Esh Group has become the first contractor to receive the SHINE ‘Advanced’ Award from the North East Combined Authority, recognising its commitment to fair work, employee wellbeing, and community impact across the region.
The SHINE scheme sets a benchmark for employers who go above and beyond in creating positive workplaces. The Advanced Award is the highest level of accreditation, celebrating organisations that demonstrate leadership in health and wellbeing, social responsibility, employee voice, opportunity for all, and fair pay.
Darush Dodds, Director of Corporate Affairs and Social Value, said the recognition underpins Esh’s approach to employment and a genuine desire to make a difference. He added: “Receiving the SHINE Advanced Award is a proud moment for everyone at Esh. It’s a reflection of our ongoing commitment to our people, our supply chain, and the communities we serve. We believe that good work is about more than just meeting standards – it’s about setting a benchmark and making sure every colleague feels valued, supported, and empowered to make a difference.”
To achieve the highest standard of SHINE recognition, employers must successfully showcase how their business operates. Esh has a robust health and safety programme, with its bespoke Everyone Safely Home campaign guiding all of the company’s safety policies to ensure all legislation and regulations are complied with. The campaign incorporates a bi-annual ESH (Everyone Safely Home) Safe competition, where site staff who excel in their everyday work life, are innovative and seek out ways to improve Health and Safety, are recognised. It is also supported through ISO accreditations, which include ISO 45001:2018 and ISO 14001:2015 certification.
In supporting a work-life balance, Esh not only has a team of 38 trained Mental Health First Aiders among its ranks but provides access to an extensive employee assistance programme through Health Assured, offering 24/7 support 365 days per year for staff. Additionally, staff also have eligibility to claim cash back on medical costs like dental and optical bills, physiotherapy and consultancy changes through a comprehensive Medicash staff benefits package.
Maximising social value has long been at the core of Esh’s ethos to make a difference. Through its Constructing Local strategy, Esh brings a proactive and holistic approach to delivering social value initiatives that benefit local communities, local businesses and young people.
The approach firms take towards sustainability is also assessed, with Esh demonstrating a clear roadmap to achieve net zero by 2050. Practical measures such as fleet electrification, sustainable materials, and energy-efficient site operations are already making an impact, while an anti-idling crackdown within Esh’s HGV tipper fleet has provided an 84% reduction in the time that drivers idle their vehicles. The campaign is currently being rolled out wider across its 258-strong fleet of vehicles.
Mayor Kim McGuinness congratulated Esh, saying: “Businesses that join SHINE are helping shape a more resilient, ambitious economy for everyone. Congratulations to Esh on achieving the Advanced level of SHINE, this is a fantastic milestone that reflects your commitment to driving positive change across the region.”
In 2025, Esh was named one of the UK’s Best Managed Companies by Deloitte, recognising its excellence in strategy, innovation, governance, and culture.
Receiving the SHINE Advanced Award is a proud moment for everyone at Esh. It’s a reflection of our ongoing commitment to our people, our supply chain, and the communities we serve. We believe that good work is about more than just meeting standards – it’s about setting a benchmark and making sure every colleague feels valued, supported, and empowered to make a difference.”