Celebrating our people: Almost 600 years of experience at Milbank

With 23 members of our team celebrating significant long-service milestones and more than 590 years of combined service between them, we’re reflecting on the people, experience and shared commitment that have shaped Milbank Concrete Products. As we look ahead to our 80th anniversary in 2027, our long-standing team is a powerful reminder of the importance of investing in people, preserving knowledge and building a business ready for the future.

At Milbank, we’re proud of our history, but we know that a company’s legacy is about much more than the products it manufactures or the projects it contributes to. It’s built by the people who turn up every day, share their knowledge, support their colleagues and help the business move forward.

That’s why we recently brought together 23 members of our team to celebrate their long service at a special event at The George Hotel in Colchester on 9 October.

With individual milestones ranging from 20 to more than 40 years, the team represents over 590 years of combined service. It’s an extraordinary achievement and one that reflects the depth of experience, loyalty and knowledge within our business.

Several of our colleagues have spent more than half of their working lives at Milbank, witnessing significant changes not only within the company, but across the wider construction industry.

Experience that shapes our business

Since we began operating in Essex in 1947, construction has changed considerably. Manufacturing processes have evolved, technology has advanced and expectations around efficiency, quality and sustainability have continued to grow. Throughout these changes, the experience and dedication of our people have remained central to how we operate.

Long-serving colleagues bring an understanding of our products, processes and customers that can only be developed over time. Their knowledge helps us maintain standards, overcome challenges and continue delivering the precast concrete solutions our customers rely on.

Just as importantly, this experience is something we can share across the business. Passing knowledge between colleagues, supporting newer members of the team and helping the next generation develop their skills are all important to maintaining that expertise for the future.

Our long-service celebrations gave us an opportunity to recognise the individuals behind these achievements and thank them for the contribution they’ve made to Milbank over so many years.

As Managing Director Lee Cowen explains:

“Almost 600 years of combined service is an incredible achievement and something we are extremely proud of. These aren’t simply numbers, they represent decades of knowledge, dedication and commitment to Milbank.

“Many of the people we are celebrating have seen huge changes during their careers, both within Milbank and across the construction industry. They have played an important role in helping us grow, adapt and continue to develop, while passing their knowledge and experience on to the next generation.

“As we look towards our 80th anniversary next year, it’s particularly fitting that we are celebrating the people who have helped make Milbank what it is today.”

Looking beyond our 80-year heritage

Approaching our 80th anniversary in 2027 gives us an opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come, but it also encourages us to think carefully about what comes next.

The construction industry faces significant challenges and opportunities, from reducing carbon emissions and improving resource efficiency to developing new approaches to manufacturing and construction. Meeting these demands requires us to build on our experience while continuing to adapt, innovate and invest in the future.

At Milbank, we believe our heritage provides a strong foundation for this progress. The knowledge and expertise developed over decades are invaluable, but we must continue to evolve to ensure our business remains relevant and resilient for the years ahead. That means investing in our operations, developing our products and supporting our people as the industry changes.

Sustainability is an increasingly important part of this approach. We continue to explore ways to reduce emissions, improve resource efficiency and minimise the environmental impact of our manufacturing processes, while providing the structural solutions required by the construction industry.

Our focus is on building a business that respects its history while taking practical steps towards a more sustainable future.

Making a difference beyond our factory gates

Our commitment to people extends beyond our own workforce. As an established employer in Essex, we recognise the importance of supporting the communities in which we operate and contributing positively to the area we’ve called home since 1947.

Through our Community Outreach Programme, we work with local schools and organisations and support charitable initiatives and fundraising throughout the year. We also donate 2% of our profits to local causes, including Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust (EHAAT), whose airbase is located next to our headquarters in Earls Colne.

We’re proud to support the people and organisations making a difference in our local community, and this remains an important part of who we are as a business.

Building on our foundations

Our long-service celebrations were a chance to recognise an exceptional collective achievement, but they also reinforced something we’ve always valued at Milbank: the importance of our people.

As we approach eight decades in business, we’re proud of the relationships, knowledge and experience that have helped shape our journey so far. We’re equally conscious of our responsibility to ensure that the business continues to develop, creating opportunities for our people and contributing to the wider construction industry.

Lee Cowen added:

“Our history is incredibly important to us, but so is making sure we are prepared for the future. We want to build on the foundations created over the last 80 years and make sure Milbank continues to have a positive impact on our people, the community and the environment for many more years to come.”

With more than 590 years of combined service represented by our long-standing team, we have a remarkable depth of experience to build upon. As we look towards our 80th anniversary and beyond, we remain focused on combining that experience with new ideas, continued development and a commitment to doing better for our people, our customers and our environment.