Camaraderie is key in the workplace

We are really enjoying telling stories about the KWL team. Everyone has a fascinating one to tell about their life but the one thing that brings it all together is the fact that our employees really enjoy their work, the camaraderie and the sense of pride to be a part of our brand.

Mike is one of our Gas Supervisors, overseeing a team of gas technicians, managing the works and ensuring everyone is safe.

He has worked at KWL for 7 years and at the tender age of 48, has had a very lively career so far. He explains:

“When I first left school I went straight into the fishing industry; onboard a ship, gutting and filleting fish but after a few years I decided I wanted to a job closer to shore. However, the skills I’d learned didn’t really transfer into other jobs so I took a temporary job at Leonardo’s in Princes Quay serving ice-cream, cleaning and serving food. By chance, one day I got into a conversation with a customer about being able to operate a specific type of printer and was offered a job interview to work with disabled adults in employment skills.”

“I loved this job, it was so rewarding helping people to achieve what they wanted in life. We did all sorts of amazing trips and adventures – the Paralympics being one.”

“But my calling from school-age had been a Royal Engineer in the Armed Forces, so I made the decision to follow my dream and got in. First I was stationed around the UK before going to support projects in The Falklands Islands for my first tour. I also went on tours to Belize, Iraq (twice), Kuwait, Canada, Saudi Arabia and was employed as a weapons and survival instructor, recruiting for the British Army.”

“Many people don’t realise that being in The Army isn’t all about combat. We actually support a variety of projects around the world – one job in The Falkland Islands involved world scientists. We had to keep the airfield and runway clear for the many people involved as they came and went – at the time we just about survived on a diet of Blue Ribbon biscuits!”

“In the evening we walked around the island to check out local wildlife; giant elephant seals, sea-lions, penguins and eagles. Not exactly what you’d come across on a night out in the UK.”

“Life in The Army is amazing – the friendship bonds are so strong as we all rely on each other to stay safe and in some cases to stay alive, but this team training has worked well for me at KWL.”

Mike retired from The Army and came back to live in Hull, settling down with his family. Two sons, both of whom served in the Forces and his wife who works for the NHS supporting patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This is the reason Mike is passionate and proud of everyone involved in working on the front line at KWL. He adds:

“When the realisation hit about the very real dangers of COVID-19, many of our workers were really concerned, some were frightened as they had babies on the way and my own wife is a perfect example of someone who needed to be protected from the virus, so she could continue to care for patients.”

“The new ways of working were a shock to every organisation but KWL quickly got to grips with it – training and providing excellent PPE for every member of staff.”

“The majority of our work in the gas section is dealing with customer emergencies. This might be a gas leak, no heating or hot water, carbon monoxide. All situations that pose immediate and real danger.”

“The response from our lads was to pull together, get prepped and get out there – making up to 6 calls a day. Each time deep cleaning, stripping down, decontaminating equipment and replacing PPE.”

“I’ve said to all our lads that when we clapped for the NHS on a Thursday night, we were also clapping for them – they were on the front line too.”

“Everyone feels like we are the management team’s main priority. Friends who work for other companies were showing their bosses that KWL was getting the safety precautions right.”

“When I left the Military my biggest worry was job security and for me, working at KWL feels secure. We have clear lines of communication keeping the flow of information throughout the business. This includes benchmarking firms working for other Councils. We get the feedback and know that KWL is doing really well, we’re in a good place.”