The director of an Ipswich-based construction firm has looked back on the last two decades as he prepares to celebrate 20 years at the helm.

Simon Girling is the director of SEH French, which operates across East Anglia, alongside his colleague Paul Rodwell.

He joined SEH Ipswich aged 16 in 1989 before moving to SEH French in 1991 to avoid redundancy.  

Mr Girling, 50, said: "I was toying with the idea of being a holiday rep in Ibiza, but staying in Suffolk somehow beat sunny Spain when I decided to move to SEH French.

"Looking back, I definitely made the right decision."

After four years with the company, Mr Girling moved to Morrison Construction and Haymills, before returning to SEH French as a quantity surveyor in April 2000 and becoming director designate in January 2022.
Ipswich Star: Mr Girling is celebrating 20 years running the Ipswich firmMr Girling is celebrating 20 years running the Ipswich firm (Image: SEH French)

He became shareholding director of the firm on May 29, 2003.

Since joining the company in 1991, and during his time leading the firm, SEH French has experienced significant growth – with turnover hitting almost £22million in recent years.

Mr Girling, who is a quantity surveyor by trade, added: "In the early days we were operating out of a portacabin in Nedging Tye, with around 10 site-based staff.  

"Now, we’re located in a large office on Whitehouse Road in Ipswich with around 50 employees alongside our sister company Jackson.

"Over the years we’ve taken on and retained some great talent. Almost half of our employees have been promoted to their current positions. 

"They’ve been integral to the company’s growth over the years. We take great pride in our workforce and the projects we’re involved in, and continued growth definitely remains on the agenda.  

"While the size of the company may change, our quality and attention to detail will remain. We don’t believe in short cuts – if you do something right, the rest will follow."