This September the SPS Group celebrated 25 years in business.
The Hull-based business began as SPS Security in 1992 with ICS Cleaning joining in 1995. The amalgamation was made between Tony Beharrell, who is Chairman of the Group and Christine Turner, Managing Director of ICS Cleaning. Both were running independent companies in Hull and believed that the synergies of their businesses worked to make a stronger business together.
The SPS Group was formed in 1998 to take in both businesses and SPS Technical was added to the Group’s portfolio in 2008. What started life as a family-owned business 25 years ago remains the same in 2017.
Today the business is split into four areas – ICS Cleaning, SPS Technical, SPS Security and SPS Training. Together they employ more than 850 people working on contracts across the North of England – with 30 full-time staff based at the head office in Neptune House, Hull.
John Beharrell, Managing Director of SPS Security, and Tony’s son, commented: “Since our formation we have built up a secure financial foundation and have developed into a “large enough to manage”, “small enough to care” total solutions facilities management provider offering full end to end solutions.
“As we celebrate our 25 years in business we also celebrate our honest open approach and professionalism which has enabled us to win and retain major contracts throughout our history.”
To mark the milestone anniversary the head office at Neptune House has had a complete facelift.
Chris Turner, Managing Director of ICS Cleaning, added: “We’re proud of our Hull roots and today we remain a family-run business, with people at the heart of our operations. My daughter Michelle works in the business and several of our key operations staff have worked for us for many years.
“We have a culture where success is celebrated, no matter how big or small, we have an open door policy, and we trust and assist each other enhancing our working relationships and teamwork so everyone is relaxed with sharing ideas, opinions, and ideas for improvement.
“We are passionate about our clients, they drive our growth and determination to succeed and be the best in the industry. By focusing on outstanding customer care and technical support we strive to build long lasting relationships with our clients.”
The ethos of the Group is to always be careful to recruit the best people and invest in thorough training. This has ensured the business has thrived over the years and today it remains proud of its low staff turnover.
One member of the team has been with the business from the very beginning. Tracey Wood started out as a cleaner 25 years ago and today is Operations Director for ICS Cleaning. Her journey spans the history of the business and is testament to how the Group invests in its people and encourages growth and promotion from within.
Tracey said: “I joined from day one as a young school leaver working as a cleaner. I have worked on many contracts over the years from specialist cleaning, to school cleaning, office cleaning and large contract cleans. I have seen so many changes in the industry and am proud of how we have adapted to change ensure that we continue to offer a cost effective and high quality service to our clients”.
“I have always felt an integral part of the business and over time I have been given more responsibilities. Today I am Operations Director and I am immensely proud of what I have achieved in my career from being that young school leaver. I feel we have all been a part of how the business has flourished to where it is today.”
Leanne Harper joined the SPS team nine years ago as an administration temp. She subsequently went on to do all the security vetting and is now the Control Room Supervisor.
Leanne added: “Starting out as only a temporary member of staff, here I am nearly a decade later overseeing the Control Room. Every day is varied as I manage a busy control centre, ensuring all our clients’ needs are met and every area of our security business is covered. It’s great to be a part of such a dedicated team with the aim of delivering first-class service every day.”
With 25 years’ experience the Group is well placed offer bespoke solutions in security, cleaning, and training for clients throughout the North of England from its 24-hour control room and headquarters in Hull and strategically located regional branch offices which enhance operational coverage and capabilities.
