Family Fun Day to Celebrate 175 Successful Years
Sep 19, 2012
Despite the weather, there was no dampening the spirits of almost 200 staff and their families who came along to our Family Fun Day to celebrate our 175th Anniversary.
The party thrown by owners, Clive Newton and John Gallagher was to mark the tremendous milestone in our history of 175 years of successful trading. Clive said: “We are enjoying a year long celebration with a variety of events, fundraisers and activities to mark the company’s longevity. This particular event is to say thank you to our fantastic staff who have played such a significant part in the success of the company.”
Emanuel Whittaker, Mayor of Oldham in 1873, established the company on its present site in 1837. His father George was also a master builder, having built the Oldham Lyceum as well as many of the cotton mills in Oldham and the surrounding districts.
The company thrived and remained in family hands until 2004 when Clive Newton and fellow director John Gallagher, who both worked for the company since leaving school, purchased the business. Having worked at Emanuel Whittaker for so long, they continue to retain many of the core principles established by the founding Whittaker family.
However, there is still a Whittaker connection in Anna Whittaker the great, great grand-daughter of the founder who still works for the company as Company Secretary and HR Manager.
Originally established as a joinery and building company, Emanuel Whittaker has always been keen to train new generations in a variety of trades. One of its most famous sons was the late Eric Sykes, who was an apprentice joiner and it is believed that he based his famous film ‘The Plank’ on his time at Emanuel Whittaker.
“The company has survived the cotton famine of the 1860s, the 1930s recession and the timber rationing of the Second World War,” said John Gallagher. “Today’s economic climate provides other challenges but we believe that by embracing modern techniques while at the same time keeping to good old fashioned values such as customer service – we will continue to trade successfully for many years to come.”
The Emanuel Whittaker 175th anniversary celebration included a Take That tribute band, a disco, an MC, a bar, barbecue and ice cream stand and children’s entertainment.
Anna Whittaker attended the party along with her two boys, the next generation of Whittakers’. She said: “I’m sure that when my great, great grandfather set up the company in 1837 he did not think that 175 years later it would become the award winning, respected organisation it is today.
“We are all so proud to be part of such an historic company and today’s celebration has been fantastic.”
Adam Scoops Award at NFB
May 28, 2012
Adam receives the NFB Corporate Social Responsibility Outstanding Individual Award
Emanuel Whittaker has been recognised for our commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility at the 2012 National Federation of Builders Awards in London.
Lead Resident Liaison Officer Adam Berry received a Commendation for his dedication and efforts in supporting the residents of Laurence Lowry Court, a sheltered scheme in Swinton during the extensive improvement works which were carried out there last year.
Being a sheltered scheme meant that many of the residents had a variety of needs. Some were simply lonely whilst others were too frail to venture out of the block with conditions ranging from mild dementia to severe mobility needs.
Whilst getting to know the residents Adam had discovered what a lifeline the communal activities provided to many of them. He realised that closing down the communal areas and calling a halt to activities could effectively render many residents housebound for the duration of the work.
Adam and the site team were determined that residents well-being would be at the heart of the planned work. And so it was. Adam introduced his own ‘meals on wheels’ service. The team helped residents with shopping, taking their bins out, making cups of tea and spending 5 minutes with them to have a reassuring chat.
Adam and the team arranged various trips sponsored by Emanuel Whittaker. A barge trip to the Portland Basin Museum and a trip to the Theatre. The highlight was a mock up of Westminster Abbey to host the Royal Wedding party.
Emanuel Whittaker are a contractor with a social conscience which is why City West have chosen us to deliver the improvement works on all their sheltered schemes.
Well done to Adam and Emanuel Whittaker site team!
Emanuel Whittakers Announced as Finalists at 2012 NFB Awards
Apr 25, 2012
The shortlist of finalists has been announced for the National Federation of Builders’ (NFB) inaugural annual awards which celebrate the high quality work and commitment delivered by members to improve the built environment.
Emanuel Whittaker are delighted to announce that our entry has been shortlisted in the category of Corporate Social Responsibility Campaign of the Year 2011.
Managing Director of Emanuel Whittaker, Clive Newton said “We are delighted to be shortlisted within this category. Emanuel Whittaker have always been a contractor with a social conscience, and this nomination recognises the contributions our site teams make towards delivering on our CSR committments. We look forward to the announcement of the winners next month.”
The winners will be announced on Thursday 24 May 2012 at a gala awards luncheon at The Grand Connaught Rooms in London.
Operation Easter Eggstravaganza
Apr 11, 2012You’d think Easter would bring a little light relief to the busy site teams working on the Salix Homes sites, with a few days off to give the teams a chance to recharge their batteries and fill up on Easter goodies. But before they closed down their sites, they had one major task to complete… ‘Operation Easter Eggstravaganza’.
Armed with 300 Easter Eggs, Resident Liaison Officers Garry Holt and Michelle Bailey delivered the chocolatey goodies to children on the Duchy estate. Salix Project Officer Daren Wright came along to lend a hand “it was great to see the delight on the faces of the families when we called, it’s the little acts that they don’t expect that mean so much”.
Meanwhile, across town, lead Resident Liaison Officer Adam Berry, along with Site Operative Lee Barham, played Easter Bunny to every household in Black Friar Court.
Residents were truly delighted with the Easter act of goodwill, and the site teams can now have that well earned break!
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Dorothy gets a birthday surprise
Mar 6, 2012
Dorothy Bailey of Black Friar Court got more than she bargained for when she was asked to leave her flat for the day to allow essential asbestos removal works to be carried out.
Lead Resident Liaison Officer, Adam Berry, noticed that it was Dorothy’s 85th birthday on the day of her works. In an effort to make the day a little special for her, Adam arranged a bit of a surprise. He kitted out the Respite Flat with balloons and bunting, bought a birthday cake and presented Dorothy with a birthday card. When Dorothy thought it couldn’t get any better, Adam popped out to get Dorothy some lunch – her favourite – pudding and chips!
Dorothy and Adam spent the day together talking about her experiences over the years. Dorothy has lived in Blackfriars Court for 39 years, so she has seen many changes. Despite her time within the block, she was still very apprehensive about the works. Adam told Dorothy about his plans to hold Reiki sessions, which might help relieve her anxieties about the forthcoming works. Dorothy loves the idea – and was the first to sign up!
Dorothy’s grand daughter and son-in-law were also invited to celebrate her birthday, but were unable to come along. But when Dorothy’s grand-daughter, Caroline, heard about Adam’s little act of kindness, she was moved to tears, and sent in a lovely e mail to thank him…
“Hey Adam… can I just start with saying YOU are AMAZING!!!!!!!
You have made one little old lady VERY happy!! She’s actually looking forward to having the work done on the flat now so she can go over there to see you!!! ha.. (she was dreading it before).
You made her feel so special on her birthday and for that we are all truly truly grateful!!! She said you couldn’t do enough for her, she loved her cake, her flowers, her balloon and she said you even went out early to get her a chippy dinner!! She felt like a mini celeb ha..
I love you for making her feel so special as she is a very special lady to us. Just wish I could have joined in fun too I would have loved that, sounded great. You actually make me feel really emotional on how kind you’ve have been. You’ve put a right little spring in her step (and walker ha).
I just needed to stress how not just me, our whole family appreciate your time and effort in making her feel so comfortable because the reality is you don’t have to, you could go and do your job and leave and not give it a second thought really as I’m sure a ot of people do. So it just means so much that you care, but not because you have to but because you actually genuinely do and THAT is the difference!! We wanted her up here with us whilst it was going on, but she’s still so independent that she wanted to be at home and do her own thing and so she should but now were happy she’s happy.
Everyone should know what a fantastic job you are doing!! Especially when they are your grandma or older relatives you want everyone to treat them like you would, with love and care and that is exactly what you are doing!! So keep up the good work.
Ooh and I think she’s quite excited about the reiki too although I do not think she’ll ever pronounce it correct!
Again thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!!!”
Caroline