There is much to be proud of as we sign off on another year, but the challenging economic environment we have all faced during the last 12 months makes those achievements from the whole team even more special.
The year started and ended with work commencing – and now finishing – on our £1.5 million extension at Stockton House. This will create a proud home for years to come, and an environment for all staff to thrive. We are excited to officially unveil it to you all in the New Year.
Throughout all that we do, it is always important to have one eye on the future, and bringing together eleven members of the Wigley family – alongside the Board of Directors – for our first ever AGM in November was an important milestone.
Not only did this provide a chance to reflect on the hard work of the team over the past year and look ahead to the next, but it also created a new structure for generations of shareholders to come – something that is vital for the company’s longevity and succession.
We have also been thankful to grow the knowledge and capacity within the team at all levels this year, too, be it through expanding our Board of Directors, to providing opportunities to young people with another appointment through our successful Apprenticeship scheme.
Our Wigley Community Fund has also continued to share a slice of £10,000 to local good causes, while the return of events saw our first Wigley Property Raceday held in May, and our first Golf Day & Gala Dinner for three years follow in July. There is a tremendous amount of work that goes into these initiatives which I really want to acknowledge, especially in the context of the difficult hurdles we have faced this year.
Elsewhere we’ve progressed plans for three industrial schemes, hit the halfway point in an exciting revamp at Newmarket’s July Course, and continued to grow our portfolio. In a world of complete uncertainty, we continue to drive forward and adapt.
None of the above is possible without the steadfast support and output of the whole team, and I cannot be more thankful for their outstanding efforts.
We’ve all earned a break over the Christmas period to spend time with our families and loved ones, recharge the batteries, and go again next year.
To our staff, clients, partners, and supply chains, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
- James Davies, Chief Executive Officer