Neville Trust, one of the region’s longest-standing family-owned group of businesses, has announced a significant increase in employee numbers in the last two years, reflecting the company’s contract awards over that period.

Based in Luton, Bedfordshire, and Hertfordshire, the fifth-generation family-owned group, founded in 1875, is made up of Neville Funerals, Neville Special Projects, and Neville Joinery.

Following the success of major contract wins for both Neville Special Projects and Neville Joinery, the businesses finished 2022 on an upwards growth trajectory and looks set to continue for the year ahead.

40% of the current workforce have joined the Neville Trust businesses since January 2020. Neville Funerals has seen a 30 per cent increase in its team members with the addition of new driver bearers and funeral arrangers, whilst Neville Special Projects has doubled its workforce in the same time frame. Neville Joinery has seen the largest increase in headcount amongst the group, nearly tripling its team members which has been reflected in an increase in customer contract wins.

Vicky Trumper, Director of Neville Trust said: “We’re so pleased to be welcoming the addition of new team members to the businesses, at what is proving to be an incredibly busy time for all the companies across the group.

“We believe that hiring people from a variety of backgrounds from the local area enables us to create a warm culture as well as bring the team a broader skillset, providing value for our customers. 2022 was a brilliant year for the Trust, and as we move forward in 2023, we are looking forward to continued success and expansion.”

Neville Special Projects, which specialises in the maintenance, refurbishment and new build services for multimillion pound projects welcomed two new starters to the team, Benjamin Gabi, and Paul Sanders.

Benjamin joined after retraining as a quantity surveyor alongside Paul, who was a subcontractor for Neville Special Projects before becoming a permanent member of the team.

Paul Saunders added: “Having worked with and alongside Neville Special Projects for several years I quickly realised that this was a company that valued its team both on a personal and professional level. The Neville Group places a huge focus on career development and upskilling so that we can provide the best services to our customers.”

Benjamin Gabi added: “It is an incredibly warm and nurturing work environment, where everyone is willing to help each other so that we can deliver work to the highest of standards.

“The company is also focused on engaging with the locals as part of its “giving back” initiative through both operational and charitable work. The interaction with local schools which see us providing timber off-cuts, building materials, and donations for learning and development is invaluable.”

Sophia Hussein, a law graduate, is joining the Neville Trust team as a Trust Administrator. Her role will oversee the group’s legal and risk management work relating to property, vehicles, and insurance.

She added: “My time at Neville Trust has been nothing short of welcoming. All the colleagues I have worked with so far have been extremely helpful, providing me with a lot of guidance to get started in my role.

“I’m very lucky to have a team beside me who offers support, guidance and opportunities to grow within the business.”

Starting a new job always makes you feel slightly anxious, but from my initial interview to now, I can happily say the nerves have disappeared.”

Neville Joinery, which provides specialist craftsmanship to several sectors is joined by David Bailey, who was previously a self-employed carpenter, and who brings extensive knowledge and experience to the team.

He added: “I have experienced an extremely warm welcome at Neville Joinery, and I’m excited to progress within an industry I know well.”

Finally, Marek Kraska, is returning to Neville Funerals as a Driver Bearer. Marek has extensive experience in the funeral industry and brings with him a wealth of knowledge and understanding.

The Neville Trust is an independent family-owned group of companies comprising of Neville Funerals, Neville Special Projects, and Neville Joinery, which has been operating in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and the surrounding areas for more than 140 years.