George Sharkey started as a sole trader of Joinery Services in 1969. Both sons, Scott and Stephen joined the company in the early eighties where they worked their way up through the ranks starting as apprentice joiners.
In 1998, they became joint-Managing Directors and rapidly expanded the Company. They have now split their joint roles, with Scott operating as CEO and Stephen as Group Managing Director with the support of the experienced and dynamic management team.
Sharkey has grown significantly over its 40 year history to become a leading specialist in interior fit out and refurbishment. The Group directly employs in excess of 200 professionals carrying out more than £50 million worth of projects throughout the UK and in some cases, Europe.
The background of the management team is no different to that of the workforce as a whole. Core skills have been developed internally, with achievement being recognised and rewarded as we focus on retaining and promoting from within.
The team has been complimented over recent years by recruiting staff with additional skills and experience to allow continuous improvement to the company in all areas of the business.
40 YEARS IN BUSINESS – AN INTERVIEW
WITH GEORGE SHARKEY
The following interview was conducted by Gregor Moffat of Sharkey Business Development and the founder of Sharkey, George Sharkey.
Gregor: Forty years ago did you ever imagine that Sharkey would become the success it is today?
George: No I did not. It was extremely hard work to grow the business in the early years but I managed to grow it steadily until I retired in 1998. I’m even more impressed about how Sharkey has grown over the last 11 years and how the management and staff have taken the business to another level.
Gregor: Back in the 60’s was it an easy decision for you to start up on your own?
George: It certainly was not. Frankly it was a life changing decision. To be honest my wife’s priority at that time was to get a home for the family, my logic was that by starting up would give us that chance.
Gregor: What were some of the biggest challenges that you faced in the early days?
George: Like most business, where and how to find work was the first issue, doing the work was fairly straightforward as I knew what to do. Getting paid was the next most difficult thing. And having to rely on others brought its complications. My next biggest challenge was trying to keep the family culture as the business grew.
Gregor: Your sons, Stephen and Scott are still running the business today. Did you always plan for your sons to follow in your footsteps?
George: I encouraged my sons to stick in at school as I knew how tough this industry was. Stephen did stay on at school and spent several years working with other organisations out with construction. Scott was particularly eager to join the business and he did so at 15 years of age. Since taking over the reigns, they’ve expanded Sharkey into what is now a national property group offering interior fit out & refurbishment, bespoke manufacture and flooring, as well as electrical & data installations and serviced offices.
Gregor: Over the years the company has delivered countless successful projects. Are there accomplishments that you have particularly fond memories of?
George: There are so many great projects to choose from but a significant project that has helped without doubt was my first ever project with the Bank of Scotland in George Street, Edinburgh. At the time it was the largest project I had ever undertaken and it pushed back what were boundaries for us at that point. Now when I see the company working within the Education, Health & Leisure sectors, it becomes apparent how widespread the business has gone. I believe we’re currently working on projects within 5 varied business sectors, which is fantastic.
Gregor: Are you confident that Sharkey will continue to deliver quality during this recession as it has done in the past?
George: : Absolutely. Sharkey is all about quality, I think the company now describe it as affordable quality. The company has always managed to adapt itself to suit the demands of the market and now is no different during these difficult times. Sharkey will never fail on quality regardless of the size or complexity of a project, that’s always been our guarantee.
Gregor: How are you enjoying your well earned retirement?
George: If I were being honest it is very difficult to let go. It’s hard to step back from something that you spent so many years creating but it is a comfort to see how hard the boys and everyone else are working and I will always have a keen interest in the business. I appreciate how much things have changed and how difficult our industry can be, at certain times it gives me great pleasure to be retired, especially as I get so much time to spend time with my wife and grandchildren.
Gregor: Sharkey are still going strong after 40 years what are your hopes for the company over the next 40 years?
George: My hopes match those of the company’s current vision which is to sustain a legacy for generations to come. It gives me great pleasure to see not only second and third generation Sharkey family members working within the business, but also many second and third generation members of staff as well.
As Directors, our primary objective is to ensure our project delivery is at the highest possible quality with programme certainty and at a profit level that allows business critical reinvestment in our organisation.
We are proud of our track record in our Project Management and Health & Safety which sets Sharkey ahead of our competitors in service offering.
You will be refreshed with our openness and mature approach to all aspects of our work.
Our operations are fully supported by experienced project, contracts and building services managers who have exemplary credentials in sector wide project delivery.
We look forward to an open and authentic discussion with you on our future business relationship
- Scott Sharkey – Group Chief Executive Officer
- Stephen Sharkey – Group Managing Director
- Angus MacLennan – Group Finance Director
- Billy Harrison – Managing Director
Our Team are very experienced dynamic individuals each a leader in their field of expertise.
They always deliver the core values and demonstrate their professionalism.
The background of the team is no different to that of the workforce as a whole. Core skills have been developed internally, with achievement being recognised and rewarded as we focus on retaining and promoting from within. The team has been complemented over recent years by recruiting staff with additional skills and experience to allow continuous improvement to the company in all functions.
The company continues to grow and improve because of the knowledge and experience of the staff throughout the company.
Much is written about CSR and Sustainability covering wide ranging issues which affect all aspects of our every day life.
At Sharkey CSR is inherent in our culture and work ethos.
As a family business operating as a major employer within our own local community it is essential that we conduct our business to take account of its economic, social and environmental impact.
We genuinely feel CSR links positively to business performance and success. Our business contribution should be good for society as a whole and returns benefit for our business in terms of brand association and with best practice in CSR. To Sharkey an investment in CSR and sustainability is an asset, which gives us a distinct market lead, imperative as we address our competitive interests and the interests of the wider society. Our belief is that our Clients recognise Sharkey’s commitment to CSR in all our work. We take CSR and sustainability seriously because it affects us all.
We have a number of initiatives that demonstrate our pledge to CSR and sustainable working.
These include:-
- Recycling policy implemented in our offices and manufacturing workshop. Recycling is carried out as a matter of course on all of our project sites.
- Use of sustainable timber
- Dignity and equality at work
- Support of local community and charities
- Employee child care schemes
- Customer service questionnaires
- Sharkey Academy
- Environmental Policy
- Health & Safety Policy
- Quality Policy
Our real and evidential application of corporate social responsibility and sustainability secures the future of our business. More importantly, it plays a part in securing the future of the people and environment that come into contact with Sharkey.
Implementation of our corporate responsibility and environmental policies has demonstrably minimised waste and driven efficiencies into our operational procedures. This allows us to maintain a competitive edge whilst retaining quality in the end product.
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