16th March 2026

Investing in people: Shawn Clark reflects on leadership, learning and 23 years with Esh

Our People

For Shawn Clark, progression has never been about chasing titles – it’s been about earning trust, backing his people and doing the job right. Now a Senior Contracts Manager, Shawn is approaching 23 years with Esh Group, a journey that began with his trade, grew through supervising refurbishment schemes across the North East, and continues today as he helps drive and deliver multiple projects with social housing clients.

Shawn started his career as an apprentice joiner with South Tyneside Council, serving his time and building the practical foundations that would shape his future career path. “I’m a joiner by trade – fully qualified through the council,” he said.

Joining Esh in 2003 after being recommended for a maintenance role supporting housing works, his first job involved joinery repairs and decorating programmes – practical, fast-paced work that demanded quality and consistency.

“It was one of those opportunities where you either take it and run with it, or you don’t,” Shawn explained. “I came in, worked hard, and things just progressed from there.”

That early period soon developed into a bigger responsibility: delivering void refurbishments – empty properties that needed significant repairs and a full turnaround before they could be handed back to the client. Shawn worked with a team of 10, coordinating multiple crews across a wide geographic patch, extending from Berwick in the North, down to Darlington.

He said: “I went from being a joiner to a working foreman and supervisor with my own squad. I gained trust and they left us to it. You learn a lot when you’re responsible for people, quality, and the client relationship all at the same time.”

After several years supervising refurbishment teams across social housing, Shawn stepped up into site management, a move he admits came with a learning curve. “I was a good working supervisor, but you’re never fully ‘ready’ for the jump,” he said. “I weighed it up and took it on – and every day you keep learning.”

As Shawn progressed into senior roles, his understanding of the commercial side of the business deepened. “When you move up, your eyes really open to the financial side,” he said. “You start noticing the things that don’t always seem big day‑to‑day, but over a year they add up.”

As a site manager, Shawn’s reputation for reliability and client service followed him. He delivered a wide range of schemes, from large-scale housing improvement programmes in partnership with South Tyneside Council, to complex refurbishments and building conversions across the region, through contracts with Gentoo and Thirteen Group.

In 2021, Shawn was promoted to Contracts Manager, and 18 months ago, he stepped up again to Senior Contracts Manager. Today, he oversees a large operational team of around 45 operatives, alongside site managers and supervisors – balancing programme, client needs, commercial awareness and, above all, safety.

“When a client keeps asking for you back, that’s the biggest compliment,” Shawn added. “I’ve always tried to keep relationships strong and deliver what we say we’ll deliver.”

While Shawn knows hard work has been a driver of his own development, he puts down a lot of his success to the management team above him, particularly long-serving colleague Colin Ford. “I’ve learned a hell of a lot from Colin over the years,” he said. “He gave me opportunities and he’s been a great mentor – I’m really grateful for that.”

Shawn has paid that trust back through the years though, bringing through a trusted team of supervisors and site managers from his early days in the industry. “Out of the five site managers I’ve got, most have been brought through from trades,” he said. “That’s what I like – spotting talent, backing people and helping them progress.”

Esh’s investment in training has played a major role in Shawn’s progression too. Over the years he has completed a wide range of qualifications and courses, including NVQ Level 6 in Site Management, Institution of Occupational Safety and Health and Site Management Safety Training Scheme. He has also developed specialist expertise in fire safety and is currently the business’ only approved fire door installer, able to sign off installations as part of Esh’s compliance approach.

“Whatever courses I’ve ever wanted or gone for, Esh have never held back,” he said. “They’ve supported me all the way.”

Looking ahead, Shawn is excited by the next chapter – continuing to build strong client partnerships and helping shape the future of the team. He’s also clear in the advice he gives to anyone starting out.

“Don’t be scared – take the opportunity,” he said. “You only get out of life what you put in. Put the graft in, keep learning, and remember Rome wasn’t built in a day.”

After more than two decades with Esh, Shawn’s pride in the business – and the people around him – is clear. He said: “I can see a future here, and I’ve always had the support. When you work with people you respect and you enjoy the team around you, that matters.”