Award-winning Shropshire business Fowler & Gilbert has been recognised as a Cornerstone Employer by the Marches Careers Hub, further strengthening its commitment to supporting young people and developing the future workforce across the region.
The appointment reflects Fowler & Gilbert’s dedication to championing careers education and strengthening links between local employers and schools. As a Cornerstone Employer, the company will work alongside educators, careers leaders and fellow businesses to help young people gain valuable insights into the world of work and the opportunities available within construction, manufacturing and the wider rural economy.
Founded by Managing Director Lee Gilbert, Fowler & Gilbert has grown into one of the region’s leading providers of steel-framed buildings, serving agricultural, commercial and industrial sectors across the UK. Throughout its growth, the business has remained committed to investing in local talent and creating long-term career opportunities.
The appointment comes during a landmark year for the company, which was recently honoured with the King’s Award for Enterprise in Promoting Opportunity, one of the most prestigious business awards in the UK, recognising organisations that create social mobility and employment opportunities. Fowler & Gilbert has also been named Shropshire Chamber Business Awards Company of the Year, reflecting its continued growth, innovation and contribution to the regional economy.
Lee Gilbert said:
“We’re incredibly proud to become a Cornerstone Employer with the Marches Careers Hub. As employers, we have a responsibility to help young people understand the range of careers available to them and the skills that businesses need for the future.
Construction and manufacturing offer rewarding, varied and progressive career paths, but many young people don’t always get the chance to see what’s possible. We hope that by working closely with schools and colleges, we can help inspire the next generation and support them in making informed decisions about their future.”
The partnership has been led within Fowler & Gilbert by Tony Sproston, whose work has helped establish the company’s involvement with the Cornerstone Employer programme.
Lee added:
“I’d like to personally thank Tony for pulling this together on behalf of Fowler & Gilbert. His enthusiasm for supporting people and promoting careers within our industry has been instrumental in making this happen.
We’d also like to thank Lucy and the team at the
for their support and for the fantastic work they do connecting businesses with schools, colleges and young people across the region.”
The Cornerstone Employer programme brings together influential local businesses committed to improving careers education and helping young people develop the skills, confidence and knowledge needed to succeed in the workplace.
For Fowler & Gilbert, the role aligns closely with the company’s wider commitment to supporting local communities, investing in skills development and encouraging young people to explore opportunities within the sectors that play a vital role in the region’s economy.
As a recipient of the King’s Award for Enterprise in Promoting Opportunity and the Shropshire Chamber Company of the Year award, Fowler & Gilbert believes that creating opportunities for young people is not just good for business but essential for the long-term success of the region.
