A FORMER apprentice aims to use his experience of building a career to strengthen a construction firm after taking on a senior role.

Paul Hammerton is the new managing director at Walter Thompson, in Northallerton, North Yorkshire.

Mr Hammerton started as an apprentice joiner in 1986, and says he will employ his decades of knowledge to push forward the company, which employs more than 200 people.

The former Northallerton Grammar School pupil also says his familiarity with the business’ various divisions will allow him to excel in his role.

He has held various jobs in his near 30 years of service, including trainee site supervisor, site manager and senior project manager, and was made a director in 2007 to oversee all construction projects and operations.

He said: “I can understand the problems and the challenges of so many different roles because I’ve been there and done them.

“My long history gives me an insight into the work everyone does; I know everyone and respect them, and I think they respect me too.

“Our core values are at the heart of everything we do - quality and excellent project delivery.

“Everyone who joins learns the Walter Thompson way, which is the right way to get the job done safely, on time and on budget.

“It’s very much a family firm and our turnover of staff is very low because we look after our people and develop them.

“We also try to promote from within, and are one of the few employers who still offer trade apprenticeships for operatives and professional staff.”

The former apprentice, who studied at Darlington College and picked up a number of industry awards, added he was looking forward to building on Thompson’s £20m-plus turnover, particularly as the sector shows signs of recovery.

He said: “A few key markets are looking stronger, but we never forget you’re only as good as your last job.

“When I started, we didn’t go much further than York, Leeds or Middlesbrough, but we now work much further afield with projects from Kielder to Doncaster, and from Scarborough across to Lancashire.

“We’re a family company that’s been around since 1920.

“The name and the business will survive long after I’ve gone, so we’ll keep growing steadily, providing jobs and livelihoods.”

Mr Hammerton, who was previously construction and operations director, took over in his new role from Keith Caygill, who has taken up a post as non-executive director to the FT Construction Group, which Walter Thompson is part of.