Page 15 - Sphere No.27 (Sep 2010)

Surprisingly, perhaps, HWL is not a name that is widely
known outside the UK business community, even though the
company has something like GBP17 billion invested in the
country in companies that include Superdrug, the Perfume
Shop, Cambridge Water Company and the Port of Felixstowe.
Corporate dynamism
Most of the businesses were already established when Hong
Kong-headquartered HWL embarked on its UK buying spree
more than two decades ago, and there was little point in
changing names, or established structures, for change’s sake.
But as anyone who works for the company will attest, the
dynamism that Hong Kong is renowned for has become a key
part of the culture.
In some areas, notably 3, which leads the way in 3G mobile
technology, the expansion of its mobile broadband network has
been phenomenal. Hutchison Port Holdings (HPH) operations
are also thriving, with major expansion work in its UK ports
which include London Thamesport and Harwich International
Port.
Mega projects such as these are balanced with smaller-scale
initiatives intended to benefit the community. One of the key
projects at the port-based operations is a school liaison
programme, whereby local schools are given
support and assistance in delivering new
facilities and initiatives.
Both the Felixstowe and
Harwich ports are major
employers in their immediate areas, so HPH-initiated schemes
there, together with a similar scheme at London Thamesport,
allow children to learn how docks work, and the role they play
in creating jobs and generating wealth.
The schools work experience project at Felixstowe is run
by Duncan Russell, Staff Training Manager, Education and
Development. He sees it as a vital bridge between the commu-
nity and the port; teenage children vie to join the scheme that
allows them to see the inner workings of the vast operation.
“We believe that we should be supporting schools, particu-
larly by showing them the careers that are available for young
people,” said Mr Russell. “It is not a recruitment programme
– although some do end up working with us. It is a chance to
help them decide what kind of career to pursue in future.”
Mr Russell said outsiders are often surprised to find out how
much advanced technology has been incorporated into the
ship loading process. “For example, we have the biggest cranes
in the world now,” he said, “and operators need to learn the
technology incorporated into those. It is an exciting industry to
be in.”
More than 2,500 people work at the port, with keen compe-
tition for jobs. Recently, an advertisement for 15 new drivers’
jobs attracted a staggering 300 applicants in less than 24 hours.
That figure partly reflects the employment situation in the UK
– but also demonstrates emphatically that HPH is considered
an attractive place to work.
“HPH is known as a company that looks after
its employees,” said Mr Russell.