Steve Willis Training plans to expand in Mid Sussex
Q&A with Steve Willis, managing director
With exciting plans to expand into additional space in Mid Sussex, the future is looking bright for Steve Willis Training.
The business has two sites, one on The Sheddingdean Industrial Estate, in Marchants Way, Burgess Hill and another in Portchester, Hampshire.
The business specialises in providing training for the building engineering services sector, delivering short courses to plumbers, gas engineers and electricians. It also offers apprenticeships in Level 3 Gas Operative, Heating, and Renewables Engineer pathway, as well as the Level 3 Installation and Maintenance Electrician pathway.
Steve Willis Training also recently started offering courses in Air Source Heat Pump Installation and Air Source Heat Pump Design. Additionally, it is working to offer courses in Ground Source Heat Pump installation and training in Solar PV and Battery Storage.
We caught up with the managing director Steve Willis about what makes Mid Sussex a great place to live, work and to run a business.
What made Steve Willis Training decide to base the business in Mid Sussex?
I started the business in 2000, so our 24th anniversary is fast approaching. When I set up Steve Willis Training, I was looking to service a catchment area from Brighton to Crawley, so geographically Burgess Hill was the perfect location.
Tell us about your business’ journey of growth since you set up in Mid Sussex?
When Steve Willis Training started, we were initially only delivering short courses, mostly to gas engineers as they need to be assessed every five years to stay on the mandatory gas register. Back then it was called CORGI Registration and now it’s the Gas Safe Register.
Then in 2004, we started delivering apprenticeships. We started with a single group of just ten apprentices in 2004 and we now recruit around 120 apprentices a year into our Burgess Hill centre.
What has your experience been like of Mid Sussex?
We really enjoy being based in Mid Sussex. It has such a great community feel to it. We also have a fantastic relationship with both Burgess Hill Town Council and Mid Sussex District Council, which have both been so supportive.
How many people do you employ?
When the business started, we employed two full time staff and now we have more than 50 staff spread across both our sites.
What makes your business special?
Steve Willis Training has an excellent reputation in the building engineering services sector. It’s one of only a few centres in the country to offer selected specialist gas assessment categories.
The fantastic links we have with employers has given us a great opportunity to provide school leavers and those seeking employment with work placement and apprenticeship opportunities.
Are there any exciting future plans for the business you could share with us?
Well, we are looking to expand the business so we’re currently searching for more space in Mid Sussex.
We have recently started running heat pump courses and we’re now accredited for both air source and ground source heat pump training.
We’re looking to expand our apprenticeship offering to more renewables pathways, with the addition of offering Solar PV and Battery Storage training.
What do you think makes Mid Sussex a great place to base a business and what are the advantages of being based in Mid Sussex?
Mid Sussex has so many advantages for businesses. It has wonderful community spirit, especially with the Burgess Hill Business Park Association (BHBPA), which builds a collaborative, supportive and informative network.
The close ties to local councils help businesses to stay informed and have a hand in shaping the region’s future.
Mid Sussex is a strategic location with easy access to road and rail networks, as well as London Gatwick which makes it incredibly accessible. It really is a key location for any business which wants regional or national reach.
What’s special about Mid Sussex?
Mid Sussex has so much natural beauty and fantastic outdoor spaces, which contribute to an enhanced quality of life and makes it an attractive place to live and work.
What has it been like to work with Mid Sussex District Council and how have they supported you?
We had to obtain planning permission for our Mid Sussex sites, and these were all approved which was great news for the business.
We also appreciated Mid Sussex District Council’s support and interest in our apprenticeships, as well as our plans for future growth and development in renewables.
What makes Mid Sussex a great place to work and invest?
Mid Sussex offers a supportive community, great transport links, high living standards and a beautiful environment, making it an excellent place to work and invest.
With a population of 152,566 (census 2021) and a growing workforce of 93,700 within the prime working age group, businesses which decide to operate here will benefit from a diverse and skilled workforce.
What’s your perception of Mid Sussex’s potential to grow in the future?
With a growing population and a strong emphasis on sustainable development, I think Mid Sussex will definitely continue on its current trajectory of economic growth and prosperity.
I think its fantastic transport networks will put us in pole position for attracting new businesses and investment.
Anything else to add?
Mid Sussex is truly committed to sustainability and looking after the environment.
As businesses and communities increasingly prioritise sustainability, Mid Sussex stands out for its efforts in promoting eco-friendly practices and initiatives.
Whether through green infrastructure projects, renewable energy investments, or sustainable development practices, the region has a proactive approach to preserving its natural resources and reducing its environmental impact.
As well as being the right thing to do for our planet, it also makes the area even more attractive as a place to live and work.