Howden has announced the promotion of Ellie Cole as branch manager and the graduation of two apprentices, marking a period of growth for the firm.
Cole, who joined Howden six years ago in an entry-level position, has taken over as branch manager, succeeding Chris Beane, who will continue with the business as divisional director.
“Six years have flown by, and it’s still sinking in that I’m branch manager,” Cole said in an interview with the Shropshire Star. “I am really grateful for the support everyone at Howden has given me to help develop my career.”
Howden is also celebrating the achievements of Ethan Jones and Hannah Spencer, who recently completed their level 3 business administration apprenticeships through Shrewsbury-based SBC Training. Jones has joined the sales team, while Spencer will remain with Howden, starting a level 2 apprenticeship in accounting and finance.
“I hadn’t considered the apprenticeship scheme before, but I was so bowled over by the quality of applicants that we took on two people rather than one,” Beane said. “It has been a fantastic opportunity to develop our team.”
Beane commended the accomplishments of Jones and Spencer, noting that their successful transition from apprentices to team members highlights the potential of local apprenticeship programs. “Ethan and Hannah have both been brilliant, and we are so pleased to see them complete their apprenticeships,” Beane said.
In addition to Jones and Spencer’s achievements, the Shrewsbury branch has welcomed a new apprentice, Maddie Armstrong, who has begun a level 3 apprenticeship in business administration.
Beane also expressed his appreciation for SBC Training’s partnership. “Each are shining examples of the young, motivated talent in our communities, and are great additions to our business,” he said in the Shropshire Star interview. “It’s a great example of apprenticeships being a route into a longstanding local company, with fantastic career opportunities, without needing to leave Shrewsbury or go to university.”
“We have a fantastic team here in Shrewsbury that I am delighted to be part of. Here’s to an exciting future leading this incredible team and achieving great things together, building on our successes and continuing to deliver for our clients and community,” Cole said.
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