Nordis points the way to supported employment

24/10/2022 | CHRIS AMES

Signage design and manufacturing company Nordis Signs has celebrated 50 years of providing meaningful employment to local people with disabilities.

The vast majority (85%) of the Northampton-based company’s employees are registered disabled or have a long-term health condition, such as hearing or visual impairments, mobility conditions and learning disabilities.

The business, which is part of Kier, celebrated the golden anniversary with its employees at its Lodge Farm Industrial Estate factory, whose car park was transformed to feature a marquee and stage, where a brass band played and tributes were shared by employees and their family members.

It was also highly commended in the Team of the Year Category at last week's Highways Awards.

Sign maker John Gardiner shows handiwork to attendees at the event

Kier said Nordis is thriving - providing design and manufacturing services to a wide range of sectors that include local government, education, health and leisure – and that it adds around £3m of social value to the region every year.

Administrator Nathan Hubbard: ‘I have had such great support since joining Nordis. I’ve never felt like a burden – or stood out as someone unusual, due to the variety of physical and mental challenges faced by fellow employees.

‘I feel supported and not coddled at Nordis – which has allowed me to build my confidence, gain a more active social life and the ability to travel on my own. These are things I wasn’t comfortable with before.’

Lady Susan Masham, who originally opened the factory in 1972, shared a video message and recalled how Nordis was one of the first companies to embrace the disabled community in the area,.

Councillors Graham Lawman and Lora Lawman from North Northamptonshire Council and Phil Larratt of West Northamptonshire Council joined Kier Highways Group managing director Joe Incutti at the celebration.

Cllr Lawman, who is Highways portfolio holder at North Northamptonshire, said: ‘Nordis is a remarkable success story, and I was honoured and delighted to be able to be part of the celebration of 50 glorious years.

‘The work they produce is noticed by every road user and is of the highest quality. We must recognise the investment Kier has input and the social and community commitment it has made – they have been a hidden gem for too long.

'I am really pleased that, through our new highways contract, we are going to be able to support them for at least another seven years.’

General manager John Coombes said: ‘It’s great to see colleagues, customers and friends come together to celebrate Nordis - which has a special place in the heart of Kier and the community.’

Highways InProfile

latest magazine issue
Highways jobs

Senior Development Management Engineer

£37,938 - £44,711
In line with our One Coventry Values, we want to ensure that our communities are represented across our workforce Coventry, West Midlands
Recruiter: Coventry City Council

Senior Engineer (Consultancy)

£43,693 - £50,788 
In line with our One Coventry Values, we want to ensure that our communities are represented across our workforce Coventry, West Midlands
Recruiter: Coventry City Council

Carbon and Net Zero Manager

£47,754 - £50,788
To lead and manage the carbon strategy for the Agent by developing a programme South Wales
Recruiter: South Wales Trunk Road Agent

Highways Engagement Officer - WMF1977e

£33,366 - £34,314
The role will provide specialist support within the Highways service Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Trunk Road Services – Senior Supervisor

Grade 9
South Wales Trunk Road Agent
Recruiter: South Wales Trunk Road Agent

Horticultural Operative

£25390.0000 - £26203.0000 per annum
Essex County Council (ECC) are delighted to be supporting Braintree Council to recruit a Horticultural Operative.To apply please click here
Recruiter: Essex County Council

Highway Asset Maintenance Assistant Engineer (CDC)

Grade 8, £32,662 - £36,239 (Pay award pending)
The City of Doncaster Council is a confident, ambitious organisation Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recruiter: City Of Doncaster Council

Engineer, Highways Asset Maintenance CDC

Grade 9, £38,653 - £42,728 (Pay award pending)
The City of Doncaster Council is a confident, ambitious organisation which puts improving the life of its residents at the centre of everything we do. Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recruiter: City Of Doncaster Council

Street Cleansing Team Leader

£31,067.00 - £33,366.00, Grade 7, 37 hours, Permanent
An opportunity exists in the Council’s Street Scene Services for a Street Cleansing Team Leader Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recruiter: Wakefield Council

Traffic Engineering Officer

£36,124 to £37,938 per annum
An exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and passionate Traffic Engineering Officer Rutland
Recruiter: Rutland County Council

Highways Engineer

£36,124 to £37,938 per annum
An exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and passionate Highways Engineer Rutland
Recruiter: Rutland County Council

Civil Enforcement Officers

£25,183- £26,409 plus weekend allowance
We’re looking for Civil Enforcement officers to join our parking services team. North Yorkshire
Recruiter: North Yorkshire Council

Asset Development Manager

£44,111 per annum (pay award pending)
Do you want to work for an organisation that values you as an individual? West Yorkshire
Recruiter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Career Grade Transport Planner (Carer Grade 6-8)

Grade 06 (£29,093 - £32,654) TO Grade 08 (£37,938 - £41,511)
This is a fantastic opportunity to work for a forward thinking and dynamic transport authority located in the heart of the North West Warrington, Cheshire
Recruiter: Warrington Borough Council

Principal Transport Planner

GRADE 10 (£47,754 - £50,787)
This is a fantastic opportunity to work for a forward thinking and dynamic transport authority located in the heart of the North West. Warrington, Cheshire
Recruiter: Warrington Borough Council

Senior Technician - Highways Inspections

Grade 10 £34,324 - £37,529 per annum
This is an exciting time to join one of the country’s leading public sector in-house Highways Services Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Senior Technician - Asset Management

Grade 10 £34,324 - £37,529 per annum
The position provides an exciting opportunity to develop how all highway assets are managed in the future Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Road and Street Works Co-ordinator Engineer

Grade 11 £39,513 to £43,693 per annum
This is an exciting opportunity to join our Highway Network Management Section as a Road & Street Works Co-ordinator Engineer.   The efficient co-ordi Durham
Recruiter: Durham County Council

Group Manager for Highway Contracts and Service Development

£59,537 progressing to £66,642
This role’s purpose is to manage the suite of highway contracts and continue to develop and improve the Highways Service in all senses Hertfordshire
Recruiter: Hertfordshire County Council

Senior Development Management Engineer

£37,938 - £44,711
This is an excellent opportunity to join a team of Highway Development Officers delivering high-quality development across Coventry. coventry
Recruiter: Coventry City Council
SUBSCRIBE NOW

Latest Video

Subscribe to Highways today to ensure you keep your finger on the pulse of everything happening in the UK road network throughout the year.

SUBSCRIBE NOW