COMPANY PROFILE


“This would help the UK become more self-sufficient with its energy requirements for many years to come.”


His argument is very convincing. Yet weeks passed since Dean’s powerful piece made an appearance and – perhaps down to the ‘Brexit effect’ - little has happened.


“It’s really frustrating,” he says. “It is a challenge for us and the industry. We are exporting this fuel when we could be using it here. The momentum here is growing, but it’s just not at the rate it should be.


“I think it will happen eventually. But it seems to take a lot of time in the UK to get these kinds of things sorted.”


Perhaps it’s even harder to bear for a boss who has shown a willingness to drive forward at a rapid rate, and who has ploughed tens of millions into his family firm’s business to ensure it’s well-placed to provide a high-quality service now, and an innovative one in the future.


“Over last five years, we’ve probably spent well over £10m. Say it quick - it doesn’t sound so much,” laughs Dean.


“We are currently developing a new site; we are building an SRF plant which we hope to have opened by the end of the year. The new site and its infrastructure are going to be another £12m.”


Just five years ago, Willshee’s had 40 employees. Now, he points out, it has grown to over 100.


And the Willshee’s fleet – once just that truck and 10 skips – is now made up of 40 vehicles and includes 20 skip vehicles, trade waste collection vehicles, a new road sweeper, food and glass segregation vehicle and grab/tipper vehicles.


The firm’s customer base extends across  Willshee's new ops manager, Gary Frost (left) with Dean Willshee (right) 47


manufacturers, fast food restaurants, retail outlets, local authorities and distributors, with Willshee’s offering a ‘one stop shop’ covering general waste collection and recycling, hazardous and confidential waste collection and disposal, site clearance and demolition, grab hire and skip hire.


More recently, the business has moved into WEEE recycling, while waste wood is handled at its Sawmills Recycling Centre and is 100% recycled.


It’s a world away from 1984, when Dean’s late dad, Keith, chucked his job with a skip hire firm and decided to branch out on his own.


“It was a big gamble. He got together all his savings, got an old truck and 10 skips and went from there,” says Dean.


“My mum was working as a PA; she was 26 and had a fairly good job at her age, so it was a gamble for her too to leave and work on this.”


Dean’s early memories are of his dad bundling him into the passenger seat of a skip truck and heading out on a job – a thrilling day out for a little boy and one that would ignite a passion for the business that burns just as bright as ever. “I can’t imagine doing anything different,” he grins.


His dad passed away three years ago but mum Maria remains within the business. It’s a source of comfort and pride that Keith was able to see Willshee’s transformed into the sleek, well-managed and innovative company it is today.


It’s also leading the way in equality and diversity: Maria is still a director and there are 14 female employees who hold a wide variety of roles – all key to Willshee’s day-to-day operation. They include a female-led transport team in charge of vehicle planning and weighbridge facilities, with responsibility for overseeing around 200 vehicle movements every day and typically dealing with over 2,000 tonnes of waste through the depots.


The innovation, diversity, investment and role in a future low carbon landscape are all signs of a business ticking lots of good boxes. But there is one other thing that grinds his gears.


“There are lots of companies in the waste industry doing a lot of really good things,” adds Dean.


“But they don’t get the recognition they deserve.”


Willshee’s is based over three sites in Burton-on-Trent. For more information, visit www.wilshees.co.uk


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