so National Apprenticeship Week is close to their hearts.

Steven Campbell said: “It was great to welcome our local MP to our offices and he showed a genuine interest and enthusiasm for everything we do, especially our commitment to growth and apprenticeships.

“More needs to be done to raise awareness of the benefits of in-house training at businesses like Campbell West as apprentices are key to our growth so we have the skills to match rising demand from our customers.

“James showed a genuine understanding of what we do and challenges we face and it’s great know he’s on our side as we step into National Apprenticeship Week plus, I have to say he acquitted himself extremely well with our practical challenge.”

Campbell West designs, installs and maintains mechanical and electrical systems, such as heating and cooling, plumbing, ventilation, lighting, fire and security installations.

With an initial focus on the healthcare sector, the company has expanded its reach to other industries including local government, education settings, data centres, workspaces and industrial buildings, plus large residential projects.

Daniel West adds: “We are confident we will achieve our ambitious goals for Campbell West because we have a tremendous team.

“That was recognised by our MP who was clearly impressed by what we’ve achieved so far and what we aim to achieve.

“James’ kind words were music to our ears because we are proud of the progress Campbell West has made over the last seven years and we’re confident we have the right people to go from strength to strength in the South of England market and beyond.”

Campbell West signalled its ambitions with the recent launch of a new electrical arm of the business in response to client demand for an integrated approach to building services work.

For more information about Campbell West visit www.campbellwest.co.uk and for National Apprenticeship Week go to https://nationalapprenticeshipweek.co.uk.