At Sutcliffe, we believe in the power of visionary leadership that is grounded in the needs of the community, staff, and clients. For over three decades, Sean Keyes, our CEO, has embodied this type of leadership. His journey from joining Sutcliffe in 1990 to becoming one of the most respected figures in the built environment is a testament to his forward-thinking and unwavering commitment to people and the industry.
Last night, Sean was recognised as Property Leader of the Year at The Business Desk Awards, a well-deserved accolade that highlights his extraordinary contributions to the property and construction sectors.
A pragmatic leader with a vision
As a Chartered Engineer and Surveyor, Sean’s deep technical expertise has been a driving force behind Sutcliffe’s success. He has built a foundation of innovative engineering practices, which have helped to propel the company to the forefront of the industry. Under his leadership, Sutcliffe has completed over 34,000 projects and has a portfolio of new, high-profile wins, delivering on construction contracts valued at £1bn per year in the Northwest of England.
From his early days at Sutcliffe, Sean took on roles at every level of the business, developing a thorough understanding of all facets of the organisation. He can manage relationships with stakeholders while leading on quality management which has ensured that Sutcliffe remains a trusted partner for some of the most prestigious developments in the region. Notably, his leadership on landmark projects like the Grade II listed Tobacco Warehouse and the Royal Liverpool University Hospital highlights his capability in guiding large-scale, complex developments.
Sutcliffe’s growth under Sean’s leadership
One of the most impressive aspects of Sean’s leadership is his ability to drive continuous growth. Over the last eight years, Sutcliffe has consistently reported increased turnover, staff numbers, and profits, all under Sean’s direction. In fact, Sutcliffe recently reported a £6.5m turnover for the last financial year – another year of impressive growth. The company’s turnover has increased by an average of 16.3% over the past five years, a feat that has been achieved organically.
Sutcliffe’s growth has been paired with strong financial performance. Sutcliffe’s profit margins have consistently improved over the years. Under Sean’s leadership, the company’s profit is reinvested back into the business and shared equitably with staff. 20% of all distributable profits are shared with Sutcliffe’s dedicated team. Sean’s commitment to recognising the hard work and loyalty of the people who help drive the company’s success sets the example for all employers.
Putting People First
For Sean, leadership is all about people. It’s no surprise that under his guidance, Sutcliffe has enjoyed incredibly high staff retention rates. More than half of Sutcliffe’s team has been with the company for over five years, with many having spent decades growing with the business. Sean promotes a supportive and inclusive environment so that every team member feels valued and has the opportunity to thrive. His commitment to equality is evident in the gender pay gap analysis he undertook, which is not a legal requirement for an SME, to ensure that women in the business have completely equal opportunities and pay to men.
Many of Sutcliffe’s senior team, including six current Directors and Associates, were mentored by Sean from the early stages of their careers. His leadership style is one of mentorship and support. His door is always open to those with the ambition and determination to succeed. Sean’s commitment to developing young talent was exemplified when he appointed an Associate Director who had initially interviewed with Sutcliffe as a 16-year-old school leaver.
Sutcliffe giving back
Sean’s leadership extends beyond the walls of Sutcliffe. Sutcliffe has supported various charitable causes over the years. Most recently, Sutcliffe hosted its annual charity ball at the Titanic Hotel’s Rum Warehouse, raising over £65,000 for two major NHS hospitals. The funds raised are helping to provide vital care to babies in the Northwest and support dementia patients’ recovery. Sutcliffe also allocates 16% of its profits to support a wide range of charitable initiatives, from homelessness charities to schools and universities.
Giving back is ingrained in Sean’s leadership philosophy. He believes that success should be measured by the positive impact a company can have on its community as well as its turnover rates.
A legacy of leadership
Sean’s work has had a profound impact on both Sutcliffe and the wider property and construction industry. His leadership has been instrumental in Sutcliffe’s rise as one of the most successful regional consulting engineers, with a track record of delivering high-profile and award-winning projects. But perhaps his greatest achievement is the legacy he is building, one of mentorship, opportunity, and community impact.
Sean’s recognition as Property Leader of the Year a reflection of his individual achievements, and of his leadership in nurturing a company and a team that is dedicated to making a difference. That is what makes him a true leader in every sense of the word.
As Sutcliffe continues to grow and evolve, it’s clear that Sean’s leadership will remain a guiding light, one that inspires the next generation of engineers. Congratulations to Sean on this well-deserved recognition, and thank you for your leadership.
