31 Jan 2025
31 Jan 2025
ESL Restructuring and Growth in 2024
In 2024, ESL underwent a major restructuring aimed at fortifying its future and optimizing operations. This year of change brought new leadership and exciting growth opportunities.
Executive Team Updates:
New Key Roles:
Personal Challenges and Team Resilience
During this period of change, Ciara Flynn received a diagnosis of Breast Cancer. Despite the personal challenges, Liz and the Executive team ensured that Ciara received the necessary support, while also ensuring the team’s continued success.
Though change brings challenges, the team consistently displayed dedication and perseverance, maintaining high service standards. This was particularly evident in ESL's continued partnership with four major utility providers, where we upheld our position as their preferred supplier.
Business Expansion & New Clients
ESL made a strategic leap into new business areas in 2024, onboarding numerous new clients. These clients were supported with a variety of services, including land acquisition and management. As a result:
Business Growth in Numbers
In 2024, we saw a 4% growth in business volume despite the challenges.
This growth has enabled us to:
Facing Challenges Together
Managing a business is never easy, especially when a key team member faces serious health challenges. However, the resilience and solidarity of the ESL team shone brightly throughout the year.
Reflections from Kirsty Kent & Charlie Dearden
Both Kirsty and Charlie reflect on their first year with ESL in the following words:
Kirsty Kent - Operations Director
"I knew 2024 was going to be a challenging year with me taking on my new role, but I hadn’t anticipated quite how much of a challenge it would be! The industry is ever-evolving, but it’s great to look back on the last year and see what we have achieved as a team. We've seen a large increase in water projects for 2024, providing the team with opportunities to expand their knowledge. We also worked on some significant projects, including a medical centre in Chelmsford, Eastleigh Rail depot, and a High School in Gateshead. One of the most exciting parts of the year was watching our team grow, both in size and strength. We welcomed new team members, who brought fresh perspectives and energy. I’m incredibly proud of the internal promotions this year as well. Watching team members step into new roles and thrive has been a highlight. One of the standout moments was the collective effort to raise money for Meningitis Now, with £2774 raised. I’m fortunate to work with a team that continually pushes the boundaries of what ESL can achieve. I’m excited to see where we can go next."
Charlie Dearden - Legal & Finance Director
"The last year has been a challenging year for me, taking on a new role with a new skill set during a big year of change for ESL. We’ve faced a number of challenges—both planned and unplanned—and, as a result, the business and I have had to be reactive to drive things forward. Looking ahead, we have some exciting new opportunities coming in that my team will be working on, along with continuing to develop their expertise in our regular work. I am inspired by how the team has confronted challenges and heavy demands, while still producing excellent service for our clients. As I continue to develop into my role, I look forward to helping my team and ESL achieve greater success."
A Year of Collective Achievement
2024 was a year of change, growth, and resilience for ESL. Despite personal and professional challenges, the team demonstrated remarkable dedication, ensuring exceptional service delivery and sustained growth. The future is bright, and we look forward to more success in the coming years.