Neil Weeks knows all about hard work.  Starting his career in the merchanting sector at just 16, Neil has over 30 years’ experience in the construction industry and today leads ARC Building Solutions, joining the business in 2018 as Managing Director.  Working for some of the UK’s leading businesses including Stewart Milne Timber Systems, Knauf Insulation and Hanson, Neil’s vast experience, seeing the industry from a range of perspectives and working in both technical and commercial roles, underpins his success today at ARC.

Neil shares his thoughts on his career and the opportunity for ARC today: “I’ve been tremendously lucky throughout my career to work with many talented people and in truth, much of my own management style is taken from some great role models.  Thinking back to my early career, I was given a great opportunity to be one of the first students in the UK to achieve an NVQ.  Back in the early 90s that style of vocational training was a real contrast to typical education, but as we know today, giving people the opportunity to learn and gain hands-on experience has enabled millions of people to achieve their full potential.  Fast forward to my career at ARC and one of the things that really stood out for me during the recruitment process was the strong people-culture and the high value placed on its loyal team.  With the appointment of Tanya Traill as HR & Training Manager in 2020, we’ve been able to really advance our skills and training programme and as a result, every colleague across the business is now actively engaged in upskilling activities.

“During my four years in the business we’ve gone through tremendous change and delivered significant growth – we’ve really stretched the business in a positive way and I am proud to work alongside a team of passionate, talented and committed colleagues.”

ARC Building Solutions has an enviable reputation as a business entirely focused on the development of products that enable clients to exceed fire safety standards in a wide range of building environments.  By investing in machinery, research and development and harnessing relationships with the UK’s leading developers and housebuilders, ARC is well placed to deliver a solid growth strategy over the coming years, as Neil explains: “Over the last couple of years we’ve built a really strong leadership team and by developing our people and investing in the training and development of the entire workforce, we are well on track to deliver real, sustainable growth.  Reflecting on the early part of my own career, by grabbing opportunities to further advance my education and vocational training, I’ve achieved many things of which I am tremendously proud.  Now, leading this great business and offering product solutions to the market that ultimately, protect people and property, is really the climax for my career.  We’ve kicked off this year in great shape and as we continue to grow our team, invest in talent for the future and further reinforce our R&D strategy, we will enhance our reputation as a first-class business.”