Lovell steps in to save three futures

It proved to be a case of Lovell to the rescue for three young men who suddenly found themselves facing an uncertain future after the collapse of their employer last year. Not only were they at risk of losing their jobs – their education was also under threat – until the housebuilding and regeneration specialist swooped in to save the day.

The trio – Joe Davis, an assistant quantity surveyor (QS) in Cannock; Karl Hofbauer, a QS working in Daventry; and Jack Edwards, a trainee QS, also working in Daventry – were working for Connaught, which collapsed towards the end of 2010. Not only were they working for the company they were also studying for their degrees in quantity surveying and commercial management.

Lovell took over a number of former Connaught contracts and employed many of its former employees. However it was a worrying time for the three young men, but by stepping in to save the day, Lovell has earned itself heaps of praise for coming to the rescue.

“I was very concerned when Connaught collapsed, worried that I wouldn't get another job due to the current economic climate, and I thought my degree would definitely have to be on hold,” said Hofbauer. “I am very happy with Lovell agreeing to continue supporting my degree and I am already looking to do my RICS qualification with Lovell’s support. There are surveyors where I’m working who have progressed from trainee to upper management. I just hope I can follow in a similar way. I now feel part of the Lovell team and am looking forward to progressing as part of Lovell.”

Davis added: “I feel welcomed and integrated into Lovell and am looking forward to gaining experience on different projects. The great thing is, I’m gaining experience whilst studying and the fees are paid by Lovell, avoiding a large debt when I’ve finished my degree. Once I have completed my degree, I would like to go on to achieve professional membership with RICS, which Lovell are also keen to support.”

At 21, Jack Edwards is the youngest of the trio. He has worked as a trainee QS since he left school at 18 and sees the degree as vital for the progress of his career. He added: “The experience I pick up on site helps me a lot with some key areas of my degree, which I’m about half-way through now. It’s still early days yet but I feel Lovell is a company in which I could really progress my career.”

Lovell is renowned for its commitment to training and developing its employees, boasting an average of more than five days training per employee per year compared to the industry standard of little more than one day. Employees with passion, enthusiasm and commitment will always receive the company’s backing, it says.

David Gough, regional director for Lovell Midlands, said: “We’re delighted to have Joe, Karl and Jack on the team. Having seen them at work since they joined us, we firmly believe that they will repay our investment in them by being highly effective members of the Lovell team for many years to come.”