The Bell Way.
As the CEO of a family-owned business, I often reflect on the journey we’ve been on and the values that have guided us every step of the way. One thing stands out to me above all: the importance of culture. Our culture is the foundation of everything we do. It is not just a set of ideals or a slogan on the wall, but a living, breathing force that shapes our decisions, our work, and our relationships. It’s the heartbeat of our business, driving success and creating a space where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, The Bell Way.
A Culture of Ownership and Belonging
Our goal was, and still is, to create an environment where every individual feels they have a personal stake in the company’s success. Ownership is not just about holding a title or a role; it’s about feeling responsible for the work you do and the impact it has on the larger organisation. We’ve worked hard to build a culture that encourages this sense of ownership in every employee, regardless of their role or tenure.
This sense of ownership, however, can only thrive if we also nurture a deep sense of belonging. When employees feel valued, respected, and integrated into the company, they bring their best selves to work. It’s about more than just task completion – it’s about creating a community where collaboration and mutual respect lead to success.
You are all more than just contributors; you are vital parts of a family, helping to build something greater than one person alone.
Mentorship and Leadership as Cornerstones of Growth
At the core of The Bell Way is mentorship and leadership. We believe that success isn’t just about individual performance but about lifting each other up and helping those around us reach their full potential. Leadership, in my view, is about guiding others, sharing knowledge, and fostering an environment where learning is continuous. From day one, we have encouraged our leaders to mentor and develop those around them, understanding that today’s mentee can become tomorrow’s leader.
Mentorship is not just a formal program; it’s woven into the fabric of how we operate daily. It’s about leaders being accessible, providing feedback, and challenging others to grow. It’s about creating opportunities for personal development, whether through formal training or simply learning by doing. Over the years, we have seen numerous examples of employees who started in entry-level roles and, through hard work, dedication, and mentorship, have grown into leadership positions. These success stories are a testament to the power of mentorship and the culture we’ve built.
Our very own Mike Neile’s career is a testament to steady growth, resilience, and a dedication to fostering future leaders. He began his journey in 1992 as an apprentice, and after joining Bell in 2003, his career path reflects his commitment and adaptability, progressing from Supervisor to Director of Operations.
When asked about his proudest moments, Mike points to his time as Branch Manager in Carlisle, where he had a profound impact on the company culture. One of his most significant contributions includes his role in establishing the Tyne & Wear Planned Works and Decarbonisation branch, in addition to his leadership in Yorkshire and Marine and Protective Coatings.
For Mike, the most rewarding part of his career has been developing the leaders of tomorrow. He believes, “If we don’t invest in our people and the next generation of leaders, we risk losing exceptional talent right in front of us.”
Now, as Director of Operations, Mike takes great pride in his journey. “Having risen through the ranks, it’s a true privilege to help shape the company’s future. This next chapter brings new challenges, but also an opportunity to make a meaningful impact”.
Progress and Success Across Generations
As a business, we’ve always taken a long-term perspective. Our focus isn’t just on the here and now, but on creating a legacy that can be passed down for generations. This philosophy, The Bell Way, has allowed us to foster an environment where employees know they are part of something that will last. We believe in promoting from within and providing opportunities for our team to grow and develop over time. Many of our employees have been with us for years, and watching them progress, both personally and professionally, has been one of our greatest joys.
From a young employee starting their career with us to someone now leading a department or even managing a critical business unit, these stories are a source of pride for us. Each example reinforces our commitment to nurturing talent and allowing people to flourish. They serve as proof that when you invest in people, they invest in the business, creating a ripple effect of success.
The stories of two Andys in the North region are perfect reflections of how successful The Bell Way can be when implemented wholeheartedly.
Andy Mason’s journey has been one of remarkable growth and development. Joining the company just three years ago as Operations Manager in Tyne & Wear, he stepped into a branch that was essentially starting from scratch. “We were working out of a cleaner’s cupboard,” he recalls. But through determination and teamwork, the branch quickly gained momentum, securing new clients and establishing itself as a key player in Planned Works and Decarbonisation across the Northeast.
Andy attributes much of his professional growth to the mentorship he received from leaders like Mike Neile and Simon Whitlam. “I was privileged to have great mentors around me,” he says, recognizing their guidance as instrumental in his progression.
Now an integral leader within the branch, Andy is focused on delivering results while cultivating a strong, motivated team. His leadership style is built on clear communication, fairness, and a commitment to people development. “Watching my team grow and succeed is incredibly rewarding,” he shares. “The work we do goes beyond installing kitchens or bathrooms—it genuinely improves lives.”
As the Tyne & Wear branch continues to expand, Andy is eager to create even more opportunities for his team, ensuring that their careers progress alongside the company’s success. His goal is clear: to position Bell as the provider of choice in the region by delivering exceptional service and fostering the next generation of talent.
Likewise, Regional Operations Manager Andy Hall explains that what energises him in his role is the chance to collaborate with colleagues across generations, sharing knowledge and experiences to strengthen Bell’s regional impact. “I am excited to meet new clients, expand my network, and most importantly, support my team in developing their careers—ensuring that future leaders emerge and thrive”.
Andy’s journey at Bell Group began in 2022 when he joined as Operations Manager for a £4m Whole-House Maintenance contract for Home Group. The project’s rapid growth led to the establishment of a new standalone branch in Tyne & Wear, a move that Andy spearheaded. “We developed a mobilisation plan and presented it to John Jones, Operations Director. It was at this point that I was appointed Branch Manager,” Andy reflects.
Under his leadership, the Tyne & Wear branch flourished, expanding its operations and securing new opportunities in retrofit work within the growing decarbonisation sector. With the branch now targeting £10m, Andy sees enormous potential for continued success—not just in financial growth, but in the long-term development of people and skills that will shape the future of the industry.
His leadership style is driven by a passion for pushing boundaries and empowering teams. “Managers will only showcase their abilities if they are empowered to do so. This creates an environment of trust and accountability,” he explains. For Andy, leadership is about fostering a culture where individuals—regardless of career stage—feel confident, supported, and motivated to succeed.
A Shared Commitment to Our Future
In everything we do, our culture remains at the forefront. We know that it’s not only about what we do but how we do it. Whether we’re onboarding new team members, promoting someone within, or celebrating a milestone, we remain grounded in the belief that culture matters. It is what binds us together and propels us forward. Our team’s commitment to ownership, mentorship, leadership, and growth is what sets us apart and keeps us thriving.
As we look to the future, I am excited about the endless possibilities. I believe The Bell Way, our culture of ownership and belonging, will continue to empower our team, and our commitment to mentorship and leadership will ensure that the next generation of leaders is equipped to carry the torch forward. Together, we are not just building a business; we are building a lasting legacy—one that will continue to grow, evolve, and inspire for years to come.
