Celebrating 10 Years of Putting People First at Acres Engineering

This year marks a significant milestone for Acres Engineering Ltd — the 10th anniversary of our People First Pledge.

A decade ago, we made a simple but powerful commitment: to put people at the heart of everything we do. As a growing SME in Melbourne, Derbyshire, we recognised early on that sustainable success isn’t measured solely by what we manufacture, but by how we invest in those who help us build it — our employees, apprentices, veterans, interns, clients, suppliers, and our wider community.

Over the past 10 years, our People First Pledge has guided the way Acres operates, grows, and gives back. It’s more than a statement — it’s a way of working that influences every decision we make.

Luke Parker, Managing Director commented:

“A Decade of Impact — And Still More to Do…

While we’re proud of how far we’ve come, our People First Pledge remains a living commitment. As the engineering sector continues to evolve, so too must we — adapting, improving, and always seeking new ways to create opportunities for those who may otherwise be overlooked.

At Acres Engineering Ltd, we don’t just make products — we build futures.

As we celebrate 10 years of our People First Pledge, we want to thank every person who has contributed to our journey — past, present, and future. Your dedication, talent, and passion are what makes Acres the business it is today.

Here’s to the next 10 years.”

What the People First Pledge Means Today:

Creating Pathways to Opportunity: We’ve worked hard to open doors for individuals from all backgrounds, providing genuine opportunities through apprenticeships, internships, and meaningful work experience. Many of our apprentices have progressed to senior positions within the business, becoming mentors themselves to the next generation.

Investing in Skills and Careers: With accredited qualifications, in-house training, and continuous professional development, we’ve helped countless team members grow from entry-level roles to fully qualified, confident professionals — building not just jobs, but long-term careers in engineering.

Supporting the Armed Forces Community: As a proud Gold Award holder of the Armed Forces Covenant, we’ve welcomed veterans, reservists, and military families into the Acres team — recognising the unique skills, discipline, and leadership they bring into civilian employment.

Championing Social Inclusion: We continue to support young people, care leavers, and others facing barriers to employment, working with schools, colleges, and community groups to inspire future engineers and create opportunities where they may not have existed before.

Measuring Impact and Driving Improvement: We’ve never stood still. Over the last decade, we’ve continuously reviewed and improved our approach, learning from real experiences and celebrating the success stories of individuals whose lives have been positively transformed by joining Acres Engineering.

Leading by Example: Throughout this journey, we’ve shared best practice, collaborated with partners, and led by example — demonstrating how an SME can drive meaningful change while building a strong, successful business.

Our People First Pledge is not a separate initiative — it embodies our mission, vision, and passion. It ensures that Acres Engineering has:

• The right people
• The right skills
• The right culture
• The right mindset

… to achieve sustainable business growth while making a genuine social impact. Here’s how our People First pledge aligns with our core values: