Our People
At Dewhurst Group, we strive to foster an environment where people feel engaged, empowered, motivated, and fulfilled. In support of this, we have implemented a global HR system across all companies to reinforce our Group mission, vision, and values. This key initiative enhances our ability to communicate, engage, and collaborate with our people worldwide. It also provides valuable data insights, such as employee turnover and diversity trends, enabling us to identify and address areas for development.
After evaluating eight potential systems, PeopleHR was selected for its ability to cover key HR areas including HR Planning, Recruitment & Selection, Safety & Wellbeing, Employee Engagement, Rewards & Recognition, Careers & Capability, and Compliance. Additional features streamline HR processes and enhance employee engagement.
The system provides all employees with a secure self-service platform, accessible via PC or mobile app, allowing them to manage personal data, leave, absences, documents, and access company policies, news, and updates.
Implementation is structured into three phases: global rollout, data validation, and automation of key HR functions. With phase 1 now complete, Group HR has moved to phases 2 and 3, targeting completion in 2025. This includes reviewing and automating processes to ensure they are efficient, future-ready, and supportive of growth. These changes will enable HR teams to shift focus from administrative tasks to proactive initiatives, empowering staff through self-service functionality.
In 2024, Group HR completed employment law training, leading to updates in UK policies. Ongoing annual training will ensure compliance with evolving legislation.
Employee turnover for 2024 stands at 11%, down from 13% in 2023 and below our target of 15%. Our second global employee survey is underway, building on progress made and guiding future actions.
Walk for Water Challenge 2025
In June 2025, Dewhurst Group employees from across the globe united for our latest Group-wide initiative — the Walk for Water Challenge, proudly supporting WaterAid.
Between the 5th and 15th June, nearly 200 employees across 50 teams took part, aiming to walk or run a collective 32 million steps to raise funds and awareness for the millions of people without access to clean water.
Coinciding with World Environment Day, this challenge brought sustainability and wellbeing into sharp focus, while also shining a light on the power of collective effort.
Support & Sustenance — From pre-dawn walks to post-work runs, our teams were fuelled by a strong sense of purpose — and plenty of snacks, encouragement, and camaraderie. Whether supporting each other in person or virtually, colleagues across the Group offered motivation, shared tips, and celebrated daily milestones.
Global Unity — Despite being spread across different time zones and continents, the Dewhurst Group came together as one. From the UK and North America to Australia and beyond, every business played its part in walking for a shared goal. This year’s challenge once again demonstrated our global unity, with stories and step counts pouring in from cities, towns, and remote trails around the world.
Incredible Achivement — By the end of the 11-day challenge, we collectively walked the equivalent of almost 10,000 miles — and raised £7,500 for WaterAid. This donation will help provide clean water, sanitation, and hygiene support to communities most in need, particularly those affected by water-related disasters and displacement.
The determination, energy, and positivity shown across all our teams made this challenge a true highlight of the year — and an incredible achievement that will have a lasting impact.
Group-wide Impact — Our heartfelt thanks go to everyone who took part from across the Group: Dewhurst Ltd, Traffic Management Products Ltd, A&A Electrical Ltd, Dupar Controls Inc., Elevator Research and Manufacturing Corp., Dual, P&R Liftcars, Lift Material, Australian Lift Components.
Together, we walked with purpose, pushed boundaries, and made a difference — one step at a time.
While the figures may seem disappointing, this expanded scope allows for a more accurate baseline and presents an opportunity to proactively address risks. Measures are being implemented after each incident to reduce the likelihood of recurrence and drive continuous improvement across the Group.
As part of our commitment to sustainability and employee wellbeing, we are pleased to announce that A&A has achieved ISO 45001 certification. This milestone reinforces our dedication to reducing workplace risks, improving productivity, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement in health and safety practices.
All Health & Safety incidents are now reviewed in local board meetings and subsequently reported at Group Board level. By embedding robust reporting and governance structures, we aim to build a safer and healthier work environment for all.
We are committed to diversity in gender, culture, and competence, recognising its value in enriching our workplace and achieving our goals. With 26 nationalities represented, women hold key roles, including one board seat, leadership in three of twelve subsidiaries, and 31% of our global workforce.
Our aim is to further promote women to senior positions across the Group.
We are committed to supporting our people’s wellbeing by raising awareness of key issues and providing access to valuable resources.
In our Group newsletter, The Pulse, the regular Headspace feature has covered topics like menopause and anxiety, providing support and understanding to all team members effected.
We have made sure to roll out continuous mental health training in 2024 around the Group as well as increased awareness amongst staff, through company communications and our mental health first aiders.
This year we implemented a system allowing employees to have access to a 24-hour advice and information line where they can receive counselling, legal information and information on health issues. There is also an app available that can help employees track their mood, access breathing exercises and gain access to CBT. Information about this support is displayed on company noticeboards.
On various fundraising days, Dewhurst Group locations have united to raise awareness and funds for important causes, including local autism centres and nursing programs. For Breast Cancer Awareness “Wear it Pink” Day, teams across the group showed their support by wearing pink and participating in creative fundraising activities.
Additionally, we host several Christmas fundraisers such as our Christmas Jumper Day that helped raise money for Save the Children, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to supporting communities and meaningful causes.
In 2025, we are enhancing our induction process alongside the implementation of PeopleHR. Every new joiner will receive comprehensive training covering the company, our mission, vision, values, Health and Safety, and sustainability. PeopleHR offers a centralized online platform for training, ensuring consistency and full global visibility of completed courses.
We have also made sure that managers are encouraged to engage in open and ongoing conversations with their teams about skills and knowledge gaps.
Our goal is to foster a culture of internal development, retaining organizational expertise and minimising the need for external recruitment.
